FOR SUPERVISORS
TYPES OF VEHICLES AND LOADS
■■Read manual and decals
■■USE THE RIGHT TRUCK FOR THE JOB
Be sure the type and capacity of the lift truck is suitable for the work environment. Check Point
Read the Operation & Maintenance manual and caution plates on the truck, and become familiar with your truck and operating procedures. Remember that individual lift trucks might be different in design and construction from one another. Observe the caution decals on the truck. Keep this Operation and Maintenance manual on the truck as a ready reference for anyone who may drive or service it.
Capacity
Load capacities range from 1.25 to 10.0 tons. Pay particular attention to the load center. (Cat lift truck Capacities: 1.25, 1.5, 1.6, 1.75, 1.8, 2, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.2, 3.25, 3.5, 3.6, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 10 tons.)
Power Source
Gasoline, natural gas, diesel, and battery- powered models are available. Fuel costs and exhaust composition will vary.
Balance
On counterbalanced models, the counterweight at the rear makes the vehicle longer than reach trucks. A reach truck performs loading and unloading by extending the front part of the mast outward, which gives it the advantage of compactness.
Tires
For indoor use, there are models with solid tires (best for reach trucks) and cushion tires (engine type or battery type). Both are compact. For outdoor use, pneumatic tires work well. Solid cushion tires, with the same dimensions as pneumatic tires, may be the best choice in cases where the load materials or surface conditions could puncture pneumatic tires.
Flammable Materials
For handling flammable materials such as petrochemicals, a combustion engine is too dangerous. An electric vehicle with explosion-proof or safety-reinforced construction is required. (A battery power source always offers better protection against fire than a combustion engine.)
■■KEEP DECALS LEGIBLE
The decals on the truck describe safety precautions and operating instructions. Replace any damaged or missing decals. Check that the decals are legible during regular inspections. 8
Choice
