Understanding Your Vehicle

Posted on: 7 May 2018

It is often necessary to load forklifts onto trailers when they need to be moved from one location or facility to another. This is because the weight of the forklift can cause it to damage a road in case the forklift is driven to its destination. This article discusses some helpful tips which should be kept in mind when one is planning to transport industrial forklifts.

Disconnect the Power

You should always disconnect the power supply of a forklift before you transport it. Different types of forklifts can be disconnected differently. For example, batteries can be disconnected in battery-powered forklifts while the propane tank has to be removed in case the forklift depends on natural gas to operate. Disconnecting the power will prevent any fires which can break out in case an accident occurs as the forklift is being transported to its destination. 

Use a Loading Dock

Forklifts are well known for their minimal ground clearance. These lift vehicles are hard to load onto transport vehicles, such as trailers, because that low ground clearance makes it hard for the forklift to be driven onto a loading ramp. The best way to load the forklift onto a trailer is by getting that forklift onto a dock which is at the same height as the trailer on which the forklift is to be loaded.

Pay Attention to the Forks

You should never transport a forklift when its forks are pointing towards the driver's cabin in the vehicle on which the forklift is being transported. The forklift can shift and its forks may injure the driver when they poke through the back of the cabin. It is therefore wise to load the forklift when its forks are pointing away from the driver. Reverse the forklift onto the trailer in case you are using a loading dock as recommended earlier.

Choke the Wheels

Choke each of the wheels of the forklift. Bolt those chokes into the floor of the trailer because forklifts are very heavy. Their weight can cause the chokes to shift in case a collision occurs as the forklift is being transported.

Confirm the Dimensions of the Forklift

Forklifts vary in weight, height and width. Check these dimensions and select transport means that are appropriate for the forklifts which you wish to transport. For example, don't try to get a wide forklift onto a narrow trailer because the forklift may hit any obstacles that come in its way as it is being transported.

A lot of care and preparation has to be invested in the process of transporting forklifts. Hire experienced machinery transport companies in case you lack the expertise to handle this task on your own.