Forklifts/Powered Industrial Trucks Pre-Shift Inspection

Are there broken welds, missing bolts, or damaged areas?

Is there leakage or damage on the lift, tilt, and attachment functions of the cylinders?

Are there broken welds, cracked or bent areas, and worn or missing stops?

Is there wear or damage or kinks, signs of rust, or any sign that lubrication is required? Is there squeaking?

Are they cracked or bent, worn, or mismatched? Is there excessive oil or water on the forks?

What do the tires look like? Are there large cuts that go around the circumference of the tire? Are there large pieces of rubber missing or separated from the rim? Is there bond separation that may cause slippage?

Are the cell caps and terminal covers in place? Are the cables missing insulation?

Check level

Are they all properly working?

Is there excessive free play? If power steering, is the pump working?

If pedal goes all the way to the floor when you apply the service brake, that is the first indicator the brakes are bad. Brakes should work in reverse also. Does the parking brake work? The truck should not be capable of movement when the parking brake is engaged.

If equipped with lights, are they working properly?

Does the horn work?

If the truck is equipped with a safety seat, is it working?

Is there hesitation when hoisting or lowering the forks, when using the forward or backward tilt, or the lateral travel on the side shift? Is there excessive oil on the cylinders?

Is the tank guard bracket properly positioned and locked down?

Is the hose damaged? It should not be frayed, pinched, kinked, or bound in any way. Is the connector threaded on squarely and tightly?

If you detect the presence of propane gas odor, turn off the tank valve and report the problem immediately.

Check levels

Visually check the level. Note: Never remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level when the engine is running or while the engine is hot. Stand to the side and turn your face away. Always use a gloves or rag to protect your hand.

Check levels

Do they work properly?

Do they work properly?

(found on stand up riding tow tractors) Is it working?

(found on stand up riding tow tractors, walking pallet trucks, walking transtackers) Are they in place?

Does is engage and release smoothly? Does the safety catch work properly?

Does the lever operate properly?

(found on order pickers) If the gate is open, does the vehicle run?

(found on order pickers) Do the jaws open and close quickly and smoothly?

(found on order pickers) Does the platform raise and lower smoothly?