Steering & Travel; unit fi rst; forks fi rst- Page 21

27 

Steering & Travel

Steering & Travel

LIFT TRUCKS ARE NOT LIKE AUTOMOBILES

Your lift truck does not steer or drive like an 
automobile.  Be sure you are trained to operate this 
truck.  Even then, drive slowly until you get use to the 
steering and all other controls. 

STEERING AND DRIVING

You will need to drive your truck both in the direction 
of the forks (forks fi rst) and also away from the forks 
(power unit fi rst or forks trailing).  Steering is not the 
same in both directions.

This shows the direction your 
truck will turn, when you turn 
the steering handle clockwise.

D

ir

ec

tio

n

Travel, power
unit fi rst

o

f 

Tu

rn

Travel,

forks fi rst

Dir

ec

tio

n

of 

tu

rn

ADJUSTABLE MIRROR

Place the mirror in a position that allows you to 
see along the side of the truck and into the aisle 
behind you. 

When adjusting the mirror, keep in mind all seated and 
standing positions you normally use.

Braking

   20

Know the Hazards

MAKE SURE YOUR BRAKES WORK

Test your brakes at the start of each shift. Know the 
distance it takes to stop before you start working.  
If the stopping distance is too long for you to stop 
safely, don't drive the truck. Report any problem to 
your supervisor.

SEATED VS STANDING OPERATION

Braking and presence pedal operation is not the same 
for the two operating positions. Make certain you 
understand all operations and stay alert, especially 
when changing operating positions.