Document Ra00Q8ozJzLa7apD7d0pOEGjX

POWER TRUCKS forks u a considerable overload Every operator should be familiar with the rela tive max-mum load limits of the truck he operates and be required to observe them. Table 20-A gives typical specifications for a 2,000-pound truck Placing extra weight on the rear of a forklift truck to counterbalance an over load should not be permitted as it strains the tires, axles, and motor TABLE 20-A TYPICAL LOAD LIMITS OF 2,000-POUND TRUCK Length of Load (in ) 30 36 42 48 Load Center (in ) 15 18 21 24 Maximum Load (lb) 2,000 1,800 1,650 1,500 damage the load or push it against work ers The uprights should first be tilted so that the bps of the forks touch the floor, and then moved forward so that the forks can sbde under the object Tilting the up rights backward will then cause the load to roll back against them in a secure carrying position (Fig 20-12) To unload a large case or similar object without a pallet, the operator should first drive into position for stacking He should then lower the load onto a base having a block near the edge, withdraw the forks so that only their bps hold up the end of the load, withdraw the block, tilt the uprights forward, and back away (Fig 20-13) Side stability is a critical factor in mak ing turns at speed or on a slope Back tilt of uprights reduces side stability on high lifts, and allowance should be made for this factor Particular care should be taken not to exceed floor load limits The force exerted by a truck on a floor vanes with the speed, load, and total weight distribution It is also affected by the number of wheels, wheelbase, and other variable factors Operators should never, under any cir cumstances, attempt to operate a forklift truck with an overload that raises enough weight from the rear wheels to tip the truck or make steering uncertain Such a load is dangerous Standing on a truck or adding counterweights to compensate for an overload should never be permitted When standard forks are used to pick up round objects, such as rolls and drums, care must be taken to see that the bps do not Fig 20-13 Unloading a large case or similar ob|ect without a pallet requires a base and a moveable block To pick up a palletized load, the forks should be fully and squarely seated in the pallet, an equal distance from the center stringers and well out toward the sides Forks to be inserted in a pallet should be level, not tilted forward or back If the forks are placed dose together, the pallet tends to drop at the sides and seesaw, caus ing strain and instability (Fig 20-14) Fig. 20-12 To pick up round object, fork* should ba tilted (left), not used flot (right) Fig. 20-14. With forks spread wide (left), load is well distributed and lends to bind itself together Effect of placing forks too close is shown in right view. 20-11