The following add-ons are very useful for narrow aisle lift trucks:
Side shift: The side shift option permits the lateral movement of the load without having to move the truck. This enables loads to be positioned with a lot more accuracy.
Tilt mast: The optional tilt mast enables the forks to shift both backwards and forwards. This is recommended in situations where loads aren't entirely level. To gain greater stability while transporting a truck which is loaded, the mast could be tilted backwards.
Extendable forks: The option of extendable forks helps the "reach" of the lift truck to extend for stacking pallets one in front of the other, known as "double-deep" loading.
Operator platforms: Several NA lift trucks have operator platforms which can lower and raise the operator while simultaneously lowering and raising the forklifts forks. This offers optimum control and visibility when handling loads at heights of 6 m to 9 m.
Lift Truck on a Ramp
Forklift operators must be properly trained on the machinery. They must be assessed and qualified or certified. It is important for anybody using a lift truck to be knowledgeable about safety problems and guidelines. Operators need to know how to adjust on uneven surfaces or in cases where the load weight changes the center of gravity. Safety rules include the safe use of a forklift on a ramp, that is always occurring since the driver will usually have to drive up and down ramps to load and unload containers.
Tips for Operating a Lift Truck on a Ramp
1 Drive at slow speeds while approaching a ramp and when driving down and up the ramp. The possibility of accidents is increased when driving at high speeds since this could upset the machine's center of gravity.
2 Drive the forklift in reverse when moving up an incline on a ramp when not carrying a load.
3 Drive forward when moving down an incline on the ramp with no load.
4 Tilt the forks a little back to shift the center of the load to the equipment's front, while moving up or down a ramp while carrying a load.
5 Drive forward up a ramp while carrying a load to make the load more stable.