After every training session there are always students who say they can't possibly operate properly or they would be unproductive.

They say they would be reprimanded if they didn't go fast and take shortcuts.

I ask my students to remember the old saying about machinery, "fast is slow, slow is fast". When management and operators realise there is a time to speed up and a time to slow down, accidents will be reduced and productivity will increase.

Sometimes students accelerate when turning a corner. They do it for two reasons: it feels cool or fun, and they have failed to take the classroom stability information and apply it in the field. Slow down on corners or turns; do not speed up. A forklift is not a car. If you drive your forklift by feel (as you do your car) you aren't operating properly.

Below are answers to the questions posed in my previous column:

1) Should electric power be used instead of propane to lower costs?
The use of electricity instead of propane should be based on environmental conditions, not cost.

2) What amount of toe-in or toe-out do forklifts have?
Usually none, as they are designed to operate backwards as much as forwards.

3) What type of SDCB forklift would be described as a narrow aisle vehicle?
A three-wheel electric vehicle that will turn in its own length.

4) Which way is the right front wheel of a narrow aisle vehicle moving in a tight forward right turn? Why?
It moves backwards as the steering goes past 90 degrees.

5) What common attachment reduces product damage, reduces machine wear and increases productivity?
A side shifter reduces damage to pallets, product and the machine. It also improves productivity.

6) Should warehousing forklifts be equipped with mirrors?
Mirrors can be useful if the operator knows when to use them and when not to.

7) Would CNG (compressed natural gas) be a good alternative fuel for propane?
It can be used, but the logistics of using it are difficult and having a fuel tank under such high pressure may not be the best idea.

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.