Telehandler Inspection Checklist: Daily Checks and Service Intervals

Last updated: October 2026

A telehandler should be inspected before every shift. OSHA requires it, and a good daily check catches leaks, worn parts and failing safety systems before they cause an accident or a breakdown on the job.

This guide covers what OSHA requires, a complete daily telehandler checklist, a typical service schedule, and what to do when you find a problem. You can also download our free printable telehandler inspection report.

In this guide:

• Telehandler inspection requirements
• Daily telehandler inspection checklist
• Free printable checklist (PDF)
• Telehandler service schedule
• What to do if you find a problem
• Inspecting a used telehandler before you buy
• FAQs

For a general daily checklist and inspection checklists for other machines, see our heavy equipment inspection checklist.

OSHA treats telehandlers as rough terrain forklifts, so they fall under its powered industrial truck standard (29 CFR 1910.178), which also applies on construction sites through 1926.602.

• Daily examination: a telehandler must be examined before it is placed in service, at least daily. If it runs around the clock, it must be examined after each shift.
• Remove unsafe machines: if the examination finds a condition that affects safety, the telehandler can’t be used until it is repaired. Defects must be reported right away, and repairs must be made by authorized personnel.
• Trained operators: operators must be trained and evaluated on the type of machine they use, and re-evaluated at least every 3 years.
• Industry standard: ANSI/ITSDF B56.6, the standard for rough terrain forklifts, also calls for a pre-operation inspection, and covers work platforms used on telehandlers.

Unlike scissor and boom lifts, telehandlers don’t have a required annual inspection under these rules, but many fleets do one anyway as part of their preventive maintenance. If you lift people with a work platform, the platform must be approved by the telehandler’s manufacturer and used with the matching load chart. Read the OSHA standard for the full requirements.

Do the visual checks with the engine off, the boom fully lowered and retracted, and the machine parked on level ground. Then start the machine and run the function tests. Checklists vary by make and model, so also follow the operator’s manual for your telehandler.

• Operator’s manual and safety manuals are in the cab.
• Load charts are in the cab and match the attachment in use.
• Capacity, warning and safety decals are in place and readable.
• The operator is trained and authorized on this type of telehandler.

• Boom sections, welds and cylinders have no cracks, dents or bends.
• Boom wear pads are in place and not worn past their limits.
• Extension chains or cables (if equipped) are adjusted and undamaged.
• Pivot pins and retainers are in place.
• Frame, axles and stabilizers (if equipped) show no damage.
• No hydraulic leaks at cylinders, hoses and fittings.

• The attachment is locked to the quick-attach carriage and the locking pins are fully engaged.
• Forks have no cracks, bends or excessive heel wear, and the fork pins are secure.
• The attachment is approved for the machine and has a matching load chart.

• Tires are inflated to spec (or foam filled) with no cuts, bulges or missing chunks.
• Lug nuts are present and tight.

• Engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel and DEF (if equipped) are at the right levels.
• Drain water from the fuel/water separator.
• Check the air filter indicator, belts and hoses.
• Battery terminals are clean and tight.

• ROPS/FOPS cab structure, glass and mirrors are undamaged.
• Seat, seat belt and seat switch work.
• Gauges and warning lights work, with no active fault codes.

• Horn, lights and backup alarm work.
• Service brakes and parking brake hold.
• All steering modes work (front-wheel, four-wheel and crab steer).
• Boom lift, lower, extend, retract and tilt operate smoothly with no unusual noises.
• Frame leveling returns to level (0 degrees) and stabilizers raise and lower.
• The load stability or load management indicator passes its self-test and alarms work.
• Auxiliary hydraulics work if you are using a powered attachment.

Download our free telehandler inspection report to use on paper. It covers the engine, hydraulics, frame and chassis, operation, tires, drive train and cab, with spaces for the make, model, hours and serial number, and a key for marking each item acceptable, future repair or needs repair.

Daily checks don’t replace scheduled maintenance. Each manufacturer sets its own intervals, so use the service manual for your model. As an example, here is JLG’s published maintenance schedule for its JLG and SkyTrak telehandlers under normal conditions:

Heavy use, dust, mud or extreme temperatures can call for shorter intervals. Keep a record of every inspection and service, since buyers will ask for it when you sell.

• Don’t use the telehandler. Tag it out of service at the controls so no one else uses it.
• Report the problem to your supervisor or fleet manager right away.
• Have a qualified, authorized technician make the repair using the manufacturer’s procedures and parts.
• Re-inspect and function test the machine before putting it back in service, and record the repair.

The same checklist works when you’re looking at a used telehandler, with a few additions. Ask for the service records and hour meter history, check for a recent fluid analysis if one was done, and look closely at boom wear pads, pivot pins, axles and tires, since they are expensive to replace. Run every function under a light load and check the load management system.

See our brand guides to Genie telehandlers, JLG telehandlers and Skyjack telehandlers for models, specs and used prices, or our ultimate guide to telehandlers for the basics.

FleetNow Inspect replaces paper checklists with digital inspections. Complete telehandler inspections in the shop or on site, add photos of problems and share reports with one click. FleetNow estimates that switching to digital inspections can save $2,700 per mechanic each year.

To learn more, contact FleetNow or call 1-216-973-5124.

FleetNow lists used telehandlers from rental companies, dealers and contractors across the country. Browse all used telehandlers, or shop by brand: Genie, JLG and more. Have a telehandler to sell? List your equipment on FleetNow.