# Complete Pre-Operation Safety Inspection Guide for Rough Terrain Forklifts

At engineering operation sites, rough-terrain forklifts, as special equipment, have safe operation directly related to the safety of human life and property. According to statistics, more than 60% of forklift accidents stem from inadequate safety inspections. This article systematically introduces the standard pre-use safety inspection process for rough-terrain forklifts to help operators establish scientific safety inspection habits. I. Appearance Inspection (5-Minute Basic Inspection) Body Structure Inspection Check the frame for obvious deformation or cracks (focus on welded areas); confirm that protective devices (ROPS/FOPS) are intact; check whether rearview mirrors, lights, and other accessories are complete. Travel System Inspection Tire/track wear inspection (tread depth not less than 5 mm); tire pressure check (within ±10% of the manufacturer's specified value); check wheel hub bolt tightness (torque meets standard). Attachment Inspection Forks free of cracks and deformation (maximum bending <3 mm); locking mechanism functions normally; attachment connecting pins and safety devices intact. II. Fluid System Inspection (3-Minute Key Items) Fluid Level Inspection Engine oil (check 10 minutes after shutdown); hydraulic oil (between scale marks at 40°C oil temperature); coolant (expansion tank level between MAX and MIN). Leak Inspection No oil stains on the engine bottom; no leakage at hydraulic line joints; no signs of oil leakage in the transmission. III. Function Testing (8-Minute Core Inspection) Power System Test Cold start test (continuous starting not exceeding 10 seconds); idle operation (speed fluctuation <±50 rpm); exhaust color observation (no abnormal black/blue smoke). Hydraulic System Test Lifting/lowering speed test (0.5-0.7 m/s at full load); no creeping in hydraulic cylinders; pressure gauge readings normal (refer to equipment nameplate). Braking System Test Parking brake slope test (hold for 5 minutes on a 15° slope); service braking distance test (braking distance <5 m at 20 km/h); brake pedal free travel (10-15 mm). IV. Safety Device Verification (4-Minute Mandatory Items) Alarm System Test Reverse alarm volume ≥87 dB; warning lights function normally; no fault codes displayed on the instrument panel. Protective Device Inspection Seat belt locking function normal; emergency shutdown switch effective; rollover protection structure free of structural damage. Operation Control System Steering wheel free play <15°; all control levers return flexibly; pedal travel normal. V. Environmental Assessment (2-Minute On-Site Confirmation) Work Area Inspection Ground load-bearing capacity assessment (≥1.5 times the equipment's ground contact pressure); slope confirmation (not exceeding the equipment's maximum gradeability); identify obstacles and hazard sources. Climate Condition Confirmation Visibility >50 meters; wind speed <10 m/s (tracked type <15 m/s); extreme temperature warning (-25°C to +45°C). VI. Inspection Records and Handling Standardized Records Use the Daily Checklist to record 28 indicators; fill out the Equipment Abnormality Report Form when abnormalities are found; sign to confirm inspection results. Graded Problem Handling General problems (such as lights not working) handled within 24 hours; serious problems (such as brake failure) immediately taken out of service and reported for repair; safety hazards must be tagged with warning signs. Professional Advice: Establish the "Three No's Principle" — do not start if inspection is incomplete, do not operate if hazards are not cleared, do not use if abnormalities are not reported. After a certain logistics park implemented this standard, the forklift accident rate dropped by 72%. It is recommended to reserve 15-20 minutes before each operation for systematic inspection; this 20-minute investment may prevent 80% of potential accidents. By strictly executing this inspection process, rough-terrain forklifts can always be kept in optimal working condition. Remember: safety is not accidental, but the inevitable result of strictly implementing the inspection system. Standardized inspection not only ensures operational safety but also extends equipment service life by more than 30%, making it the most economical investment in equipment management.