TM 10-3930-671-24 Do   not   operate   a   lift   truck   with   damaged   or   missing decals    and    nameplates.    Replace    them    immediately. They contain important information. 1. First, perform a visual inspection of the truck and its components. Walk around the truck and take note  of  any  obvious  damage  and  maintenance problems. Check for loose fasteners and fittings and loose sheet metal. 2. Be  sure  to  make  a  thorough  inspection  of  the critical components that handle or carry the load. 3. Check    to    be    sure    all    capacity,    safety,    and warning    plates    or    decals    are    attached    and legible. 4. Inspect    the    truck,    before    and    after    starting engine,  for  any  signs  of  external  leakage:    fuel, engine coolant, transmission fluid, etc. 5. Check  for  hydraulic  oil  leaks  and  loose  fittings. Do not use bare hands to check. Oil may be hot or under pressure. Overhead Guard, Load Backrest, Fork Retainers 1. Be sure overhead guard, load backrest extension,  finger  guards,  and  any  other  safety devices  are  in  place,  undamaged,  and  attached securely. 2. Check overhead guard for damage. Be sure it is properly  positioned  and  all  mounting  fasteners are in place and tight. 3. Check   load   backrest   for   damage.   Inspect   the welds   on   the   carriage   and   load   backrest   for cracks. Be sure that the mounting fasteners are all in place and tight. 4. If  load  backrest  has  been  removed,  a  bolt  and washer must be in place on each end of the top fork bar to act as a fork stop. Upright and Lift Chains NOTE Uprights   and   lift   chains   require   special   attention   and maintenance     to     maintain     them     in safe operating condition. 1. Inspect   the   upright   assembly:      rails,   carriage rollers, lift chains, lift and tilt cylinders. • Look  for  obvious  wear  and  maintenance problems, and damaged or missing parts. • Look for any loose parts or fittings. Check for  leaks,  any  damaged  or  loose  rollers, and  rail  wear.  Check  for  metal  flaking  in the roller pathways. • Carefully  check  the  lift  chains  for  wear, rust   and   corrosion,   cracked   or   broken links, stretching, etc. • Check  that  the  lift  chain  anchor  fasteners and locking means are in place and tight. • Check  and  adjust  fork  height  to  prevent fork wear. 2.    Be sure all safety guards and chain retainers are in place and not damaged. Inspect the  carriage stops   and   cylinder   retainer   bolts.   Check   all welded connections. 3.    Inspect   all   lift   line   hydraulic   connections   for leaks. 4.    Check   the   lift   cylinder   rods   for   wear   marks, grooves, and scratches. 5.    Check the cylinder seals for leaks. F-42