What are the operating procedures for a lift truck?
2 Answers
Before starting work, carefully inspect all components of the lift platform, with special attention to whether the screw connections are secure and whether there are any leaks in the hydraulic pipeline components. Adjust the work surface to a horizontal state, start the vehicle, engage the clutch to switch to the lift pump operation, and check that all parts are functioning normally before beginning work. After the operator enters the platform, close the guardrail door, insert the latch, fasten the safety rope, and ensure that the load's center is as close as possible to the center position of the work surface. Press the "lift" lever to open the hydraulic valve, activating the hydraulic system to lift the platform; release the "lift" lever to stop the platform's movement and proceed with the operation.
I still remember when I first entered the industry, my mentor taught me the procedures for operating a car lift. The first step is to inspect the lift itself: check if the hydraulic system has any oil leaks, whether the chains are loose, and if the support arms are deformed. The ground must also be level and clean, free from bumps or debris. Before driving the car onto the lift, you must engage the parking brake and put it in neutral, aligning the tires with the marked points. Operate the lift lever slowly—never raise or lower it abruptly. Lift it just a few centimeters at a time, listening for any unusual noises. Pause when it reaches waist height, lock the safety latch, and then continue. When I was young, I got lazy and didn’t secure it properly—the lift creaked and nearly caused an accident. When lowering, take your time, and only release the latch once it’s fully down. A key rule is never to overload—always check the equipment’s weight limit. Perform simple maintenance weekly, lubricating critical parts. Safety is no joke—otherwise, fixing cars could turn into fixing people. Once you develop the habit, efficiency improves, and garage work goes smoothly.