A forklift pre-shift inspection takes a few minutes and checks five areas before the truck is used: fluids and battery, tyres, brakes and steering, forks and mast, and the controls and safety devices. The check catches the faults that cause most incidents and downtime — a hydraulic leak, a worn tyre, a soft brake, a cracked fork — before they reach the floor. A daily inspection is also a safety requirement in many workplaces, and a record of it protects both the operator and the employer. This guide gives the checklist by area, what to look for, and why each item matters, so any operator can run it at the start of a shift. Use it as a daily routine, not a one-off. HONGLI provides maintenance guidance for its forklift range; a printable version of this checklist can be requested.
Pre-shift checklist by area (HowTo)
Engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil; on electric, battery charge and connections. 2. Tyres — Pressure and cuts (pneumatic), or wear and damage (solid). 3. Brakes & steering — Test the service brake, parking brake and steering before loading. 4. Forks & mast — Look for cracks, bends and wear on the forks; test lift, lower and tilt. 5. Controls & safety — Horn, lights, seat belt, seat switch and warning devices.
Why the daily check matters
Most forklift faults give a warning the day before they fail — a leak, a noise, a soft pedal. The pre-shift check finds them while they are cheap to fix and before they cause an incident. It also creates a record, which many workplaces require.
Make it a routine
Keep the checklist at the truck, run it at the start of every shift, and log any fault for the maintenance team. A two-minute habit prevents most unplanned downtime.
FAQ
What should an operator check before a shift?
Fluids and battery, tyres, brakes and steering, forks and mast, and the controls and safety devices. It takes a few minutes.
Why inspect a forklift daily?
To catch faults before they fail, prevent incidents, and meet workplace safety requirements with a record.
What if I find a fault?
Log it and report it to maintenance. Do not run a truck with a safety fault.
Is a printable checklist available?
Yes — a printable version can be requested from HONGLI.
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