Telehandlers can lift like a crane and carry like a forklift, which is why they have become popular on Indian construction and industrial sites. That reach is also their biggest risk. The further the boom extends, the less the machine can safely carry, and an overloaded or badly set-up telehandler can tip forward in a moment. Its safety depends on the load moment indicator and stabilisers. A short daily check before work keeps them working. This checklist covers it, and shows how sites record telehandler checks in HVI.
Telehandler Daily Inspection Checklist: Boom, Forks and Safety
Boom and wear pads, forks and quick hitch, load moment indicator, stabilisers, hydraulics, brakes, tyres and seat belt, checked before every shift.
Pre-Start Checklist
The operator should complete these before every shift. Do not operate if any safety item fails.
Boom and Attachment Guide
These parts carry the load at full reach. Follow the maker's manual for wear limits and service intervals.
| Part | What to check | Stop work if |
|---|---|---|
| Boom sections | Welds, dents and straightness | Cracks or bent sections |
| Wear pads | Pad wear and boom play | Excessive play when extended |
| Forks | Heel wear, cracks and bent tines | Cracks, bends or worn heels |
| Quick hitch | Locking pins engaged | Pins not fully engaged |
| Boom cylinders | Seals and holding valves | Boom drifts or leaks |
| Chains or ropes, if fitted | Wear and adjustment | Stretch or damage beyond limits |
Setting Up for a Safe Lift
The load moment indicator and stabilisers only protect the machine if they are set up and used correctly.
Level the machine
Use the frame level and firm ground.
Set stabilisers
Lower them fully onto pads where fitted.
Select attachment
Choose the right chart and setting on the indicator.
Check the chart
Confirm the load at the planned reach and height.
Every Telehandler Checked Before Every Shift
HVI gives operators this checklist on their phone, records defects with photos and flags any telehandler with a faulty load moment indicator, so it stays parked until repaired.
Why Telehandlers Tip Over
Forward tip-overs are a major telehandler risk. These are the common causes.
Overreaching
Extending further than the chart allows.
Fix: check the chart for every liftIndicator bypassed
Overriding warnings to finish a lift.
Fix: never override, report faultsUneven ground
Lifting with the frame out of level.
Fix: level the frame before liftingTravelling raised
Driving with the boom high or extended.
Fix: travel with boom low and retractedNever exceed the load chart or override the load moment indicator. Always wear the seat belt, never lift people on forks or a pallet, and stay well clear of overhead power lines.
Telehandler Status in HVI
A sample view across a contractor's telehandlers.
| Machine | Site | Daily check | Defect | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TH-02 | Warehouse build | Passed | None | Working |
| TH-05 | Housing project | Passed | Wear pads showing play | Book service |
| TH-07 | Factory extension | Failed | Load indicator not working | Do not operate |
Telehandler Inspection FAQs
What should be checked on a telehandler every day?
Fluid levels, boom sections, wear pads and pins, forks or attachment and quick hitch, hydraulic hoses, tyres, stabilisers, the load moment indicator, seat belt, brakes, horn, lights and reverse alarm.
What does a load moment indicator do?
It monitors how close the machine is to tipping forward and warns the operator, or limits movement, as the load approaches the safe limit. It must be tested daily and never overridden.
Why does capacity fall as the boom extends?
The further out the load is, the more it tries to tip the machine forward. That is why the load chart shows lower capacities at longer reach.
Can a telehandler be used to lift people?
Only with a man basket or platform approved by the maker for that machine, and never on forks or pallets. Teams that record checks in HVI can log attachment checks too.
Can telehandler checks be done on a phone?
Yes. Operators complete the daily checklist with photos, and machines with safety faults are flagged straight away. Book a demo to see telehandler checklists in HVI.
Reach Safely, Every Lift
Check every telehandler before use, set up stabilisers and the load indicator correctly, respect the load chart and track every defect in HVI. Fewer tip-overs and safer lifts.
