Loading and unloading trucks with a forklift
Reviewed by Julie Gunn, Head of Services, SALUS Safety
The question, as asked: Load and unload trucks using forklifts
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Rosie's answer
Published by SALUSWhen loading and unloading trucks with forklifts, several safety precautions should be followed. Always load/unload the machine on level and hard ground 1, 3, 4, 5. Use ramps, platforms, or embankments with sufficient width, length, slope, rigidity, and strength 1, 3, 4, 5. Ensure the surface is free of slippery materials like mud, dirt, water, snow, ice, grease, and oil 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20. Set the engine speed to LOW and the travel speed to LOW (1st) speed 1, 3, 4, 5. Do not use any attachments during the loading and unloading process 1, 3, 4, 5, 20. Use only the travel levers when the machine is on ramps 1, 3, 4, 5. Avoid making turns on the ramp to prevent tipping 1, 3, 4, 5. If using a platform or embankment, ensure it is wide enough for the machine and that the angle to the ground is 15 degrees or less 2, 6, 7, 8. Also, make sure the embankment is sturdy enough to hold the machine's weight and that the surface is level with the trailer bed 2, 6, 7, 8. Chock the trailer wheels before loading the machine 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. It may be helpful to have a signal person to guide the loading and unloading process [1].
Sources used for this answer
[1] Kobelco SK135SR-7, SK140SRLC-7, SK140SRL-7 Operation Manual (Excavators)
Page 333
Open source documentSource excerpt
<!-- image --> ## 5.2 LOADING/UNLOADING THE MACHINE <!-- image --> <!-- image --> Loading/unloading the machine - · Load/unload the machine on a level and hard ground. - · Use ramps, platforms, and embankment with sufficient width, length, slope, rigidity, and strength. - · Remove mud and dirt of the undercarriage to prevent the machine from skidding on the ramp. In addition, remove any deposit on the ramp including water, snow, ice, grease, and oil. - · When loading or unloading the machine, set engine speed to LOW and travel speed select switch to LOW (1st) speed. - · Do not use the attachment for loading and unloading the machine to avoid danger. - · Use only the travel levers when the machine is on ramps. - · When going over the ramp top to/from a trailer, the machine may lose balance due to an abrupt change in the center of gravity. Be sure to travel slowly. - · Be sure to turn the auto acceleration switch to the "OFF" position. When the machine is operated with the auto acceleration turned to the "ON" position, the engine speed may change abruptly. - · Do not make a turn on the ramp to avoid tipping. Make a turn after returning to the ground or the trailer bed. - · When the machine is going down a slope or being loaded on or unloaded from the trailer, set the LOW (1st)/ HIGH (2nd) travel speed select switch to LOW. - Since the LOW (1st)/HIGH (2nd) automatic travel speed select switching system automatically changes the traveling speed, it may adversely affect machine control when the machine is going down a slope or being loaded on or unloaded from the trailer. This abrupt change of machine control may cause severe accidents. - · Perform loading and unloading the machine according to the guidance of a signal person. 5