1.2. SAFE TRAVEL WHEN MAKING A TURN, BE CAREFUL OF THE SWINGING COUNTERWEIGHT Remember that a fork lift truck steers with the rear wheels, not the front wheels. It will not drive like an automobile. When turning while traveling forward, the counterweight will swing far out. Keep an ample clearance from walls to ensure safety. When turning, travel slowly and be careful that the front or rear wheels do not come off the ground. When turning on soft road shoulders, there is danger that the rear wheels may come off the road shoulder and cause the lift truck to tip.
ANY OPERATION THAT MIGHT OVERTURN THE LIFT TRUCK IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED If the load-engaging means or load is raised, the center of gravity of the lift truck will also rise and increase the danger of the lift truck tipping. Do not turn the lift truck when the forks are raised high. Do not suddenly raise the forks or tilt the mast to the front or rear when the forks are loaded. There is danger that the lift truck will tip. Reduce speed before turning the lift truck. In particular, when traveling unloaded, the rear of the lift truck is heavy. If the lift truck is turned at high speed, there is a greater chance of tipping than when traveling with the forks loaded.
WHEN BACKING UP THE LIFT TRUCK, VISUALLY CHECK BEHIND THE TRUCK Before backing the lift truck, make sure that there is no one behind the truck before starting to travel. The rear view mirror is simply an aid for checking the rear. When driving in reverse, do not use the rear view mirror. Turn to face the rear and check the area directly behind the lift truck for safe unobstructed travel. Even if you sound the backup buzzer, the people behind the truck may not necessarily hear it. Always check that there is no one behind the truck before driving the truck.
(For lift trucks equipped with backup buzzer.) DON'T USE A LIFT TRUCK TO TOW ANOTHER BROKEN-DOWN LIFT TRUCK If there is any problem with the brakes or steering system of your lift truck, do not use another lift truck to tow it as there is danger that the lift truck may run out of control. 1-11