Rough Terrain Forklift Interactive Thorough Examination Guide

In order to oblige by both LOLER 1998, which covers lifting equipment, and PUWER 1998, which deals with other components such as brakes, steering and tyres, you will need to have your rough terrain forklift undergo a CFTS Thorough Inspection. These inspections will cover every component of the machinery to look for faults or malfunctions, including a lot of the PUWER parts which are not checked in a non-CFTS examination.

To give you an indication of the thoroughness of a CFTS examination, we’ve created this interactive guide to explain the different parts of your rough terrain forklift, the potential damages they can incur and what legislations the product has to meet to be deemed safe for use. Simply click on a part to find out more.

We also have interactive guides for other forklift trucks including man-up, telehandler, reach and counterbalance forklifts.

Rough Terrain * Click an area to find out more

    Loler (Lifting Parts)

    Puwer (Other Parts)

  • 1Forks

    Fork arms are inspected for any sign of abrasion or stress that can weaken them. The fork arms must meet ISO 5057 in terms of wear, cracks and damage. Finally, the fork locations and end stops are checked.

  • 2Attachments | Side Shift (If Present)

    Any permanent attachment or sideshift must operate smoothly and be in control throughout its entire range of movement. The attachment should be mounted very securely and be free from any damage. Any attachment that can be unattached must be checked twice a year.

  • 3Carriage

    Fork arm carriers are checked for any sign of distortion and cracking, and a load rest extension must be securely attached, if present.

  • 4Load Guard

    The load guard is checked for strength and a good structural integrity. The load guard is also checked to ensure it is firmly attached.

  • 5Tilt Mechanism

    The tilt mechanism is checked for an even, controlled movement and for damage and scoring, which can indicate a more serious problem.

  • 6Mast

    The mast is checked for a full range of movement, safe operation and strong structural integrity. The same tests are also carried out on the boom on a telehandler.

  • 7Chains

    The chains are checked for any signs of wear, elongation or corrosion in three separate places, which can result in a link chain failure. The condition of the anchors and pulleys are also checked.

  • 8Hydraulic Systems

    All hoses, pipes, cylinders and reservoirs used by the hydraulic systems and inspected for signs of damage, and the filters are inspected for any debris that can cause blockages in the filters. A prolonged load test may also be carried out to rule out an unacceptable descent.

  • 9Controls

    Controls must be fully functional and securely mounted and marked. Any linkages and cables are inspected for any corrosion or damage that can cause future failures.

  • 10Rating Plate

    Rating information must be legible, up-to-date and securely attached.

  • 1Overhead Guard | Cab

    The overhead guard or cab will be checked for any sort of damage or structural problems, and the security of the attachment will also be analysed. Transparent screens must be undamaged and offer full visibility.

  • 2Safety Systems

    Audible and visible alarms, interlocks, seat switches or any other safety system must be fully functional and in good working condition. Capacity and data plates must be present, legible and visible.

  • 3Steering

    Mechanical and hydraulic elements of the steering are inspected for any corrosion or damage that can compromise the response of the steering. A maneuver will be performed at a low speed to test the steering response times.

  • 4Seat Restraint

    Any sort of emergency seat restraint - such as a seat belt - should be securely attached and in good condition, free from any damage that can impede its functioning adequately.

  • 5Structural Fastenings

    Any fastening for a crucial structure, such as those for axles, fluid reservoirs and batteries, must be very robust, securely attached and free from any damage that could cause failure.

  • 6Seat Mountings

    Seat mounting will be checked for a secure fastening, and the panel it is attached to must be in good condition. If there is an anti-vibration mechanism, it will be scrutinised for any damage.

  • 7Traction System

    The engine, exhaust, prime mover and transmission are inspected for any signs of damage or wear. If there is a 4WD and differential locking system fitted then they must also be checked.

  • 8Chassis

    The chassis, in particular the welds, is checked for any signs of damage or cracking.

  • 9Brakes

    Both service and parking brakes, hydraulics, pneumatics, mountings, pedals, lever and linkages are thoroughly checked for any signs of damage that could cause a brakes failure.

  • 10Counterweight

    The fastenings for the counterweight must be safe, strong and undamaged, able to hold down the counterweight and prevent the truck from tipping over.

  • 11Wheels

    Wheels and assemblies should be strong and securely fitted, with the bearings in particular being scrutinised.

  • 12Tyres

    Tyres must be correctly inflated, free from holes and punctures and with enough tread to provide good grip.

    Loler (Lifting Parts)

  • 1Forks

    Fork arms are inspected for any sign of abrasion or stress that can weaken them. The fork arms must meet ISO 5057 in terms of wear, cracks and damage. Finally, the fork locations and end stops are checked.

  • 2Attachments | Side Shift (If Present)

    Any permanent attachment or sideshift must operate smoothly and be in control throughout its entire range of movement. The attachment should be mounted very securely and be free from any damage. Any attachment that can be unattached must be checked twice a year.

  • 3Carriage

    Fork arm carriers are checked for any sign of distortion and cracking, and a load rest extension must be securely attached, if present.

  • 4Load Guard

    The load guard is checked for strength and a good structural integrity. The load guard is also checked to ensure it is firmly attached.

  • 5Tilt Mechanism

    The tilt mechanism is checked for an even, controlled movement and for damage and scoring, which can indicate a more serious problem.

  • 6Mast

    The mast is checked for a full range of movement, safe operation and strong structural integrity. The same tests are also carried out on the boom on a telehandler.

  • 7Chains

    The chains are checked for any signs of wear, elongation or corrosion in three separate places, which can result in a link chain failure. The condition of the anchors and pulleys are also checked.

  • 8Hydraulic Systems

    All hoses, pipes, cylinders and reservoirs used by the hydraulic systems and inspected for signs of damage, and the filters are inspected for any debris that can cause blockages in the filters. A prolonged load test may also be carried out to rule out an unacceptable descent.

  • 9Controls

    Controls must be fully functional and securely mounted and marked. Any linkages and cables are inspected for any corrosion or damage that can cause future failures.

  • 10Rating Plate

    Rating information must be legible, up-to-date and securely attached.

    Puwer (Other Parts)

  • 1Overhead Guard | Cab

    The overhead guard or cab will be checked for any sort of damage or structural problems, and the security of the attachment will also be analysed. Transparent screens must be undamaged and offer full visibility.

  • 2Safety Systems

    Audible and visible alarms, interlocks, seat switches or any other safety system must be fully functional and in good working condition. Capacity and data plates must be present, legible and visible.

  • 3Steering

    Mechanical and hydraulic elements of the steering are inspected for any corrosion or damage that can compromise the response of the steering. A maneuver will be performed at a low speed to test the steering response times.

  • 4Seat Restraint

    Any sort of emergency seat restraint - such as a seat belt - should be securely attached and in good condition, free from any damage that can impede its functioning adequately.

  • 5Structural Fastenings

    Any fastening for a crucial structure, such as those for axles, fluid reservoirs and batteries, must be very robust, securely attached and free from any damage that could cause failure.

  • 6Seat Mountings

    Seat mounting will be checked for a secure fastening, and the panel it is attached to must be in good condition. If there is an anti-vibration mechanism, it will be scrutinised for any damage.

  • 7Traction System

    The engine, exhaust, prime mover and transmission are inspected for any signs of damage or wear. If there is a 4WD and differential locking system fitted then they must also be checked.

  • 8Chassis

    The chassis, in particular the welds, is checked for any signs of damage or cracking.

  • 9Brakes

    Both service and parking brakes, hydraulics, pneumatics, mountings, pedals, lever and linkages are thoroughly checked for any signs of damage that could cause a brakes failure.

  • 10Counterweight

    The fastenings for the counterweight must be safe, strong and undamaged, able to hold down the counterweight and prevent the truck from tipping over.

  • 11Wheels

    Wheels and assemblies should be strong and securely fitted, with the bearings in particular being scrutinised.

  • 12Tyres

    Tyres must be correctly inflated, free from holes and punctures and with enough tread to provide good grip.

View our other Forklift Examination Guides