A Beginner’s Guide to Forklift Operation

Written by Staff Writer

Sure, forklifts are internet-famous. ‘Forklift certified’ has become a badge of honor in memes. Yet on a real worksite, safety matters and is not a joke.

So, have you ever actually wondered what makes a forklift safe? Is it the steel frame, the heavy counterweight or the operator’s seat belt? In truth, it’s operational mechanisms. They affect how the truck moves, and load stability comes from keeping the combined center of gravity inside the machine's stability triangle.

Could you hop on and “just drive” like a car? Many try. That’s when pallets drop, racks bend and accidents happen. Mastering the operation of PIT trucks means managing risk.

Steering, directional switches, pedals, hydraulics: Each has a purpose, each carries consequences. Press the wrong pedal, tilt too far or skip neutral, and the truck reacts instantly. The difference between smooth operation and a near miss often comes down to one choice of control.

That’s why training begins here. Ready to see how steering and direction shape every move?

How You Point and Move

Why do forklifts feel so different from cars? Because they steer from the rear. That design allows sharp turns in tight aisles, but it also makes the back end swing wide. Miss that detail, and collisions happen fast.

Direction is set with a selector: forward, neutral, reverse. On some trucks, it’s a lever near the steering column. On others, a switch or pedal. Could you switch directions while rolling? Technically, yes. Safely? No. Always stop. Scan the aisle. Then choose your direction.

Steering and direction may look simple, but they shape every move a forklift makes. The question is never just “How do I turn?” but “How do I turn without risk?” 

The best operators move slow and steady, planning each motion. They know the rear swing can surprise even veteran operators. In fact, OSHA notes that turning accidents are one of the most common mishaps.

Getting to Know the Pedals

Pedals do more than move the truck. They decide speed, precision and stopping distance. Used poorly, they create sudden shifts that damage both cargo and equipment.

Operators work with four main pedals:

• Accelerator – Sets your travel speed.
• Inching pedal – Partially disengages the drive so you can creep or stop without losing hydraulic power. 
• Service brake – The primary stopping pedal (although on some truck types, this function is combined with the inching pedal).
• Parking brake – Holds the truck in place when parked (mechanical, spring-applied or electronic, depending on the model).

OSHA says operators must set the brake anytime the vehicle is “unattended.” That means if you walk more than 25 feet away, or even just lose sight of the truck, it’s officially unattended.

So what’s the right shutdown routine? Simple: lower the forks, shift to neutral, turn off the power and set the brake. Don't even skip one step because disaster is never worth it.

Lifting Heavy Loads with Powerful Hydraulics

Here’s a question for you to think about: How do you lift 5,000 pounds without breaking a sweat? You don’t. You let hydraulics do it.

No hydraulics, no lifting. And, with them, one person can do the work of an entire crew. Powerful, right?

Lift and Tilt

The lift lever raises and lowers the forks. The tilt lever angles the mast forward or back. Raise only as high as necessary, then tilt slightly backward to secure the load. Driving with a high or forward-tilted load is one of the quickest ways to tip a forklift.

Attachments and Extra Functions

Side-shift moves forks left or right without repositioning the truck. Fork positioners adjust spacing to fit different pallet widths. Some trucks have clamps or rotators for specialized work. Each adds efficiency, but each requires extra care.

Hydraulics are precise tools. Light inputs keep loads steady. Heavy pulls create sudden movement. A good operator asks “Can I move it safely and under control?”

Dash, Switches and Other Safety Features

Beyond the pedals and levers, forklifts include dashboard elements and safety systems designed to protect operators and pedestrians:

• Ignition/Start Switch – Powers the vehicle.
• Horn – Alerts pedestrians and other operators.
• Lights and Alarms – Improve visibility and warn nearby workers.
• Load Capacity Plate – Lists the maximum safe load at given fork heights and angles.
• Seat Belt – Helps keep the operator inside the protective zone during a tip-over.
• Operator Presence System (sometimes called OPSS) – Disables travel and hydraulic functions when the operator isn’t seated or standing in the correct position.

Sit-Down vs. Stand-Up

Operation changes with the type of truck. Sit-down and stand-up models look different, feel different and demand different operator habits.

Sit-Down Forklifts

These are the most familiar to new operators. They use pedals, a steering wheel and hand levers. Sounds a little like a car, right?

These vehicles are pretty common for warehouses, docks and paved yards. Note that for unpaved or very uneven ground, a rough-terrain truck is federally required.

Stand-Up Forklifts

Operators face sideways and use multi-function handles instead of a steering wheel. Quick entry and exit make them efficient in high-turnover warehouses. Their narrow profile and agility suit tight aisles and dock work.

The Key Difference

Sit-down trucks favor comfort and long runs. Stand-up forklifts prioritize agility and quick entry and exit and for narrow aisles. 

Five Steps for Expert Use

Operation must always follow a process designed for safety:

1. Pre-Operation Inspection

Before moving an inch, make sure the machine itself is ready.

• Check the brakes, the lights, the horn and the hydraulics. Don't forget the tires!
• How is the load plate doing? Take note of fuel levels.

2. Start-Up

Climbing in safely sets the tone for the whole shift.

• Enter with three points of contact.
• Fasten seat belt or engage operator controls.
• Start ignition, check dashboard indicators.

3. Travel

Driving is about control.

• Select direction (forward/reverse).
• Accelerate slowly, keep forks low.
• Use horn at blind intersections.

4. Load Handling

Lifting and placing loads is where skill really shows.

• Align forks, inch forward slowly.
• Lift load just high enough to clear the rack.
• Tilt back slightly to stabilize.

5. Parking & Shutdown

Always finish by securing the machine properly.

• Lower forks fully.
• Apply parking brake.
• Turn off ignition and remove key.

How Training Can Prevent Disasters

Ever thought driving a forklift looks easy? It’s not.

The law says you need training first. OSHA makes it clear: Every operator has to be taught and tested.

And there’s a reason. Forklifts send thousands of people to the hospital every year. Some don’t come home.

A couple of hours in a class beats months off work, or worse.

We make it easy to advance your career and keep worksites safe. Our online forklift and PIT courses cover everything you need: core functions, federal compliance, workplace tips and the steps to earn your forklift certification card.

Why Train Online?

Why do so many people choose online training? Because, on average, it takes significantly less time than traditional classes.

People choose online courses because they can review material at their own pace, which means remembering more important details.

And, lastly, because an online certification class is flexible. You can log in anytime, from any device.

Get trained today and operate with confidence.

Need a refresher on general warehouse safety principles? There's a reason so many people choose OshaEducationCenter.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main PIT controls called?

Steering wheel. Directional switch. Accelerator. Inching pedal. Service brake. Parking brake. Hydraulic levers. You’ll touch most of them every shift.

Is the inching pedal like a car’s clutch?

Close, but not quite. It lets you slow or stop without losing full hydraulic control. Think of it as a clutch’s cousin: similar job, different feel.

Do stand-up forklifts feel different?

Completely. Instead of a wheel and pedals, you may get joystick controls. They’re designed for warehouses where space is measured in inches, not feet.

Can I operate one without training?

No. OSHA requires it. And for good reason, since most accidents happen with untrained drivers.

Make Your Next Shift Safer

Every control matters. Miss one, and you could end up with a story you’d rather not tell.

Most accidents? They’re not from carelessness. They come from those little moments guessing, freezing or not knowing what to do.

Training changes that. It takes the “what ifs” and turns them into confidence. Imagine ending your day without a single close call. That’s possible.

So don’t wait. The best time to learn was yesterday. The second-best is today.