Is Driving A Forklift Like Driving A Car

In the sense that a forklift is a motorised vehicle, you could say it’s a bit like driving a car. But, get into a forklift, and you’ll soon realise that driving it has some distinct differences from driving a car, and why training is essential to operate one.

In this short article, we’ve picked out four of the main reasons why driving a forklift isn’t like driving a car, and why extra care needs to be taken when you do drive one, to help prevent serious accidents.

1. 
   

   A forklift has rear-wheel steering

   
   

   If you know anything about forklifts, you’ll know they steer from the rear (rear-wheel steering). This fact alone makes driving a forklift extremely different from driving a car and is something that needs adjusting to and allowing for when first operating a forklift. And, just in case you’re wondering – the four key reasons a forklift has rear-wheel steering are:

   
   
   
   
   • The weight is at the front – When fully loaded the front wheels of a forklift bear most of the weight, therefore it makes sense not to have a steering mechanism at the front, where it would be under unnecessary strain, and much more difficult for the operator to use.
   
   
   • It helps with precision – Rear-wheel steering provides a much more precise and tighter turn than front-wheel steering, something extremely beneficial when operating the forklift in warehouses or similar spaces with narrow aisles and tight corners.
   
   
   • It improves stability – Having steering at the rear of a forklift where it doesn’t bear the weight, allows for increased stability of the vehicle as a whole, particularly when carrying out tight manoeuvres with a heavy and uneven load.
   
   
   • It allows for more loading accuracy – Rear-wheel steering also helps the driver line up the forks of the forklift with more accuracy and in a quicker time, without the need for constant reversing and straightening up.
   
   
   
   
2. 
   

   Your view is obstructed

   
   

   It’s obvious when you think about it, but unlike a car, when you drive a forklift with a large load, it’s likely your view of the path ahead will be completely blocked, meaning you’ll need to drive in reverse for the majority of your working day.

   
   

   Whilst this way of driving is something forklift operators get used to, it does take practice, and means you always need to be aware of your surroundings, and how sharp you take corners, especially downhill.



3. 
   

   A forklift doesn’t stop as fast as a car

   
   

   When driving a forklift, especially when fully loaded, the vehicle won’t be as responsive as a car, especially when it comes to stopping. Therefore extra care must be taken when braking, and speed limits must always be adhered to.

   
   


4. 
   

   You need to be aware of the rear overhang

   
   

   Unlike a car, due to the counterweight at the rear of most forklifts, it’s essential you consider the rear overhang, particularly when navigating tight corners or the narrow aisles of the warehouse.

   
   

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