What should you check in a forklift pre-start?

A forklift pre-start typically covers overhead guard and mast (chains, rollers), forks and carriage (condition, locks, backrest), hydraulics (lift, tilt, side shift, hoses, oil), controls (steering, brakes), lights and horn, seatbelt and seat, tyres, engine or battery and fluids, and documentation (design registration, operator licence). Complete the check before each use or at the start of each shift.

Is a forklift pre-start checklist required by law?

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and industry. In Australia, workplace health and safety obligations often require that forklifts and plant are maintained and fit for use; many organisations use pre-start checklists to demonstrate due diligence. Check your local regulations and company policy.

Can I use a digital or mobile app for forklift pre-starts?

Yes. Digital pre-start forms on phone or tablet are widely used for forklifts. They keep evidence, photos and timestamps attached to each forklift and support compliance and audits. MapTrack lets you build pre-start forms (including from this template), complete them on mobile, including offline, and attach results to the asset record. Book a demo to see how.

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PDF-ready forklift daily inspection form. Covers mast, forks, hydraulics, lights, horn, tyres and compliance. Free to download.

Last updated: April 2026

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

How to use: download the PDF, print or complete digitally on any device.

✓PDF format, ready to print or fill on screen
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What is a forklift pre-start checklist?

A forklift pre-start checklist (or forklift daily inspection) is a list of tasks and inspections to perform before a forklift is used. It helps operators and supervisors confirm the forklift is safe and fit for use, reducing the risk of accidents, breakdowns and non-compliance. The checklist should be completed daily or before each use and is a preventive measure to catch problems - such as mast damage, fork wear or hydraulic leaks - before they escalate.

Benefits of using this forklift pre-start checklist

Fewer financial losses: spot minor issues before they become costly repairs or downtime.
Defects before use: uncover problems that could cause damage or injury when the forklift is started or operated.
Compliance: meet regulatory and organisational requirements and demonstrate due diligence.
Preventive maintenance: keep forklifts in good order and reduce unexpected failures.
Consistency and accountability: a standardised approach so important checks aren't missed.
Recordkeeping: maintain a record of pre-starts for maintenance history and audits.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you move your checklists from paper to MapTrack, you get:

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Auto-schedule pre-start forms so operators are prompted before every shift.
Flag overdue pre-starts on the dashboard so nothing leaves the yard unchecked.
Link each pre-start to the asset record for a complete inspection history.

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What to include in a forklift pre-start checklist

This forklift pre-start checklist covers 8 key areas:

Forklift details: forklift ID, hours/meter, make/model, date, operator name and site/location.
Overhead guard, mast and forks: overhead guard secure, mast and chains, fork condition and locks, carriage and backrest, load capacity plate.
Hydraulics and controls: lift/lower, tilt, side shift, hoses and oil level, steering, brakes.
Lights, horn and safety: lights, horn, reversing alarm, seatbelt, seat, fire extinguisher, decals.
Tyres, engine/battery and fluids: tyres or wheels, engine oil and coolant or battery (electric), fuel/LPG, leaks, exhaust (IC).
Documentation and compliance: design registration, operator licence, keys and start/stop check.
Declaration: confirmation that the check was completed, defects reported and forklift not used until safe.
Signature: operator signature, print name and date/time.

How to use this forklift pre-start checklist

Complete forklift and operator details at the top of the checklist.
Go through each item and inspect the corresponding component. Mark Pass or Fail (and add notes if needed).
If any item fails, note it and do not use the forklift until it's rectified or approved. Report defects per your procedures.
Sign and date when the check is complete. Keep the form for your records or export/save as PDF.

In MapTrack, you can run digital pre-starts attached to each asset. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

Complete a forklift pre-start inspection (forklift daily inspection) before each use or at the start of each shift. Many organisations require a daily pre-start for forklifts; some require a check before every session or shift change. If the forklift has been sitting unused, has had repairs, or was used by another operator, do a fresh check. Your company policy or contract may specify frequency. When in doubt, complete the checklist each time you use the forklift.

Frequently asked questions

What should you check in a forklift pre-start?: A forklift pre-start typically covers overhead guard and mast (chains, rollers), forks and carriage (condition, locks, backrest), hydraulics (lift, tilt, side shift, hoses, oil), controls (steering, brakes), lights and horn, seatbelt and seat, tyres, engine or battery and fluids, and documentation (design registration, operator licence). Complete the check before each use or at the start of each shift.
Is a forklift pre-start checklist required by law?: Requirements vary by jurisdiction and industry. In Australia, workplace health and safety obligations often require that forklifts and plant are maintained and fit for use; many organisations use pre-start checklists to demonstrate due diligence. Check your local regulations and company policy.
Can I use a digital or mobile app for forklift pre-starts?: Yes. Digital pre-start forms on phone or tablet are widely used for forklifts. They keep evidence, photos and timestamps attached to each forklift and support compliance and audits. MapTrack lets you build pre-start forms (including from this template), complete them on mobile, including offline, and attach results to the asset record. Book a demo to see how.

Need to run digital pre-starts attached to each asset?

Register every asset in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.

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