Forklifts should be driven in reverse if vision is impaired to the front.

However, many operators reject this out of hand and will go to great lengths to drive the vehicle forwards.

There are times when an operator must drive forward with a load; going up a ramp and when placing a load are two common occurrences of properly operating with severely limited vision.

Professional operators will operate in reverse as much as forward and, in some cases, more so. Forklifts, and especially container handlers, often drive with their load in the air to improve forward visibility. I wonder if operators truly understand the meaning of "centre of gravity" and "stability". Every year expensive, heavy trucks are tipped forward, causing damage and destruction, due to a lack of training.

Forklifts are incredibly simple to operate, but only a thinking, educated operator can do it properly. I invite questions from readers and suggestions for column topics are always welcome.

Here are some random questions for materials handlers to try; answers will be in next month's article.

1) Should electric power be used instead of propane to lower costs?
2) What amount of toe-in or toe-out do forklifts have?
3) What type of sit-down counterbalance forklift would be described as a narrow aisle vehicle?
4) Which way is the right front wheel of a narrow aisle vehicle moving in a tight forward right turn? Why?
5) What common attachment reduces product damage, reduces machine wear and increases productivity?
6) Should warehousing forklifts be equipped with mirrors?
7) Would CNG (compressed natural gas) be a good alternative fuel for propane?

Wayne Chornohus is a forklift consultant with Hunter Industries Ltd. He brings more than 20 years' experience in the forklift and training industries to the Forkliftaction.com community.