How to Drive a Forklift

Driving a forklift safely requires understanding how these machines differ from cars, mastering the controls, and developing habits that protect you, your coworkers, and the loads you handle. This guide walks through forklift operation from pre-shift inspection through safe shutdown.

Important: This guide is for educational purposes. Operating a forklift requires proper training and certification from your employer. Never operate a forklift without completing required training and receiving authorization.

Understanding forklift basics

How forklifts differ from cars

Rear-wheel steering. Back wheels turn, causing the rear to swing opposite the turn direction.
Weight distribution. Counterweight in rear balances loads on forks.
Center of gravity shifts. Changes dramatically with load height and weight.
Limited visibility. Mast and loads obstruct forward view.
No suspension. Much rougher ride than automobiles.
Three-point stability. Tips easier than four-wheeled vehicles.

The stability triangle

Forklifts balance on a triangle formed by the two front wheels and the rear axle pivot point:

Center of gravity must stay within this triangle
Adding load moves center forward
Raising load moves center up and forward
Turning moves center to the side
Going outside the triangle causes tip-over

Pre-operation inspection

Before each shift, inspect the forklift. Never operate defective equipment.

Walk-around inspection

Check for visible damage, leaks, or debris
Inspect tires for damage, wear, proper inflation
Check forks for cracks, bends, wear
Verify mast chains are not damaged or worn
Ensure overhead guard is secure
Check fluid levels (oil, coolant, hydraulic, fuel)
Inspect battery connections (electric) or propane connections (LPG)

Operator compartment check

Seat belt present and functional
Seat adjusts properly
All controls move freely
Gauges and indicators visible
No loose items in compartment

Operational test

Start engine/motor—listen for unusual sounds
Test horn
Test lights (headlights, brake lights, warning lights)
Test backup alarm
Test brakes (service and parking)
Test steering through full range
Test lift, lower, and tilt functions
Check for smooth operation, no jerking

Report problems

If any defect is found:

Do not operate the forklift
Report to supervisor immediately
Tag equipment as out of service if required
Document the issue

Starting and mounting

Mounting the forklift

Use three-point contact (two hands, one foot or two feet, one hand)
Face the forklift while mounting
Never jump on or off
Keep steps and grab handles clean

Before starting

Adjust seat for comfortable reach to all controls
Fasten seat belt
Ensure parking brake is engaged
Put transmission in neutral
Verify forks are fully lowered

Starting the engine

Turn key to start (or follow specific starting procedure)
Allow engine to warm briefly in cold conditions
Check gauges for normal readings
Test controls before moving

Basic controls

Travel controls

Accelerator pedal. Controls speed—right foot.
Brake pedal. Stops the forklift—left foot (some models).
Inching pedal (if equipped). Allows fine speed control.
Direction control. Forward/reverse lever or switch.
Steering wheel. Turns rear wheels.

Hydraulic controls

Lift/lower lever. Raises and lowers forks.
Tilt lever. Angles mast forward or backward.
Side shift lever (if equipped). Moves forks left or right.
Attachment controls. Operate clamps, rotators, etc.

Control tips

Use smooth, gradual inputs—avoid jerky movements
Don't "ride" the brake
One control at a time when learning
Keep hands on controls while operating

Traveling

Without a load

Keep forks 100-150 mm (4-6 inches) off ground
Tilt mast slightly back
Travel at appropriate speed for conditions
Watch for pedestrians, obstacles, other traffic

With a load

Ensure load is secure and stable
Tilt mast back to cradle load
Keep forks 100-150 mm (4-6 inches) off ground
Travel in reverse if load blocks forward vision
Reduce speed—loaded forklift handles differently

Speed guidelines

Match speed to conditions—if in doubt, slow down
Reduce speed for wet floors, congested areas, blind corners
Never exceed facility speed limits
Slow enough to stop within clear distance ahead

Turning

Slow down before turning, not during
Remember rear-end swings wide—watch tail swing
Don't turn on ramps or slopes
Make smooth, gradual turns

Reverse travel

Look in the direction of travel
Use mirrors as supplement, not substitute for looking
Sound horn at intersections
Travel in reverse when load blocks vision

Picking up loads

Approaching the load

Approach squarely—perpendicular to pallet
Stop when forks are 300 mm (12 inches) from load
Level forks to match pallet height
Align forks with pallet openings

Inserting forks

Drive forward slowly until forks are fully inserted
Forks should extend through the pallet
Stop before hitting anything behind pallet

Lifting the load

Lift forks until load clears whatever it's resting on
Tilt mast back to stabilize load
Check load is balanced and secure
Lower to travel height (100-150 mm)
Back away carefully

Capacity awareness

Never exceed rated capacity
Check load weight before lifting
Consider load center—longer loads reduce capacity
If uncertain, don't lift

Placing loads

Floor placement

Approach placement area squarely
Stop at placement position
Lower load to floor
Tilt forks forward to level
Back out slowly, ensuring forks clear

Rack placement (stacking at height)

Approach rack squarely
Stop with load positioned over destination
Raise load above rack level
Drive forward until load is over rack
Lower load onto rack
Tilt forward slightly to level forks
Back out slowly
Lower forks to travel height

Stacking on other loads

Ensure bottom load can support additional weight
Align loads properly
Place gently—don't drop
Verify stack is stable before leaving

Ramps and grades

Ascending grades

With load. Drive forward, load uphill.
Without load. Drive forward up the ramp.
Keep load low and tilted back
Use steady speed—don't stop on grade if possible

Descending grades

With load. Drive in reverse, load uphill.
Without load. Drive forward down.
Use low gear and controlled speed
Never coast in neutral

Ramp safety

Never turn on a ramp
Don't raise or lower load on a ramp
Keep minimum 3 truck lengths from other vehicles
Know the ramp's weight capacity

Safety rules

Always

Wear seat belt
Keep all body parts inside operator compartment
Sound horn at intersections and blind spots
Yield to pedestrians
Maintain safe following distance
Watch for overhead obstructions
Report accidents and near-misses

Never

Carry passengers
Lift people on forks (use proper platform with safeguards)
Drive with raised load (except momentarily for placement)
Exceed capacity
Leave running forklift unattended
Allow horseplay
Operate while impaired
Use phone while operating

Parking and shutdown

Parking

Park in designated areas only
Lower forks flat to the floor
Tilt forward to lay forks flat
Put transmission in neutral
Set parking brake
Turn off engine/motor
Remove key

Unattended forklift

A forklift is "unattended" when you can't see it or are more than 25 feet away:

Fully lower forks
Neutralize controls
Set brake
Shut off power

End of shift

Park properly
Report any problems discovered during shift
Plug in for charging (electric) or refuel if needed
Complete any required documentation

Common mistakes to avoid

Traveling with forks high. Dangerous and unnecessary.
Not looking direction of travel. Especially when reversing.
Speeding. Leading cause of tip-overs.
Sharp turns with loads. Shifts center of gravity dangerously.
Ignoring capacity limits. Can cause tip-over or structural failure.
Skipping inspection. Leads to operating unsafe equipment.
Not wearing seatbelt. Fatal in tip-overs.
Assuming pedestrians see you. They often don't.