Mechanical appreciation of a counterbalanced lift truck

We discuss operator maintenance areas, traction battery, electric power train, gauges, the fuse holder and fuses, braking system, hydraulic system, steering, wire guidance system, etc., and explain how they are all integral to functioning. We also go through diagnosing faults and driving the counterbalanced lift truck correctly.

Refuelling a counterbalanced lift truck

We take learners through safety procedures, battery pack, the traction battery, servicing a battery, replacing the battery pack, positioning the counterbalanced lift truck, preparation for removing the battery, lifting the battery, testing a recharged battery, placing a recharged battery and filling in fuel usage logs.

Pre-operating inspections for a counterbalanced lift truck

We look at pre-operating inspections, components, inspection areas and counterbalanced lift truck checklist.

Start-up checks and inspections

Start-up and in-cab checks and inspections, setting the driving position, pre-start check of the controls, starting the counterbalanced lift truck, checking lifting controls and functionality, check ancillary equipment and driving controls.

Safety and forklift operations

We discuss pre-operating, start-up, driving and shutdown safety precautions; relationship between load and stability of a counterbalanced lift truck, load chart rating, the principle of leverage, position of the load; hazardous cargo, container loading and refuelling safety; driving on public roads, emergency services, general housekeeping, safety legislation and use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

Operator controls and manoeuvring

We talk about manoeuvring/clearance, towing, using the horn, observation, manoeuvring through a practice course with and without a load, and hand signals.

Loading, off-loading and stacking

We outline storage areas, store layouts, stacking methods, pallets, handling interlocking cage and bin pallets, block-steel and sheet steel, bar steel, pipes, channel/angle iron and hazardous material stacking.

Handling cargo

We show learners best practice concerning handling cargo with pictorial markers, lifting and transporting, hazardous cargo, safety signs, drum attachments, clamping a paper roll and other attachments.

Assessment methods

We conduct a formative theoretical assessment at the beginning of the course to gauge the learner’s initial understanding (novices only). At the end of the training, a summative theoretical and practical application assessment is conducted, to find if the learner is competent; if not, additional developmental areas are identified and suggested