TM 10-3930-669-10 e. Forklift Driving Procedures. WARNING • Depressing the brake at slow engine speeds while attempting to start up a grade can place the forklift  in  inching  mode.    This  can  result  in  unanticipated  movement  of  forklift  and  injury  to personnel or damage to equipment. • Downshifting when traveling at a high rate of speed can result in abrupt deceleration, possibly causing damage to equipment or injury to personnel. • Hearing protection is required for operator and also for all personnel working around this forklift during operation. Typical driving procedures are covered in Steps 1-6 below.  Operators must be aware that when brakes are applied  at  slow  engine  speeds,  the  forklift  operates  in  inching  mode.    Inching  mode  permits  the  drive clutches to slip.  On grades, this can result in unanticipated movement of the truck down the grade while attempting to start up the grade.  To counter this situation, fully release the brake while placing the unit in gear and simultaneously depressing the throttle. Operators  must  also  avoid  downshifting  when  traveling  at  high  rates  of  speed  as  this  action  results  in extremely abrupt deceleration. (1) Pull  mast  assembly  lift/lower/tilt  lever  (Table  2-1,  15)  back  to  raise  the  forks  to  travel  position  (8  to  10 inches above ground). (2) Press brake pedal (Table 2-1, 3) and hold it in the braking position. (3) Release parking brake (Table 2-1, 2). (4) Place transmission control lever (Table 2-1, 5) in forward or reverse position as desired. (5) Release brake pedal (Table 2-1, 3) and then gradually depress throttle pedal (Table 2-1, 4) until reaching desired speed. (6) Press brake pedal (Table 2-1, 3) to slow or stop forklift. 2-29