Clark S20 D, Operator'S Manual

Page: 105 / 170

Starting From a Safe Condition 4-11
Section 4. Operating Procedures
Load Handling
Handle only loads that are within the truck rated capacity as shown on
the nameplate. This rating specifies the maximum load that should be
lifted. However, other factors such as special load handling
attachments, loads having a high center of gravity, or uneven terrain
may dictate that the safe working load be less than the rated capacity.
Under these conditions, the operator must reduce the load carried so
that the lift truck remains stable.
Handle only stable or safely arranged loads. Do not handle loads
made up of loose, unevenly stacked or unstable items that can easily
shift and fall. Take the time to correctly stack and band loose items.
Center the load on the forks.
Do not lift anything that might fall on the operator or a bystander.
Do not handle loads that are higher than the fork carriage unless the
load is secured so that no part of it can fall backwards.
Keep the load back against the carriage. Loads placed out on the
ends of the forks can make the lift truck less stable and more likely to
tip up.
Lift and lower with the upright must vertical or tilted slightly back —
never tilted forward.
Operate lift and tilt controls slowly and smoothly. Never tilt forward
when carriage (load) is raised, except to pick up or deposit a load
over a rack or stack.
WARNING
!
Slack chains mean rail or carriage hang-up. Raise the
upright before you move. If the upright malfunctions in
any way or becomes stuck in a raised position, operate
the lift control to eliminate any slack chains. DO NOT go
under a raised upright or forks to attempt repairs. DO NOT
reach into or climb on upright to free hang-up.
Remember, your lift truck is designed to carry loads forward of the
front wheels so that the weight of the load is counter-balanced by the
weight of the truck.
The farther the load is carried from the pivot point (center of front
wheels), the greater will be the uplift at the rear of the truck.
Therefore, always carry the load as close to the front wheels as
possible (back and flush against the face of the forks).