Just as you would monitor your own health and take the necessary actions if required, your forklift requires the same love and attention if you want to want it to perform at optimal levels.
The forklift driver should before using the forklift do at least to the following checks on a daily basis.
Ensure that the forklift has fuel, be it petrol, LPG or diesel, or that the traction battery is fully charged. Then the driver should check that the wheel nuts are tight and that the tyres are in good condition without cracks or chunks missing.
Next one needs to ensure that all the lights are in working condition, that the hooter is operational, as well as all the gauges on the dashboard. If it has an internal combustion engine, the radiator water levels as well as oil levels of the engine, transmission and hydraulic tank should be checked.
The battery water level should be inspected as well as the coolant level in the radiator tank. The driver should ensure that there is not excessive play on the steering and that the brake fluid level has not dropped.
It is then also important to check that the mast is operating correctly i.e. up/down, tilting and side shifting. In the same vicinity the operator should check the forks for damages and also the overhead guard.
Lastly the driver should inspect the foot brake and park brake for correct operation.