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Forklift Neutral Safety Switch

Our neutral safety switches will reinforce your forklift training, ready for any emergency shutoff. They can replace clogged or worn-out switches in your vehicle to improve workplace safety.

What Is a Neutral Safety Switch?

A neutral safety switch is a simple yet critical component in a forklift. Its primary function is to ensure that the vehicle cannot be started while in gear. This feature is essential to prevent the forklift from unexpectedly lunging forward or backward, which could lead to accidents or injuries.

Components and Location

This switch operates using two main components: electrical contacts and a mechanical actuator. When the gear shifter is in neutral or park, the mechanical actuator engages, allowing the electrical contacts to close and complete the circuit.

This permits the starter to operate and the engine to start. Typically located near the gear shifter, it’s designed to disable starter operation when the transmission is engaged in any gear other than neutral or park.

Universal Safety Switches

A universal safety switch is a device that helps to prevent accidental starts of a forklift or pallet jack. It ensures that the forklift or pallet jack is in neutral gear before the operator runs it. Our universal safety switches are designed for custom training when operating a forklift.

How Is A Neutral Safety Switch Different From A Universal Safety Switch?

A neutral safety switch is a type of safety switch installed in a forklift to help prevent the forklift from being started in gear. This switch will not allow the forklift to start if the transmission is in gear.

A universal safety switch, on the other hand, is a type of safety switch that can be used on any forklift, regardless of the transmission. This switch is typically installed near the operator’s station and shuts off the power if the operator gets out of the seat without first putting the transmission in neutral.

Symptoms Of A Bad Neutral Safety Switch

If your forklift has a bad neutral safety switch, it may not start. A preemptive shutoff is the safest option since it reduces the chance of operator injury or damage to merchandise.

Sometimes, the forklift may start, but it won’t be easy to control. If that happens, the operator must prepare to check the machine before any injuries occur.

The forklift may also move very slowly, or it may vibrate excessively. Slow movement means that you can stop it in due time.

If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to have the neutral safety switch checked out or prepare to replace it immediately. Being overly cautious never hurts with forklifts or pallet jacks.

Why Operator Training Is Crucial

While forklift basics have not changed over the years, some advancements have made them even safer. Most think forklifts are machines only used in warehouses and distribution centers. Various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and even food service, use them to transport goods. These industries often require quality control and operator safety.

Some of the safety advancements in forklifts include the following:

  • Seat belts
  • Operator restraints
  • Installation of barriers to prevent operators from being ejected from the cab in the event of a rollover
  • Warning lights and alarms
  • Cameras to help the operator see around corners and in tight spaces

While these safety features have made forklifts safer to use, there are still some dangers associated with their use. One of the most common accidents involving forklifts is a rollover.

Improve Your Forklift Safety With Helmar Parts

Helmar Parts wants to ensure that your forklift or pallet jack has the following components for repairs or replacement. Handle rough terrain while purchasing our stock at aftermarket prices.Please reach out to us today to learn more about how we can improve driver training with our wide selection of safety switches. Let Helmar Parts lead the way to perfecting your powered industrial trucks.