Forklift Truck Types, Components, Controls and Pre-Use Checks
Truck types
Know the main families and their typical use: counterbalance (front-loading counterweight, diesel/LPG/electric) for general yard and warehouse work; reach trucks for narrow aisles where the mast reaches forward; order pickers for picking at height; pallet trucks and stackers for low-level movement; and telehandlers for rough terrain. Understand that each type has different stability characteristics and that attachments change capacity.
Components and controls
Be able to name: mast and channels, carriage, forks, backrest extension, overhead guard, counterweight, hydraulic system, parking brake, hoist and tilt controls, and the data plate. Know that the data plate states the rated capacity at a given load centre, and that the capacity falls as the load centre increases or an attachment is fitted. Controls are typically arranged with the drive and steering controls, hydraulic levers for lift/lower and tilt, and the parking brake; know the function of the horn, lights and any isolation switch.
Pre-use checks
A pre-use check is a visual and functional inspection before each shift: fluid levels and leaks, tyres and wheels, forks and heels for cracks or wear, mast chains and hydraulic hoses, overhead guard, seat and seat belt, horn, lights, brakes, steering and the data plate. Defects are recorded and reported; safety-critical defects mean the truck is not used.
Traps
A frequent trap is the belief that capacity is fixed regardless of load centre or attachment - it is not. Another is skipping the pre-use check because the truck was checked 'yesterday'. Also expect questions on the difference between a pre-use check and the formal thorough examination.
Rule of thumb
"Capacity is at a stated load centre" - a longer load or an attachment reduces what you can safely lift.