When a new forklift arrives, do not put it straight into service. Take a few minutes to walk around the truck, check the basic functions, and compare the supplied items with the order before signing the handover form.
This is the point at which small delivery issues are easiest to deal with. A loose fitting, a low fluid level, a damaged label, or a missing manual may not stop the truck from moving, but it should still be recorded before the forklift starts work.
The checklist below follows the main points on a standard forklift delivery acceptance form. It can be used by the person receiving the truck, the site supervisor, or the maintenance team. It applies to both internal-combustion and electric forklifts, although the exact items will depend on the model and specification.
What Should Be Checked Before Acceptance?
Carry out the inspection on level ground with the forklift unloaded. Start with the overall condition of the truck, then work through the fluids, electrical functions, driving controls, working equipment, and delivery documents. If something is not right, note it on the acceptance form and clarify it with the supplier before the truck is released for normal use.
1. Check Engine Fluids and Hydraulic Oil Levels
For internal-combustion forklifts, start with the main service fluids. Check levels according to the manufacturer's procedure and look for signs of leakage around hoses, fittings, seals, and reservoirs.
Key items include:
engine oil;
coolant;
brake fluid;
transmission oil;
gear oil; and
hydraulic oil.
Low fluid levels or fresh leaks should be recorded and resolved before the truck is placed into service. For electric forklifts, the equivalent check may include battery electrolyte where applicable, together with a visual inspection of hydraulic and brake-fluid systems.
2. Verify the Electrical and Charging Systems
The electrical system should be checked before the first shift. Start by confirming that the lights and basic instruments work as expected.
General electrical checks
Check the battery, cables, and visible terminals for secure connections.
Confirm that headlights, warning lights, and other fitted lamps operate correctly.
Test switches, indicator functions, and dashboard instruments.
Check that the horn and other fitted warning devices work normally.
Electric forklift checks
For an electric forklift, inspect the battery assembly, electrolyte level and electrolyte specific gravity where the battery type requires it. Check the charger connection and confirm that charging-related functions operate normally. The electrical controller and motor area should also be clean and free from obvious dust buildup or loose wiring.
3. Test Driving, Steering, Braking, and Transmission Performance
A short functional check helps confirm that the forklift responds normally before it begins regular material-handling work.
During a controlled test drive, check:
engine starting and idling, where applicable; clutch and transmission response; drive axle operation; steering response and steering-axle travel limits; service brake performance; any unusual noise, vibration, or overheating; and whether the counterweight and other visible fasteners are secure.
The truck should move, steer, and stop smoothly. Any abnormal response should be reported before the forklift is released for work.
4. Inspect Tires, Mast, Forks, and Hydraulic Functions
The working equipment deserves close attention because it supports lifting, lowering, tilting, and load handling.
Tires and wheel assemblies
Check tire pressure against the applicable specification.
Inspect tires for visible damage or abnormal condition.
Confirm that wheel nuts are secure.
Mast and fork equipment
Check the clearance between mast rollers and the mast channels. Check the clearance between the fork carriage and mast. Inspect forks, the fork carriage, and the load backrest for visible damage or looseness. Check lift-chain tension and general chain condition.
Hydraulic and control functions
Confirm that lift and tilt functions operate smoothly.
Check that left and right tilt-cylinder movement is synchronized where applicable.
Test operating levers and control buttons for normal response.
Inspect visible hydraulic pipes and fittings for oil leaks.
Do not operate the forklift with damaged forks, a loose load backrest, abnormal chain tension, or active hydraulic leakage.
5. Check Appearance, Supplied Items, and Documentation
The final part of delivery inspection covers the condition of the truck and the items that should accompany it.
Inspect the forklift for:
paint damage, corrosion, or obvious surface defects; legible safety labels and product identification markings; supplied tools, accessories, and loose components listed in the order; and secure mounting of major components and fan-belt tension where visible and applicable.
The receiving team should also confirm that the forklift is delivered with its operating manual and the relevant maintenance or safety information. The person handing over the truck should explain the basic operation, daily care requirements, and scheduled service intervals before the customer signs the acceptance record.
A Simple Forklift Handover Checklist
Before signing the delivery or acceptance form, confirm that the following are complete:
Fluid levels checked and no visible oil, coolant, or brake-fluid leaks found
Battery and electrical functions checked
Lights, warning devices, switches, and instruments tested
Steering, braking, drive, and transmission functions tested
Tires, wheel fasteners, mast, forks, chains, and load backrest inspected
Lift, tilt, controls, and hydraulic lines checked
Paint, safety markings, supplied accessories, and basic documentation checked
Operating and maintenance instructions handed over to the receiving team
Any open issue recorded before acceptance
Delivery Inspection Is the Start of Proper Maintenance
A delivery inspection creates the baseline for the forklift's working life. After acceptance, the same discipline should continue through daily checks and scheduled service intervals.
To explore equipment suited to your handling requirements, visit our forklift product pages and select the model that matches your load, operating environment, fuel or power preference, and lift-height needs.
A diesel forklift is expected to work hard, often across long shifts and demanding sites. Warranty coverage is designed to support customers when a covered part has a material, manufacturing, or assembly defect under normal use. It also depends on the truck being operated and serviced as required.
HITOP Diesel Forklift Warranty Guide: Coverage, Service Requirements and Customer Responsibilities
وكيلنا المحلي السيد عادل يقدم الدعم الفني الميداني للرافعات الشوكية في المملكة العربية السعودية
