During the course of a regular working day, a forklift truck can undergo an immense amount of stress, so it’s essential that you thoroughly check it over before you begin operating it. With this in mind, we’ve highlighted some important things to check before you start operating your forklift, in order to ensure better safety, efficiency, and productivity.

Brakes

Of course, the forklift’s brakes play a pivotal role in the safety of the operator. Make sure that when you press on the foot brake, it stops smoothly. When lightly accelerating, check that the parking brake holds properly, and also that the dead man brake holds when you rise from your seat.

Tires

The brakes won’t work that well without decent tires, so ensure that you check they are all inflated before getting behind the wheel. Also, keep an eye out for excessive wear and deep cuts on the tires.

Seatbelts and any other restraint devices

Always check that the belts and restraints work properly and that there are no visible signs of wear or damage on the forklift.

Lights and other warning devices

Another integral part of forklift safety is its lights, including headlights, taillights, and working lights. Make sure they are all in working order, and also be sure to check the horn and other warning devices on the forklift too.

Overhead Guard

Every forklift is equipped with a variety of safety devices, which in the event of an accident, can help to prevent serious injury. One such safety device is the overheard guard, so make sure you check it for any cracks before you start operating the forklift.

Gauges

The gauges will provide you with critical information when operating the forklift, so it’s important to check all of them on the dashboard before starting a project.

Forks

Of course one of the most important components of your forklift are the forks themselves, which are responsible for lifting and holding cargo. In order to help prevent accidents, always look to see if the forks are bent or worn at the beginning of each shift. Also, check there are no cracks, the carriage teeth are not chipped or broken, and that the positioning latches are in good working condition.

Fluid levels

You need to make sure all the forklift’s fluid levels are right before operating it. To make things easier, get the forklift onto a level surface so that it’s easier to check the levels. Everything from the radiator coolant level to the hydraulic oil needs to be checked.

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