When operating forestry trucks, it is always important to take precautionary measures every time. Operating a vehicle through a dense forest surrounded by towering trees and trekking through unpredictable terrain is a challenging job, and comes with plenty of risks as well. There’s the danger of hitting a tree, or getting hit by a falling tree limb.

Despite built-in safety features, there are still numerous things that could go wrong. External factors such as the worksite location or an excessive load weight can make a forestry truck unsafe. Before operating this vehicle, it is important to perform a few safety checks to make sure the vehicle is safe for operation.

Follow Scheduled Maintenance

Following a regular maintenance schedule is important to keep the truck’s performance at its best while extending its potential service life.

Every major part of the truck such as the brake pads, engine oil, tires, and batteries has its own maintenance schedule based on the number of miles it has traveled. The number of miles varies from one vehicle maker to another so make sure to check your owner’s manual for the specific maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

If the scheduled maintenance is not closely followed, the warranty may not be honored, the service life could be reduced, all of which could eventually make the truck dangerous to operate.

Observe Proper Operating Procedures

Forestry trucks come in all shapes and sizes and are equipped with various tools. Some have large booms with a reinforced bucket on one end; others have massive hydraulic claws used for clutching timber and loading it into the truck bed, while others have oversized spades powered by hydraulic rams used for uprooting small trees. One thing these vehicles have in common is that they need to follow a proper operating procedure to safely function.

When operating forestry trucks, always follow the capacity limits set by the manufacturer. Do not try to load more than the stated set capacity.

Do not use the vehicle for other than its intended purpose, I.e. do not use a bucket truck as a substitute for a crane and vice versa.

Operate the vehicle only at suitable locations. I.e. only operate a hydraulic lift on flat and even terrains to avoid tipping.

Whatever the vehicle’s design, follow the manufacturer’s operating procedure to protect the equipment from damage and make it safer to use.

Perform Daily Inspections

Before using the vehicle, it is important to check it for any obvious damage. Check the tires for any wear that could cause it to have a tire blowout on the road. Look for any leaks around the vehicle. Check for any dripping fluids which could be leaking engine oil, radiator fluid, or hydraulic fluid. Once the engine starts, listen for any abnormal sounds which could be an obvious sign of engine trouble.

Upon arrival at the worksite, check all equipment before beginning operations. Make sure the parking brake is engaged and all warning lights are working. If the equipment uses a hydraulic system, check the hoses for any leaks. Small leaks could eventually cause the hydraulic system to lose pressure. Make sure the outriggers are deployed properly and provide a stable base for the vehicle. Keep the equipment controls manned at all times.

After a day’s work, perform another quick inspection before storing the vehicle. Forestry trucks can easily get damaged due to the nature of the terrain where operating. Check for any parts that might have broken during operation, such as dented rims, cuts around the tires, broken signal lights, etc.

If you will follow these simple before-hand procedures as well as a last-minute look-over before beginning operations, you will extend the life of your forestry truck and make it a safer vehicle to use.