h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Did I mention that one of my responsibilities, now I'm back in the Plant Helper group, is to drive a forklift? We use them to move stuff from Point A to Point B (obviously), to put things onto or take things off trucks, and to dump trash hoppers into the larger dumpsters and compactors. We also chase each other around and player "bumper tag."

What? Okay, we DO NOT do the "bumper tag" thing. I was just being flippant because it's almost 3am as of this writing, and I'm trying to catch up to NaJoPoMo #11 by knocking out three in one evening. … Where was I? Oh. I drive a forklift.

In order to do so safely and efficiently, there are a number of factors to consider right from the outset. First, determine the type of forklift needed to do the job. This is a list of the types available:

Classes of Forklift
• Class 1 - Electric motor, sit-down rider, counter-balanced trucks (solid or pneumatic tires).
• Class 2 - Electric motor, narrow-aisle trucks (solid tire)
• Class 3 - Electric motor hand trucks or hand/rider trucks (solid tire)
• Class 4 - Internal combustion engine trucks (solid tires)
• Class 5 - Internal combustion engine trucks (pneumatic tires)
• Class 6 - Electric and internal combustion engine tractors (solid or pneumatic tires)
• Class 7 - Rough terrain trucks (pneumatic tires)

I typically drive the Class 5 and the Class 7 forklift. For smaller applications, in particular for moving skids at the River Intake (about 6 miles away at a remote site), I've been known to use the Class 3 motorized hand truck. The folks who work in our Stores department (think Quartermasters) usually used the Class 1 through Class 4 forklifts because the tires are designed for an indoor warehouse environment. The Class 4 internal combustion forklift they use runs on propane gas, so there's not the build-up carbon monoxide in the closed quarters. The electric models obviously don't generate any such fumes, so those are most common for Stores.

No matter the type of forklift you use, OSHA requires each to have a dataplate attached in a conspicuous place so you know its capabilities. Typical info provided is:

Nameplate/Dataplate
• Model Number
• Type
• Truck Weight
• Truck Capacity
• Load Center
• Mast Extension Height

So, to put it in perspective, I wouldn't use the Class 5 smaller forklift to move or place a SeaLand box; that's more in line with the capabilities of a Class 7 forklift. The Class 5 handles up to ~8,000 Lbs and is well-suited for dumping hoppers and moving pallets of moderate size. Thankfully, both the Class 5 and the Class 7 have almost equal Mast Extension Height, so either one could be used to transfer goods into a second-story doorway.

Now let's get familiar with the different major apparatuseseses…urhum…apparati…no-hmm…the big parts of a forklift. Here's a list:
Part Names
• Truck – the main body of the forklift vehicle, housing the engine and drive train
• Overhead guard – driver's protection against dropped load
• Mast – the movable, collapsible upright structure (powered by hydraulics) that lifts the load
• Backrest – metal structure against which the load can lean when forks are tilted back
• Carriage – support for backrest and forks, moves up and down with mast
• Forks – movable metal tines (usually controlled by hydraulics) used to pick up load

The Carriage is truly the "heart and soul" of a forklift, because it rises on the Mast and its hydraulic pistons position the Forks at the right height, angle, and distance apart. In the cab, you'll usually find these controls:

Typical Controls
• Hydro-static steering – hydraulically actuated, instead of a linkage, this allows the driver to spin the wheel many times and responds by "turning on a dime" (or whatever your smallest coin)
• Accelerator – more fuel more speed (up to the governed limiter), and more push to the hydraulics
• Brake – this one stops you QUICKLY, so beware not to stomp it (it'll throw your load)
• Clutch-Brake – disengages clutch and begins a gradual braking
• Hoist – pull back/push forward handle (to right of steering) that raises/lowers the load, respectively
• Tilt - pull back/push forward handle (next on to right) that tilts forks back & up/forward & down
• Shift - pull back/push forward handle (next on to right) that moves both forks left/right in unison
• Spread - pull back/push forward handle (next on to right) that moves forks together/spreads them
*** NOTE: Some manufacturers/models may be different/opposite in the control scheme, so it's incumbent upon the Operator/Driver to become familiar with controls.***

Before the first use of the day, the forklift operator should perform a Pre-operational Check to ensure all the functions of the forklift work and there are no maintenance/safety concerns. These are some of the basic things to examine:

Pre-operational Checks
• check all fluid levels/pressures
• leaks
• steering
• brakes
• fuel/battery level
• tires
• hoses/belts/cables
• horns/alarms
• mast/forks
• gauges/controls
• safety equipment

Select the safest route to move the load, avoiding pedestrian traffic and unsafe driving surfaces, if at all possible. Check for overhead obstructions, so the mast and protective guard don't tangle with wires, pipes, or other structures. Once you have started the motor/engine, raise the forks approximately 2 to 4 inches off the floor for safe traveling. (You wouldn't want to "dig in" the forks while driving, and cause the truck to lift into the air!) When traveling, remember pedestrians always have the right-of-way. (They are much "squishier" than most industrial equipment, so be careful not to break them.)

NEVER allow anyone to ride on your forklift. Keep in mind, unlike an automobile that steers using the front wheels, a forklift steers using the rear wheels. This allows a forklift to turn in a ~much~ tighter radius than an automobile. This can fling a hitchhiker (HooToo, or otherwise) completely off the machine, as there's usually only one seatbelt available—for the Driver only.

Since a forklift is so very maneuverable, the Driver must be mindful of the how the rear end will swing considerably more than most vehicles, because of the rear pivot steering. (Bashing people, walls, stacked equipment is consider poor form for a Driver.) You must take corners at slow reasonable speeds to prevent tipping the machine. (Again, this could reflect upon your reputation.)

When moving ANY item, make sure the load does not exceed the capacity of your forklift. (That's why the manufacturer supplied the info on the Dataplate.) Make sure you position the forks properly. (You don't want to stab holes in what you're supposed to transport safely.) When driving on ramps and inclines, always drive UP with the load in FRONT (so it tilts against the backrest), and drive DOWN ramps while facing to the BACK (with load still on the "high side). Minimize the height of the load, if possible, so it doesn't block visibility of your line of travel. If it can't be helped, you have to develop a feel for steering while driving in reverse.

A few final safety considerations: Drive at a moderate speed, so as not to frighten by-standers or have your license revoked. Do "one thing at a time"; teach yourself to lift/lower first, then drive. Line up for your lifts; line up for your dumps. If you cannot see the objects you are attempting to maneuver (because of the forklift carriage, or other obstructions), GET A SPOTTER! Let the person on the ground guide you; and for goodness sake, follow the instructions.

With all these things in mind, you can become a skilled forklift operator, doing your job safely and efficiently.

B4youbranchout2otherheavyequipment&rakeinthebigbuck$

It's always nice to see that nothing is as simple as an outsider thinks it is, and that there are experts out there who know all the ins and outs of so many topics of varying obscurity.

Having said that, I don't mean Forklifts is an obscure subject, in fact they are ubiquitous yet too often ignored, but experts on any subject are really impressive.

Forklifts are frightening things - I cycled round a corner here at work once and nearly collided with one. Our last cleaning lady got her arm broken somehow by one. She was quite a mature lady, and by the time she was recovered, I think she was past retirement age. She never came back, anyway.

So I respect those monsters.

Yes, a healthy respect for heavy metal machinery is in order.

B4ifindihavebeenassimilatedbytheBorg

>> This can fling a hitchhiker (HooToo, or otherwise) completely off the machine>>

Oh come on, admit it, you just don't want to share the fun *sulks*

Now hang on there, Ti. If you really want lessons on how to drive one of these things, that can be arranged. That way, you can drive one independently and develop your skills as a 'heavy machine operator'. Wouldn't ~that~ look good on a CV--especially on the back of a nametag for a HooToo Meet?

B4wetakealittletrip2thelocalDMVtogetyourlicense