Understanding Forklift Controls for 3 Types of Forklifts

At its core, forklift safety comes down to one major thing—knowing how to operate the controls. In addition to having the forklift training and practice required of all operators, you also need to know your way around the specific model you’re using.

Controls vary among different types of forklifts, and among different forklift models, brands, and powertrains. Always check the operator’s manual to familiarize yourself with the controls of your specific machine before you use it.

This post gives you a general overview of basic forklift controls—which controls you’ll find on different machines and how to use them. We also go over some tips for safely operating a forklift.

Sit-Down Forklift Controls
Stand-Up Forklift Controls
Order Picker Forklift Controls
OSHA Requirements for Forklift Operators
Tips to Drive a Forklift Safely

Explore All Forklifts

Sit-Down Forklift Controls

Sit-down forklifts are a common type of forklift used in warehouses. They’re suitable for longer shifts since the operator can sit down while using the machine.

Sit-down forklifts can be four- or three-wheel, but typically both steer from the rear. Three-wheel models offer a tighter turning radius, so they’re able to navigate narrower aisles and tight spaces.

This type of forklift can have both electric and internal combustion engines. Each comes with similar controls. Here’s an overview of the basic ones you’ll find on a sit-down forklift.

Sit-down forklift controls

Steering Wheel

A forklift steering wheel serves a similar function to one you might find in a car or truck—it connects to the steering column so that you can navigate turns. But the steering wheel on a forklift has a special design. It comes with a knob that allows you to turn the machine with one hand.

Forklift trucks steer from the rear. The pivot point is at the front, so the front wheels don’t move. If you turn all the way to one side with a three-wheeled forklift, the back end swings so you can turn 360 degrees. The control panel will tell you which way the wheels are pointing, helping you position the machine.

Directional Control Lever

The directional control lever lets you select whether the forklift moves forward or backward, or stays in neutral. To use it, put the lever in the direction you want to go, and use the accelerator pedal to move the machine. You can use your mirrors for visibility when you reverse.

Hydraulic Lift Controls

There are usually three levers that control the lifting mechanisms of the hydraulics and the forks:

Left lever: Pulling this back raises the forks up, and pushing it forward moves them down.
Center lever: When you pull this back, it tilts the mast backward, and when you push it forward, it tilts the mast forward.
Right lever: This is an auxiliary lever that typically moves the load from side to side.

In addition to these levers, reach trucks may have a fourth lever that controls the reach function, which extends the forks out. This fourth level might also control accessories, like clamps.

Pedals

There are usually two pedals on electric forklifts and three pedals on gas-powered machines:

Right: This pedal is the accelerator or gas pedal.
Center: This pedal is the brake.
Left: This third pedal, the inching pedal, is only on gas-powered machines. Similar to a clutch pedal, it puts the forklift in neutral, so you can use the throttle to give more gas to the hydraulics.

Other Controls

Here are the other controls you’ll see in the cab of a sit-down forklift:

Parking brake: This keeps the machine stopped and stable when you park it. It can be a button or a lever on the left or right side.
Ignition: This is where you insert the key and turn to start the machine.
Display: This panel shows you critical information, like the battery level and any warning lights.
Emergency stop: Pressing this red button immediately stops the machine.
Lights: These illuminate the area around you. The controls are typically on the right of the steering wheel.
Horn: Just like in a car, you can use this to signal your presence on the jobsite or otherwise alert your team. It’s usually found on the side of the directional control lever.

Stand-Up Forklift Controls

Stand-up forklifts are often used in situations where additional visibility is needed or operators need to frequently get on and off the machine. The cab is open, so the forklift operator can easily get a view of what’s around them. They can also easily get on and off the machine to move items as necessary.

The controls are different from a sit-down forklift, mainly because both forward and reverse, as well as hydraulics, are performed by hand using one lever.

Stand-up forklift controls

Steering Tiller

While the multitask lever handles most of your forklift directional controls, the steering tiller allows you to steer. Instead of having a full steering wheel though, stand-up forklifts typically have a tiller, a lever with a knob on the end. You turn the knob to steer, similar to a full wheel. You can use your left hand to steer while your right handles the hydraulic controls.

Multitask Lever

The multitask lever controls most of the forklift’s actions. Moving the whole lever to the left and right moves the machine forward and reverse. Letting the lever go resets it to neutral, but the machine will still roll.

It also controls the forks. Turn the knob on the end of the lever left and right to move the forks up and down. Press the directional key back to tilt the forks up, and press forward to tilt the forks down. Press it left to slide the forks to the left, and right to slide them to the right. There may be buttons underneath to extend the forks out and back.

Pedals

Stand-up forklifts typically come with a few pedals:

Brake pedal: This forklift pedal slows and stops the machine.
Floor pedal: Also known as the “deadman pedal,” the floor pedal needs to be pressed down in order to operate the machine. Lifting your foot up off the floor pedal stops the machine abruptly. Only use it to stop as a last resort or in an emergency, since it happens very suddenly—otherwise, just use the brake to slow down.

Other Controls

A standup forklift has other standard controls, including:

Ignition: This is where you insert the key and turn to start the machine.
Display: This panel shows you critical information, like the battery level and error codes.
Emergency stop: Pressing this red button immediately stops the machine.
Switches: These control the horn and lights.

Order Picker Forklift Controls

Order pickers are a type of forklift that lifts operators up to warehouse racks to pick up individual items instead of whole pallets. When you operate an order picker, remember to wear and securely attach the harness for safety since you’re usually working at significant heights where fall protection is required.

Order picker forklift controls