Best Practices for Transporting a Fork Lift
If you own a business, or plan to rent heavy equipment for work purposes, you may discover it is necessary to transport a forklift from one location to another. While this may seem pretty simple, there are a few steps to follow to ensure no serious issues arise during the move.
A forklift weights approximately twice what the average family car does, which means the method of moving it is going to require special considerations. Some best practices to follow during fork lift transport can be found here.
Secure the Machinery
You will need to use a tractor trailer rig or flatbed truck for movement and the fork lift will need to be secured to ensure it does not fall off. The wheels need to be chocked, which will prevent jolting and keep it from rolling away.
Load the Fork Lift
You should back the fork lift on to the trailer or truck. Since the equipment weight is extensive, you need to have the forks pointed toward the back of the vehicle. If they are pointed toward the front and an accident occurs, the forks may go through the cabin and have a rather disastrous effect.
Center the Fork Lift
It fork lift should be centered side to side and the forks need to be lowered all the way to the ground. Tilt them forward, just a bit prior to them impacting the ground. Be sure to put chocks behind each of the fork lift's wheels and secure them with screws.
Eliminate the Fuel Supply
Once the fork lift is loaded, you will need to shut off the fuel supple from the actual tank. If the equipment runs on diesel or petrol, be sure that the tank is secured and that the fuel will not be able to slosh while being transported. It is also essential to disconnect the battery terminal so that there is no chance of arching during the actual moving process.
Use Come-Alongs and Chains to Secure the Fork Lift
It is important to further secure the fork lift by using come-alongs or chains. These can be cranked down to ensure the equipment does not move at all. The chains can also be used for creating anchor points at every corner.
Once the fork lift is secured to the tractor trailer or flatbed truck, you can begin moving. Be sure to only travel at moderate speeds and keep watch on the equipment you are moving at all times in your rear view mirror. If it appears to be moving too much, be sure to stop immediately and re-secure it.