Fork Lift Truck - Reach

[dizmouk2009]

Hey all,

I don't really know what section to place this since it covers a range of areas.

I recently passed my Reach Licence and might have been offered a job. I've got very little experience on one of these trucks and have been taught to do the following:

Always ensure the Handbrake is on whilst operating the hydrolics (obviously I know that working in a busy fast paced warehouse this isn't going to happen).

Lift the load then apply sufficient back tilt ensuring the load will pass the racking.

Do not drive with the reach extended.

The last one is puzzling me as I know that on the training course you get an immediate 5 points for moving with the reach extended. Can someone tell me if this is correct and do people in warehouses actually follow this?

Thanks,

Dizmo x

[Baldric]

I've had a Licence for years, work nights as and when req'd for a couple of local companies, never move with the reach extended even if busy, and they're always happy to see me back again!

[Mamyalynne]

HI Diz - just wanted to say well done on passing the licence, am sure someone with the knowledge to answer you will be along soon.

[Mamyalynne]

And Baldric has :-)

[gness]

Hi Dizmo....well done!
I wonder if it could be like learning how to do an emergency stop for the driving test.
Useful to know in an emergency but not to be used in normal conditions...
...perhaps?

[Octavius]

I had one around 20 years ago, and agree with Baldric. I would have thought that balance and stability is affected with the reach out, thus it was always safer to compact the load (bring the reach in, and drop it to allow safe all round views) before moving anywhere.

[dizmouk2009]

http://tinyurl.com/kz7rhye

This is one of the reasons I was concerned. I've looked at this image for a while and there is no possible explanation for this guy to have his truck in that position. Someone tell me I'm wrong but if he intends to be dropping the pallet there then it's not even the right height. Unless he's dropped it from safe transporting position then put his reach out.

Baldric tell me I'm not insane and agree that it looks like he's going to drive in or out with that pallet where it is.

[dizmouk2009]

Not to mention he's undercut the load. I know not by a lot but this image is from a FLT training centre!

[Baldric]

Remember the 'Stability Triangle' from your Training?

• A traditional forklift has front wheels behind the mast, requiring a large counterweight to balance the load.
• The center of gravity for a properly loaded reach truck falls between the front wheels and the center of the rear axle
of the truck. This area is known as the “stability triangle.”
• Lifting a load or reaching out with a load will cause the center of gravity to shift forward; traveling sideways on an
incline or turning can cause the center of gravity to turn sideways.

[dizmouk2009]

Yeah Baldric I remember all that I'm just nervous about this job and I keep questing my own ability, which I shouldn't. It doesn't help when I see training courses take photographs of people they are teaching doing things that don't look right.

I know the old handbrake on whilst operating hydrolics tends to go out the window.

[chrisgel]

Driving with the reach extended is a definite no no. Apart from restricted manouverability you are changing the centre of gravity of the truck and could topple it if you went over a bump or going down a slope.
As you have already pointed out, in a busy warehouse environment, these rules are often ignored due to time pressure etc. but be aware that it will be the driver who is blamed if things go wrong.

[dizmouk2009]

Yeah chrisgel I was made aware of the seriousness of injury or damages to people/goods. Especially if you seriously hurt or injure someone due to driver fault. I'd be doing a stretch in Her Magisties Pleasure.

[Baldric]

///I know the old handbrake on whilst operating hydrolics tends to go out the window///

When in Rome etc, but you didn't hear it from me.
Footbrake saves time, but on a few trucks now you can't lift without h/brake being on.

[Booldawg]

they also taught us never to be in motion whilst raising/lowering the mast - but this never happens 'in the real world'.

tbh I only drive a counter-balance flt so not sure about reach.