In logistics warehousing, manufacturing workshops, and other scenarios, electric forklifts are "core equipment" for improving cargo handling efficiency. However, complex operating environments such as narrow passages, high-altitude stacking, and personnel cross-operation can increase operational safety risks.
Therefore, pre-operation equipment inspection is crucial for ensuring personnel safety, reducing corporate losses, and is an important cornerstone of safe production in the logistics industry.
1. Pre-operation Equipment Inspection
(1) Power Module Before operation, check the battery level. Use the onboard dashboard to check the remaining battery power. If the power is insufficient for the upcoming operation, the machine may stop during transport, and battery depletion may shorten its lifespan. For long-term continuous operation, prepare spare batteries in advance to avoid delays caused by temporary shutdowns for charging.
Connection Inspection: Open the battery compartment cover and check if the battery connection wires are loose. If so, tighten them with a wrench to the specified torque in the instruction manual to prevent sparks from loose connections. If using lead-acid batteries, check if the electrolyte level is between the "minimum" and "maximum" marks (usually marked on the battery casing). If the level is insufficient, add distilled water (do not add tap water or electrolyte, otherwise it will damage the internal chemical reaction of the battery). If using lithium batteries, check if the battery casing has bulges or leaks. If any abnormality is found, stop using the battery immediately and contact a professional for repair.
(2) Control Module
Before daily operation, test the braking system: After starting the forklift, drive in an open area without obstacles, lightly press the brake pedal, and feel if the braking feedback is timely and without "delay or deviation".
Steering System Check: Hold the steering wheel with both hands and turn it slightly left and right to feel if the steering is smooth and without "stuttering or abnormal noise". If the steering is heavy, open the steering gear oil tank cap and check if the oil level is below the mark. If insufficient, add dedicated steering gear oil. Do not mix other types of oil to avoid damaging the steering pump.
(3) Execution Module
Visually inspect the forks for deformation or cracks. Compare with the equipment manual. If wear reaches a certain level, the forks need repair or replacement. If visible cracks are found, replace them immediately to prevent fork breakage and cargo falling during operation.
Hydraulic System Test: Start the hydraulic pump and operate the control lever to raise, lower, and tilt the forks. Observe the surface of the hydraulic cylinder for oil stains (no oil stains indicate no leakage). Check if the fork raising and lowering speed is stable (no sudden acceleration, jamming, or descent). If oil leakage is found in the cylinder, replace the seals. Do not operate with leaks to avoid insufficient hydraulic oil causing fork loss of control.
Safe operation of electric forklifts cannot be achieved through a single inspection. It requires continuous safety awareness cultivation throughout the pre-operation, during-operation, and post-operation phases. This is the key to building a solid safety barrier in the long term and the secret to extending the equipment's service life.
