Steps to be followed by the Forklift operator before starting to work safely:


In order to guarantee the correct functioning of the systems, the correct condition of the equipment, and their safety, it is recommended and necessary that each forklift professional carry out a set of protocols, checks, and operations before starting to work with the forklift. These checks also extend the useful life of each forklift, stacker, or pallet truck and help to produce fewer operational setbacks. Remember that the official dealer and your reference adviser in terms of maximum safety standards in the safe handling and driving of forklifts.

This list includes, with a global vision, the mechanisms that must be checked on electric forklifts and thermal forklifts:

  1. Vehicle structure and undercarriage
  2. Motor/battery and chargers
  3. Hydraulic system and fluids
  4. Electric components
  5. load support system

Checks on the structure and undercarriage of the forklifts:


Specifically for the structure and running-in of electric and thermal forklifts, it is advisable to carry out the following checks:

  1. The firm hold of the steering column
  2. The condition of the driver's seat and seat belt: security, excessive wear, damage
  3. Tires and rims: profile, external damage, air pressure
  4. Propulsion and steering: control sensitivity, immediate execution of running orders
  5. Brake system and parking brake
  6. The fill level of the window cleaning system
  7. Checks on the engine, batteries and chargers of the trucks (electric and thermal)
  8. This list of checks refers to those elements of the engine, batteries and chargers that need to be checked by the forklift operator before starting charging operations.

In the case of forklift engines it is necessary:

  • Diesel: check the fuel level, do not overfill
  • Propellant gas: check the fill level. Check the correct seating of the LPG tank console
  • Propellant gas: perform a visual and odor check
  • Check the engine oil level (caution in case of high temperatures)
  • Check the coolant level (never at high temperatures)
  • Check that the truck does not present leaks Specifically for batteries and chargers it is necessary to check:
  • The state of charge of the battery
  • The electrolyte level (replenish distilled water if necessary)
  • The condition of the battery terminals, which must be tight, clean, and greased
  • Battery and charger connections

It should be remembered that in the case of Lithium-Ion batteries, they have a higher performance and energy efficiency than conventional power sources, thus contributing to reducing the environmental impact of the company.

Vehicle fluid and hydraulic System check:


In electric and thermal trucks it is necessary to check two items related to the hydraulic and fluid system before starting work. Are:

  • Hydraulic system oil level
  • The tightness of the truck (visual inspection); e.g. drive, steering and lift function
  • Checking electrical components



The electrical items to check in an electric or thermal truck are the following:

The electrical installation; for example, lighting, turn signals, warning devices, and windscreen wipers.

For handling vehicles with LSP and accessories, it is necessary to ensure that the appropriate accessory is selected in the LSP.

Load Support System Checks:


In the process of checking the condition of the forklifts before starting the shift of operations, it is necessary to carry out control of the load support of the forklifts. click here for a used forklift for sale in Houston tx

For this reason, it is necessary:

  • Check fork arms and arm protection devices: correctly fitted and undamaged
  • Check the correct operation of the accessories.


Finally, as a general contribution, it is necessary to remember that the fact that each forklift operator checks the vehicle before starting work also allows for optimal maintenance of the forklifts.