Truck Mounted Forklift - Pre Operational Inspection Checklist

Never underestimate the importance of a reliable truck mounted forklift to your delivery operations. Because they are often considered the “heart” of projects of all sizes, a truck mounted forklift inspection isn’t just a nice “extra” to have every year or so when the time to replace parts has come. On the contrary, according to OSHA, you should perform a forklift check every day before using the machine. We understand that the process can be overwhelming, but don’t worry – we’ve put together a quick primer on everything you need to do to keep your truck mounted forklift in good shape. 

What Must be Done Daily Before Using a Truck Mounted Forklift?

There are a few things which must be done daily before you operate your TMF, and all of them are designed to ensure the machine is safe for use and is in good working order. A truck mounted forklift is a big piece of machinery, after all, and could present serious risks to worker safety. They’re also a big investment, and if you don’t take care of them, they are prone to both short-term and long-term failure.

Conducting a thorough truck mounted forklift check before operation is a good way to ensure your machinery is kept in good working order. Address any potential issues as soon as possible – don’t wait until something fails. If you take care of small problems before they turn into massive problems, you might be able to save yourself a lot of time and money in the long-run. A forklift inspection is the most effective tool in your arsenal to protect yourself, your workers, your investment, and your on-time deliveries. If you aren’t familiar with TMFs and not sure where to begin, you should consider working with someone familiar with the machine for a more thorough inspection.

What are the Truck Mounted Forklift Inspection Requirements?

There are a few things you must do before operating a forklift. The first steps are to perform visual checks before operating the machine. More specifically, you should visually inspect the vehicle for any flaws or oddities, which might indicate a potential issue. Visual inspections should look over the following:

• Operator Manual/Manual Box
• Decals & Data Plate
• Side Guard Latch/Hinges
• Overhead Guard
• Hydraulic Level Oil Sight Gauge
• Left/Right Load Support (if fitted)
• Left/Right Carriage Cylinder
• Left/Right Tilt Cylinder
• Left/Right Front Tire and Wheel
• Left/Right Stabilizer
• Side Shift Cylinder
• Left/Right Sideshift Chrome Shaft
• Forks
• Mast, Mast Lift Cylinder(s), Mast Mounts, & Mast Chains
• Over-Roller Hoses and Rollers (if fitted)
• Load Backrest (if fitted)
• Hydraulic Hoses & Connections
• Fuel Tank & Fuel Cap
• Top/Rear Hood
• Coolant
• SMV Sign
• Engine Oil
• Rear Steering Cylinder & Linkage
• Rear Tire & Wheel
• Seat & Seat Belt
• Steering Wheel
• Valve Levers

MOFFETT TMF with 4-Way Functionality 

If you have a MOFFETT equipped with 4-way functionality, visually inspect the following items:

• Left/Right Wheel Counterweights
• Left/Right Steering Cylinder
• Lift Height Sensor
• Mast Carriage Sensor

MOFFETT with Pantograph Functionality

If you have a MOFFETT equipped with pantograph functionality, visually inspect the following items:

• LH/RH Stabilizer Friction Pad
• LH/RH Lift Assist Assembly
• Scissor Assembly

Log deficiencies on the daily MOFFETT pre-shift inspection form. This list should be reviewed every day, with any defects included as soon as they are discovered. If a deficiency would prevent safe operation, do not operate the machine and notify your supervisor according to your company’s policies.

The next step in your pre-operational inspection process is an operational inspection. This might sound a bit odd. After all, if the inspection is supposed to be done before operating the vehicle, then how exactly are you expected to find issues which occur primarily when using it? When you are performing operational checks, you are inspecting the most basic of operations.

Operational Checks

Operational checks include inspecting the following: 

• Operator Side Guard
• Gauges & Indicators
• Noises & Emissions
• Air Filter Indicator
• Hour Meter
• Seat Belt Interlock Test
• Parking Brake
• Forward/Reverse/Accelerator Pedals
• Back-up Alarm/Travel Alarm (if fitted)
• Valve Levers
• Steering Response
• Diff-Lock (FWD/REV)
• Horn
• Work Lights
• Street Lights
• Strobe

MOFFETT TMF 4-Way Functionality

If you have a MOFFETT equipped with 4-way functionality, inspect the following items:

• Engage Lateral Mode
• Check Carriage Interlock Functionality
• Check Lift Height Limit Functionality
• Lateral Drive Test - when operating with no load in lateral, avoid inclines and sudden stops or starts
• Disengage Lateral Mode

MOFFETT TMF Pantograph Functionality

If you have a MOFFETT equipped with pantograph functionality, inspect the following items:

• Lift Assist
• Pantograph Extend & Retract
• Pantograph Interlock - Pantograph stays engaged until fully closed
• Negative Lift Blocking Functionality

Transport Inspections

The next step in your pre-operational inspection process is a transport inspection, which is done by inspecting the mounting kit and then mounting the MOFFETT onto a truck or trailer before making deliveries. Never attempt to mount the forklift to perform the transport inspections, if the visual or operational inspections indicate immediate safety hazards. If a problem is suspected, take the forklift out of service and have it inspected. Transport inspections should include the following: 

• Mounting Kit
• Tie Downs (Dump Bed Kit only)
• Pins and Locks
• Transport Chains: 
• Angle of Forklift to Ground and Ground Clearance (when mounted
• DOT Lights (when mounted) should be working:
• Side marker (left and right) – 2
• Corner marker (left and right) – 2
• 3-row center – 3
• Back-up – 1 or 2
• Stop – 2
• Tail – 2
• Turn - 2
• Conspicuity Tape (when mounted)
• Lower n’ Go/Ground Start/Remote Ground Mount
• SMV Triangle

Truck Mounted Forklift Pre-Operational Checklist

A pre-operational inspection, also known as a “walk around inspection,” should be conducted every day before you use the machine. This process can be a quick and easy one, especially if you take a bit of time to familiarize yourself with the list. Truck Mounted Forklift Pre-operation inspection checklists are intuitive, but we will go through the important steps below to help you get started.

• Check fluid levels (hydraulic oil, coolant, and engine oil).
• Check hoses for visible defects (such as abrasion, weather-checking, cracks and leaks).
• Visually inspect the mast chains.
• Check mast chain tension.
• Check tire pressure and record any gouges or cuts in the tire.
• Check the forks.
• Ensure load backrest is free of defects and secure.
• Check nameplates and safety decals. Are they easily visible, and do they match the model?
• Ensure the operator’s manual and maintenance log book are present and readable.
• Make sure the operator’s compartment is clean and free of debris.
• Test horn, seat belt, and other safety devices for proper function.
• Check steering and drive controls for proper function.
• Ensure all valve levers are free, center normally, and function properly.

This is not a complete list, and other steps might be necessary depending upon your forklift type. Electric forklifts, for example, include additional steps, such as checking battery mounting, wiring, and connections, just to name a few.

Caring for your truck mounted forklift is critical. Our team can help ensure that your machine is in good shape and safe for use. Contact our team at HIAB today if you are in need of a truck mounted forklift, or are looking for more information!