As an instructor, when you encounter new equipment (forklifts, attachments, etc) with unfamiliar controls or handling characteristics, what methods do you use to prepare yourself for the instruction you will provide? For myself, here are some of the things I do, but I don't believe this list is exhaustive:

1. Acquire any and all literature, or videos that provide "how-to" information.

2. Ask the person who purchased, or is purchasing, the unfamiliar equipment to get a dealership representative to demo the use of it on-site.

3. Personally practice with it until I can master the use of it in the environment where the operators are working.

4. Produce written behavioral standards that describe how well any operator will be able and required to use it in their work tasks (precision, speed, etc.).

Are there other actions you might add to this "unfamiliar equipment" instructional preparation list?

Best wishes,

Joe M.
LIFTORdotCOM