Forklift Pre-op Check

Nil defect

so far

Pass (default)Defect — tap to flag

Pre-start checks (engine off)

1

Fluid leaks

Check underneath and around the truck for any oil, fuel, or hydraulic fluid leaks.

2

Engine oil level

Check dipstick — oil between min and max marks. Top up if needed.

3

Coolant level

Check coolant reservoir — between min and max. Do not open cap when hot.

4

Fuel / LPG / battery charge

Sufficient fuel or charge for the shift. LPG cylinder secure and not leaking.

5

Battery (electric) / LPG connections

Battery terminals secure, no corrosion, electrolyte level correct. LPG hose undamaged.

Tyres and wheels

6

Tyre condition

No cuts, chunking, or excessive wear. Solid tyres: no flat spots or splits.

7

Wheel nuts / fixings

All wheel nuts present and tight. No cracks in wheel rims.

Mast, forks and hydraulics

8

Fork arms condition

No cracks, bends, or wear at heel. Fork thickness at least 90% of original. Forks level and equal height.

9

Fork pins and latches

Retaining pins and safety latches in place and undamaged.

10

Mast chains

Chains lubricated, no broken links, equal tension both sides. Anchors secure.

11

Mast rollers and rails

Rollers rotate freely, no excessive wear. Rails clean and undamaged.

12

Hydraulic hoses and fittings

No cracks, chafing, or leaks. Fittings tight. Hoses not kinked or rubbing.

13

Tilt cylinders

No visible leaks. Pins and bushes secure.

Operator area

14

Seat and seatbelt

Seat secure, adjusts correctly. Seatbelt present, undamaged, latches and retracts.

15

Overhead guard

Fitted, undamaged, all fixings present and tight.

16

Load backrest extension

Fitted where required, undamaged, securely attached.

17

Horn

Sounds clearly when pressed.

18

Lights and indicators

All working — headlights, tail lights, indicators, strobe/beacon.

19

Warning devices

Reverse alarm / blue spot light working. Any additional safety devices operational.

Controls and brakes

20

Steering

Smooth operation, no excessive play. Power steering working.

21

Service brake

Pedal firm, truck stops smoothly and in a straight line.

22

Parking brake

Holds the truck on a slope. Applies and releases correctly.

23

Lift and lower controls

Smooth operation, no jerking. Forks lower under gravity when lever released.

24

Tilt controls

Mast tilts forward and back smoothly. No drift when lever released.

25

Attachment controls

Any fitted attachment (side-shift, clamp, etc.) operates correctly.

After start-up checks

26

Dashboard warning lights

No unexpected warning lights illuminated after start-up.

27

Brakes operational check

Test service and parking brake at low speed in a safe area.

28

Mast lift / lower / tilt

Raise forks to full height, lower, tilt forward and back — smooth, no unusual noise.

29

General condition

No unusual noises, vibrations, or smells. Bodywork secure. Data plate legible.

Nil defect — no defects found

Records are stored permanently in line with DVSA requirements.