How a Forklift Works
Driving a Forklift: Different Than Driving a Car
In a car, the front wheels steer the vehicle.
Top 10 Forklift Fails
However, a forklift has the steering wheels in the rear end of the forklift so it can swing in a circle around the front wheels that support most of the load. This allows the forklift to rotate the load into the correct position.
The operator must check that there is room for the rear end to swing when making turns. This clearance can be maintained in your workplace by permanently marking aisles with painted lines or arranging storage racks in a way that creates obvious aisles for travel. However, these marked aisles will only be effective if you keep them clear of stored materials, which can gradually encroach as space is needed.
A forklift is not as responsive as a car when turning the steering wheel. Rear steering makes it difficult to stop a forklift quickly or swerve and still maintain control. As a result, it is important not to drive a forklift fast or round corners quickly.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-1. A forklift has the steering wheels _____ so it can rotate the load into the correct position.
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