A forklift is not a vehicle you can drive down the road to its new owner, and this is particularly true when it needs to go from one side of Australia to the other. Preparing your forklift to be transported is not particularly difficult, but it needs to be done properly to ensure that it is moved safely and in line with government regulations. These are the three tips to keep in mind before the forklift transport service arrives.

Limit Forklift Fuel

It is not safe to transport a forklift filled with fuel, so in the days leading up to the forklift collection, make sure your employees limit the amount of fuel placed into the machine. It is advisable to have just enough fuel in the tank so the forklift can drive on and off the transporter.

If your forklift is one that runs on LPG, turn off the valve once it is on the truck so that gas cannot escape. Additionally, disconnect the battery at its terminal points so there is no chance of a spark igniting gas in a confined space.

Get It Clean

Getting the forklift clean before transport is not so much about impressing the person receiving it, but more about moving the vehicle across state lines without upsetting the government. While the majority of forklifts are used inside, those used outside may have vegetation trapped around the wheels and under the chassis. There are strict biosecurity guidelines in each state and territory to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

Get your forklift cleaned so that no trace of mud, vegetation or seed remains. By doing this task yourself at your workplace, you lessen the need for a forklift cleaning to take place at an inspection station, which is an additional cost to you.

The Correct Position On The Transporter

Finally, have your forklift driver practice manoeuvring the forklift into place on a trailer. If you don't have a trailer for the driver to practice on, then mark out the size of one on the floor using masking tape. Reverse the forklift onto the trailer, so the forks are facing the rear of the trailer while transportation occurs. This position stops the forks penetrating the truck's cab if the transporter needs to come to a sudden stop and the forklift breaks free of its holding straps.

Use these pointers to get your forklift ready for its interstate journey so the trip goes off without a hitch.