How to operate a stand up forklift
With over 30 years’ experience providing forklifts to the businesses of Leeds, and an open and honest approach to sales, we’re passionate about getting you the tools you need to help improve your operations.
Great forklifts will streamline your processes and improve efficiency, and our vast range of trucks offer a host of different solutions. Today, we’re talking about stand up forklifts, with our handy explainer guide letting you know how to operate a stand up forklift safety and effectively.
What is a stand up forklift?
While many forklifts are operated while sitting down, as the name suggests, a stand up forklift is designed to be used while standing up. There are several advantages to using a stand up forklift.
Benefits of a stand up forklift:
- They are generally smaller and more space-saving than their sit-down counterparts.
- Operators can get on and off the forklift easily and quickly, saving time.
- They are great for navigating tighter and more challenging spaces, such as narrow aisles.
- There are ergonomic benefits to standing over sitting, including the operator not having to strain their necks to view loads.
- Studies have shown that driving a truck in a stand-up position can make the operator feel more alert and attentive.
- They offer a wider field of view and more visibility, due to the operator standing in a sideways position.
- Operators can control the vehicle with a single hand due to the joystick-style controls.
Tips for driving a stand up forklift truck
When using any forklift truck, it’s important to follow the appropriate health and safety advice to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. When operating a stand up forklift all of the usual health and safety standards apply. These include:
- Ensuring you have the necessary training and certification.
- Wearing appropriate safety attire, such as a hard hat, hi-vis jacket and safety shoes, to make sure you’re protected and visible to those around you.
- Checking any equipment before use and performing routine checks of the brakes, controls, steering, tyres, mast and warning devices.
- Ensuring the load is evenly distributed and not precariously balanced.
How to operate a stand up forklift
When it comes to using a stand up forklift, there are a handful of differences to be aware of. When driving a stand up forklift you should always:
- Ensure you have additional operator training that covers stand up forklifts. While sit-down forklifts typically use a traditional steering wheel, stand up forklifts use a control handle, a little like a joystick, alongside foot controls.
- Be careful when operating as a stand up forklift. The controls can be very touch-sensitive, so users must be mindful when operating them so as not to oversteer.
- Similarly, you should always be careful when navigating sharp turns. Corners must be taken at a careful, safe pace, otherwise, the forklift may be in danger of tipping – especially if carrying a load.
- Take some time to familiarise yourself with the locations of each of the controls. Often, the horn is on the control handle.
- Make sure the forks are drawn back before starting the engine. When moving without a load, ensure the forks are tilted slightly upwards.
- Be mindful of how you’re standing if you’re spending extended periods of time in your stand up forklift. Maintain proper posture, stretch regularly and stay hydrated.
If you’re new to driving a stand up forklift, practice makes perfect! While your training will cover all the essentials, when using any new forklift it’s recommended to find an open space and get used to how the controls work before you begin moving loads.
We hope this article taught you more about how to operate a stand up forklift. If you have any questions about which forklift is best for your operation, get in touch today for a chat.
