counterbalanced forklift operator's practical training course
Engage the forks into the travel position
The forks should now be returned to the unladen travel position. Reverse gear can now be selected and the parking brake released. It is essential that the operator looks over both shoulders before reversing and then continues to look in the direction of travel.
Although a relatively high stack is shown in this sequence the actual steps required to stack a load are basically the same for any height of stack. For obvious reasons it is usual to teach low level, eye level and high level stacking in that order following each one with de-stacking at that height. It should be noted that de-stacking is a reversal of stacking but with the additional problem of getting the forks level. Instructors should ensure that trainees can get the forks level, usually by looking along the top of them at eye level. Note that the use of a tilt level mechanism such as that fitted to Toyota trucks is not permitted on a test.
The trainees should be taught pre shift checks at some point on the course and are examined on their ability to do them. This obviously cannot be done until the trainees can use the hydraulic controls properly.