Telehandler Daily Checks: A Pre-Use Checklist for Manitou, JCB and Other Telehandlers
A telehandler daily pre-use checklist for Manitou, JCB and other models: walk-around, fluids, boom, attachments, safety systems and what to do when a check fails.
Short answer: before each shift, the operator walks around the telehandler with the engine off, checks fluids, tyres, boom and attachment, then starts it and tests the controls, brakes, steering and safety systems, including the load moment indicator. The checks are much the same on a Manitou, a JCB, or any other make. The manufacturer's operator manual for that model is the final reference, and anything that fails means the machine is not used until it is fixed.
1. Walk-Around, Engine Off
- ✓Tyres: pressure, cuts, and wheel nuts all in place
- ✓Boom: no cracks, bent sections, or damaged wear pads
- ✓Hydraulic hoses and rams: no leaks, chafing, or damage
- ✓Attachment: correct one fitted, locked on with its locking pin or hydraulic lock engaged
- ✓Forks or carriage: no cracks, bends, or worn heels
- ✓Stabilisers, if fitted: no damage or leaks
- ✓Lights, beacon, mirrors, and glass: clean and undamaged
- ✓Load chart for the fitted attachment present in the cab
2. Fluids
- ✓Engine oil level
- ✓Coolant level, checked with the engine cold
- ✓Hydraulic oil level
- ✓Fuel, and AdBlue on models that use it
- ✓No fresh puddles or drips under the machine
3. Engine On: Controls and Safety Systems
- ✓Warning lights clear after start-up
- ✓Load moment indicator or overload system tested as the manual describes
- ✓Boom raise, lower, extend, retract, and tilt work smoothly
- ✓Service brake and parking brake hold
- ✓Steering modes work, including four-wheel and crab steer if fitted
- ✓Horn, reversing alarm, lights, and beacon work
- ✓Seat belt fastens and the seat switch works
Extra Checks in UAE Heat
In summer, check the radiator and oil cooler are not blocked with dust, check coolant before the first start, and look closely at tyres that have stood in the sun. Plan heavy lifting for the cooler hours. Our guide to running equipment through Abu Dhabi's summer covers the midday break.
When a Check Fails
Do not use the machine. Tag it out of use, record the fault on the checklist, and tell the supervisor. On a rental telehandler, call the supplier. A failed overload system, brake, or boom defect is never something to work around for the rest of the shift.
Every Seven Lift telehandler rental arrives serviced, with its inspection certificate and load charts, and we replace a machine that fails its checks. For forklifts, use our forklift daily inspection checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the daily checks on a Manitou telehandler?+
A walk-around of tyres, boom, hoses, and attachment with the engine off, a check of engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil and fuel, then an engine-on test of controls, brakes, steering, lights, alarms, and the load moment indicator. Follow the Manitou operator manual for that model.
Who should do the telehandler daily check?+
The operator, before each shift, using a written checklist that is kept on site. Faults go to the supervisor, and the machine is not used until it is repaired.
Is the daily check the same as a third-party inspection?+
No. The daily check is the operator's pre-use check. A third-party inspection is a periodic examination by an approved inspector, recorded on a certificate that most UAE sites ask for.
Related Pages
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