Daily Operation Precautions for Diesel Forklifts

I. Daily Pre-Shift Inspection (5 Minutes)

Visual Walk-Around Inspection:

Check for collision damage, oil or fluid leaks on the body

Verify tire pressure is normal; inspect for damage or foreign objects embedded

Inspect forks for cracks or deformation; ensure positioning pins are secure

Check lubrication of chains and mast guide rails

In-Cab Inspection:

Fluid levels: diesel fuel, engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, brake fluid

Lights and signals: headlights, turn signals, brake lights, marker lights, horn

Braking performance: pedal travel, parking brake tension

Gauge readings: water temperature, oil pressure, fuel level

Seatbelt condition and seat security

Report any abnormalities immediately; do not operate with defects

II. Starting and Warm-Up

Step Key Points

1 Adjust seat and mirrors; fasten seatbelt

2 Confirm neutral gear, parking brake engaged, forks lowered

3 Insert key; start after preheat indicator goes off

4 Idle for 3-5 minutes (5-10 minutes in winter)

5 Check gauges: proceed only when water temp and oil pressure are normal

 Do not run at high RPM or under load immediately after cold start

III. Daily Precautions While Driving

Speed control: ≤15 km/h in plant areas; ≤5 km/h at turns/intersections/congested areas

Visibility first: Must drive in reverse when load obstructs forward view

Turning protocol: Slow down, sound horn, check surroundings

Maintain distance: ≥1 meter from pedestrians; ≥3 meters from other vehicles

Slope rules:

Ascending: load facing forward; no gear shifting

Descending: load facing forward; no coasting in neutral

No parking on slopes (use wheel chocks + parking brake if unavoidable)

IV. Daily Loading/Unloading Essentials

Picking Up Loads:

Center fork spacing; fully insert forks into pallet (≥2/3 depth)

Lift slowly; confirm load stability and no tilting

Tilt mast back slightly; keep load against backrest

While Driving:

Keep forks 15-20 cm above ground; mast tilted back

Lower load or drive in reverse if height obstructs visibility

Stacking/Unloading:

Align with rack position; lower slowly after mast is vertical

Confirm forks are fully clear before reversing

Strictly prohibited: Overloading, uneven loading, single-fork operation, riding on forks, lifting/lowering while moving

V. Diesel-Specific Daily Precautions

Item Daily Practice

Refueling Use specified diesel grade; refuel with engine off; no open flames

Exhaust ventilation Ensure adequate ventilation for indoor/warehouse operation to prevent CO buildup

Winter fuel Switch to low-grade diesel (e.g., -10, -20) based on temperature to prevent waxing

Pre-shutdown idle Idle for 2-3 minutes before shutdown to protect turbocharger

Leak cleanup Clean up fuel/hydraulic leaks immediately to eliminate fire hazards

VI. Parking Protocol

Lower forks to ground; tilt mast forward

Shift to neutral; engage parking brake

Idle for 2-3 minutes, then shut down

Turn off power; remove key

On slopes: place wheel chocks; point wheels toward safe direction

VII. Daily Safety Red Lines (Commit to Memory)

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❌ Operating without valid certification

❌ Operating under influence of alcohol, fatigue, or medication

❌ Overloading, excessive height/width, uneven loading

❌ Riding on forks or using forks to lift people

❌ Standing or walking under raised loads

❌ High-speed sharp turns or sudden braking

❌ Traversing or turning on slopes

❌ Lifting/lowering forks while driving

❌ Towing other vehicles with forklift

VIII. Simple Daily Maintenance

End of each shift: Clean body and forks of oil and debris

Weekly: Check tire bolt tightness; lubricate chains

Monthly: Inspect brake fluid and hydraulic oil condition; clean/replace air filter

Per schedule: Change engine oil, oil filter, and fuel filter (refer to maintenance manual)