Daily Forklift Maintenance Checklist

Daily Forklift Maintenance Checklist

  • August 8, 2024
  • Joyce Schwob

Forklifts are some of the most commonly used pieces of equipment on construction sites, in warehouses, at port facilities, and for a wide range of other applications. Owners rely on them to move large volumes of materials and products from one part of a work area to another and keep their businesses functioning smoothly. To ensure your machine operates as efficiently and productively as possible on every job, follow our maintenance tips, and use our Forklift Daily Checklist Quick Sheet before you begin working each shift.

Conduct regular inspection

There is no one size fits all when it comes to a forklift maintenance checklist, but here is what to inspect for your conventional internal combustion, liquid propane, and electric forklifts:

Conventional internal combustion

  • Check engine oil levels
  • Inspect fluid and coolant levels
  • Watch out for any fluids on the ground around your machine, which could indicate a leak
  • Make sure your radiator is clean, and remove any dust or debris that have built up
  • Look at your hoses and belts to check for cracks or damage

Liquid propane

  • Inspect the propane tank for signs of visible damage or leakage
  • Check your propane tank’s relief valve to make sure it is pointed upwards

Battery powered

  • If powered by lead acid batteries, watch the water levels to make sure they are adequately filled
  • Examine the battery terminals for signs of corrosion, and clean them off using a battery terminal brush and a solution of baking soda and water, if needed
  • Make sure battery connections are secure
  • Inspect wiring to ensure there are no loose, frayed, or exposed wires
  • Verify the status of battery charging and discharging indicators

Check the basic components found on every forklift

After inspecting the parts of your machine that are specific to each engine type, the next step on your forklift maintenance checklist is to examine the components that are common to all three types:

Check your forks – Inspect the forks for any signs of damage, and measure their thickness to ensure they are both even and within spec – we have measuring tools available at no cost. You should also verify that the locking pins are secure and working properly.

Look at your tires – Make sure all your tires are within the manufacturer recommend inflation levels, and look for any uneven wear, bubbles, cracks, bumps, or anything that may be stuck in the rubber. If your tires are damaged, replace them as soon as possible.

Test the steering – If the operator feels that the steering is not working smoothly or is not as responsive as it normally is, then it could be a sign of a larger issue. They should inform their supervisor before using the machine.

Try out the lights – Make sure your forklift’s headlights, brake lights, and any safety or strobe lights are working properly before beginning operation.

Inspect all safety devices – Prior to starting work, check your machine’s seatbelts, horns, backup alarms, brakes, parking brakes, and other safety systems.

Check the mast – A crucial part of your forklift maintenance checklist is to ensure your mast is functioning correctly. It is one of the key components of your machine, and if it’s not working properly, then it could grind all work to a halt or create dangerous operating conditions. Test operation to make sure it moves smoothly up and down.

Avoid costly forklift service

By regularly completing all necessary forklift maintenance and daily checks, you will avoid expensive downtime down the road. These tips will help prevent accidents, dangerous conditions, and keep small issues from turning into larger problems that will take your machine out of commission.

Forklift Daily Checklist Quick Sheet – What to check before each shift

To help you maintain your forklift, we put together a daily checklist sheet for both internal combustion and electric models. We recommend going through the list step by step before beginning each shift.

Download Your Daily Checklist

If you have any questions about our forklift maintenance checklist or what forklift service should be completing at longer intervals, contact the JIT team today!