Stand up forklift is very useful piece of machinery inside the warehouse. It offers very significant advantages compare to other types of forklifts. It can be operated in very closed quarters and narrow aisles. Many distribution companies, warehouses and docks, prefer this type of machine especially when they stock merchandise at tall racks and cases.
Stand ups allow the driver to operate the truck while standing, this present a very good mean of getting things done. This type of machine can help workers do their job very easily. But it cause severe accidents and injury to the operator and people around.
Hence, if you wanted to drive this forklift, we have prepared this tutorial for you to drive it safely and securely.
Procedure in Driving the forklift
- Starting a forklift is just like starting your car. Turn the key to start the machine. Always check the forks are drawn back prior to starting.
- When moving without loads, the forks must be pointed up a little. Do not operate the machine with its forks raised up into the air.
- The control handle serves as the steering, when you want to go forward, tilt it forward, while pressing the pedal. Stepping on pedal will let the lift go forward as well.
- When reversing, look around, observe for obstruction and fellow employees form behind or at the sides. Pull the control handle down, to the reverse direction, then press the pedal.
- When picking up load from height in a rack, use the control handle to hoist the forks. Position the forklift in front or below the rack where the pallet you need is placed. Extend the fork by pressing the button near the control handle. Ensure that the forks can get inside the pallet of the load, by moving in closer. When the forks are firmly in placed inside the pallet, slowly raise the load slightly off the rack, retract the forks. Reverse the truck, make sure no one is behind and look for obstruction, clear the rack, then safely bring the load to the floor. When transporting the load to another place, make sure that the forks are elevated about 2 inches above the ground for clearance.
- When you want to place the load in a rack instead, you can perform this procedure in reverse.
Here’s a video from Youtube to explain the operation:
Guides in Operating Stand Up Forklifts Safely
- Get certified first. When you are new to operating stand ups, always take a specific training course. Ask your employer to provide you such training. Never operate unless you’ve completed the training course.
- The operational controls of the stand up forklifts are very sensitive and responsive, with just slightest movement, the truck can response very quickly.
- Always assure that forklift is ready and on stand by for the next action before the operator can step on the floor pedal. The pedal when pressed delivers power to the forklift controls.
- When driving, raise the forks up, never drive the forklift with its forks lowered. The forks must be in operator eye level, that way, can see the direction and maneuver the truck appropriately.
- When reversing, always maintain a good habit of watching for people around at the back, not just people, but also look for possible obstacles that you can collide with.
- Sound the horn when backing up. It will let other workers know that you are reversing preventing them from passing behind.
- When picking up load from height, stay in stationary position first, lower the forks slowly, never drive the truck when its load is still raised. This is a good recipe for tip over because the center of gravity is so high and can cause the truck to become unbalanced.
- Sound the horn when approaching intersection. This make other vehicles and people around that you are passing.
Advantages of Stand Up Forklifts
There are two positions you can drive forklifts – in sitting position and in standing position, depending on the type of truck. We commonly see operators driving in sitting position. When operating reach truck, obviously, operators are standing. Operating in sitting position has many advantages, here are some of them:
- Operators can get off and on easily. During the course of an 8-hour work shift period, forklift operators can get on and off the stand up forklift many times very conveniently compare to sit down truck because of its low step height of just eight inches. The convenience it brings for the operators makes them less exhausted and more productive.
- Sit down forklifts have a wide turning radius making them more perform much better in tight spaces. It is more versatile and precise during operation at docks and warehouses.
- Working in standing position makes the operators more attentive and watchful according to report.
- Stand up forklift is perfect choice in warehouses with close quarters, this kind of forklift is smaller in size that makes them more mobile during operation in tight aisle.
- This forklift gives the forklift operator better view and visibility making them aware of the surroundings to prevent accidents.
How to Safely Operate a Stand Up Forklift
In order to safely operate a stand up forklift, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, always make sure that the forks are in the correct position before you start moving the lift. Second, when you are driving, be sure to keep your speed under control so that you do not accidentally tipping over the load. Finally, when you are unloading the forklift, be sure to lower the forks slowly and carefully so that the load does not fall off.
To properly load and unload a stand up forklift, first drive the forklift to the loading dock or other designated area. Next, lower the forks to the ground and align them with the load. Slowly drive the forklift forward until the load is securely on the forks. To unload the forklift, reverse the process. First, drive the forklift to the unloading dock or other designated area. Next, raise the forks to the desired height and align them with the unloading area. Slowly drive the forklift forward until the load is safely unloaded.
How to Properly Stack Pallets With a stand Up Forklift
When stacking pallets with a stand up forklift, it is important to first raise the forks to the desired height. Next, align the forks with the pallet. Once the forks are in place, lower the pallet onto the forks. Finally, raise the forks slightly and drive the forklift to the desired location.
How to drive in reverse with a stand up forklift
When you need to back up with a stand up forklift, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always be aware of your surroundings and know where you are going before you start to reverse. Use your mirrors to help guide you as you back up. And finally, go slowly and be careful not to hit anything.
Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to reverse with a stand up forklift:
- Before you start to reverse, make sure you know where you are going and that there is nothing behind you that you could hit.
- Use your mirrors to guide you as you back up.
- Go slowly and be careful not to hit anything.
- If you need to stop, do so slowly and then use your mirrors to guide you as you start to reverse again.
- When you are finished reversing, make sure you are in a safe area before you turn off the forklift.
How to Use a Stand Up Forklift for Picking Orders
A stand up forklift is a type of forklift that allows the operator to stand while driving. This type of forklift is typically used in warehouse settings for picking orders. To use a stand up forklift for picking orders, the operator will first need to be properly trained and certified. Once the operator is properly trained, they will need to follow these steps:
- The first step is to lower the forks to the ground. This can be done by pressing the down button on the control panel.
- Next, the operator will need to raise the forks to the desired height. This can be done by pressing the up button on the control panel.
- Once the forks are at the desired height, the operator will need to drive the forklift to the desired location.
- Once the forklift is in position, the operator will need to lower the forks onto the pallet or load. This can be done by pressing the down button on the control panel.
- Finally, the operator will need to raise the forks back to the desired height. This can be done by pressing the up button on the control panel.
How to Use the Forklift for Palletizing
To drive a stand up forklift, sit in the seat and buckle the seatbelt. Place your feet on the pedals and grip the steering wheel. To start the forklift, turn the key in the ignition. To move forward, press down on the accelerator pedal. To brake, press the pedal with your left foot. To back up, press the reverse lever on the steering column.
To operate the forks, squeeze the trigger on the control handle. The forks will lower. To raise the forks, release the trigger. To move the forks left or right, move the control handle in the desired direction.
To pick up a pallet, drive the forklift up to the pallet. Line the forks up with the pallet. Lower the forks until they are resting on the pallet. Then, raise the forks until the pallet is off the ground.
To move the pallet, drive the forklift in the desired direction. To lower the pallet, squeeze the trigger on the control handle. The pallet will lower. To stop the pallet from lowering, release the trigger. To raise the pallet, press the up button on the control handle.
How to Use the Truck for Order Fulfillment
A stand up forklift is a type of forklift that is designed to be operated while the operator is standing. This type of forklift is typically used in warehouses and other industrial settings for order fulfillment and other material handling tasks.
To use a stand up forklift, the operator first needs to be properly trained and certified. Once the operator is properly trained, they will be able to safely and efficiently operate the forklift.
The first step in using a stand up forklift is to properly position the forklift. The forklift should be positioned in the center of the aisle with the forks pointing straight ahead. The operator should then raise the forks to the desired height.
The next step is to drive the forklift down the aisle. The operator should drive the forklift slowly and carefully to avoid accidents.
Once the forklift reaches the desired location, the operator will need to lower the forks. The operator should lower the forks slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the merchandise.
After the forks have been lowered, the operator can then begin to load the merchandise onto the forks. The operator should load the merchandise evenly onto the forks to avoid tipping the forklift.
Once the merchandise has been loaded onto the forks, the operator can then raise the forks and drive the forklift to the desired location. The operator should then unload the merchandise at the desired location.
The final step is to return the forklift to its original position and turn it off.
By following these steps, the operator will be able to safely and efficiently use a stand up forklift for order fulfillment.
To Wrap This
Many injuries related to operation of stand up forklifts have been reported. This is due to the nearness or proximity of the operator to peripheral parts of the machine and tight environment where this forklift is being operated in.
Always maintain good habit of getting trained prior to driving a certain type of truck. This will ensure operator knowledge and competency.
Always maintain good attitude when operating the forklift, never horseplay, portray rude attitudes, and play a joke driving the truck.
Image Credit: www.brownlie.com
Video Source: Youtube
