3.1 Pre-Start Inspection

Before starting the Telescro telehandler, the operator must complete the daily inspection and confirm that the machine is in a safe and serviceable condition.

Checks Before Starting

• the daily inspection or pre-shift inspection has been completed as required;
• the lighting system is operating correctly;
• indicator lights, warning lights, and instruments are functioning normally;
• the windshield wiper is operating correctly;
• the mirrors are clean, undamaged, and properly adjusted;
• the horn is operating correctly;
• the cab doors, windows, guards, and external covers are closed and locked;
• the tires, attachment, quick coupler, and telescopic boom show no obvious abnormalities;
• the surrounding area meets safe starting conditions.

3.2 Basic Operator Requirements

Regardless of previous driving experience with other equipment, every operator must become familiar with the controls, instruments, and basic operating logic of the Telescro telehandler before use.

Operators Must

• know the location and function of all levers, pedals, buttons, and instruments;
• wear work clothing suitable for machine operation;
• avoid loose clothing, scarves, hanging accessories, or any item that could be caught in the machine;
• wear the required personal protective equipment for the jobsite;
• wear hearing protection in high-noise environments;
• face the machine and use the steps and handholds when entering or leaving the cab;
• keep hands, shoe soles, and pedals dry and clean to prevent slipping on oil or dirt;
• adjust the seat first and then fasten the seat belt.

Prohibited Actions

• Jumping onto or off the machine.
• Adjusting the seat while driving.
• Extending any part of the body outside the cab during travel.
• Using headphones, earbuds, or other devices that may reduce attention while driving.
• Carrying unauthorized passengers inside the cab.
• Using controls for purposes other than their intended design.

3.3 Work Area Requirements

Before operation begins, the work area must be confirmed to be in a safe and controlled condition.

Basic Requirements

• Follow site safety rules and traffic organization requirements.
• Use suitable lighting equipment when working at night, in low light, or in poor visibility.
• During material handling, make sure no one enters the machine operating zone or stands beneath the load.
• When working in narrow passages, low-clearance areas, or confined spaces, fully consider the size of the machine, the attachment, and the load.
• Reduce speed and maintain a safe distance when working near ditches, excavation edges, scaffolding, slopes, soft ground, inspection openings, or loading dock edges.
• Before lifting or unloading, confirm that the ground beneath the tires or stabilizers is firm and reliable.
• When necessary, use pads of sufficient strength and area beneath the stabilizers.
• Before stacking materials, confirm that the ground is level, firm, and capable of supporting the load.

Prohibited Actions

• Stacking loads on ground that is soft, uneven, or of unknown load-bearing capacity.
• Driving or parking on bridges, lifting platforms, pedestrian bridges, or ground structures whose load capacity has not been verified.
• Standing or passing beneath a suspended load.
• Carrying out elevated handling work in high winds when stability could be affected.

3.4 Driving on Grades and Slopes

When driving on a slope, speed must always be controlled, and sudden turns, rapid acceleration, and hard braking must be avoided.

Longitudinal Slope Rules

• When traveling without a load, the forks or attachment must face downhill.
• When traveling with a load, the forks or attachment must face uphill.
• Keep the machine moving smoothly throughout the travel path.
• Do not change direction, brake sharply, or steer abruptly while on the slope.

Cross-Slope Rules

• Cross-slopes significantly reduce lateral stability.
• Before working on a cross-slope, confirm that the machine attitude remains within safe limits.
• Do not raise the telescopic boom or lift a load when lateral stability is insufficient.

Prohibited Actions

• Driving or operating on slopes that exceed the machine’s permitted gradient.
• Steering sharply at high speed on a slope.
• Performing elevated work on a cross-slope without a stability assessment.

3.5 Visibility Requirements

Good visibility is a basic condition for protecting personnel, the machine, and the load.

Operating Requirements

• Confirm clear visibility to the front, sides, and rear before moving.
• Keep the windshield, windows, mirrors, lights, and wipers clean and in good condition.
• If the load blocks the forward view, use an alternative safe travel method.
• If the view to the front or right side is restricted by the attachment or boom position, reduce speed and use additional precautions.

When Forward Visibility Is Blocked, The Following Measures May Be Used

• reverse travel;
• adjustment of the travel route;
• assigning a signal person for ground guidance;
• setting up barriers and guidance outside the working zone.

Requirements for Signal Personnel

• The signal person must remain outside the machine danger zone.
• The operator must be able to see the signal person clearly at all times.
• If visual contact with the signal person is lost, the machine must be stopped immediately.

Basic Principle

If the direction of travel cannot be confirmed as safe, the machine must not continue to move.

3.6 Working Near Overhead Lines

When operating a Telescro telehandler near overhead power lines or energized equipment, a sufficient safe distance must always be maintained.

Requirements

• Confirm before work whether high-voltage lines, low-voltage lines, temporary lines, or other energized installations are present on site.
• Determine the minimum safe distance in accordance with local regulations and power authority requirements.
• If the safe distance cannot be confirmed, do not approach the area.
• When necessary, establish an exclusion zone, warning signs, and on-site supervision.

Risk Statement

If the machine, attachment, load, or telescopic boom approaches or contacts an overhead line, it may cause:

• electric shock;
• severe burns;
• machine damage;
• fatal accidents.

3.7 Engine Starting Requirements

The machine may only be started when the operator is seated inside the cab, has adjusted the seat, and is wearing the seat belt correctly.

Confirm Before Starting

• the cab door is closed;
• guards and external covers are closed and locked;
• the forward/reverse control lever is in neutral;
• no person is within the danger zone around the machine.

Standard Starting Procedure

1. Turn the ignition key to the power-on position.
2. Energize the electrical system and check the instrument display.
3. Check the warning lights and key indicators.
4. Preheat as required.
5. Start the engine.
6. After the engine starts, release the key and allow the engine to idle.
7. Check the instrument panel and confirm that there are no abnormal warnings.
8. Move off only after confirming that the brake, steering, and control systems are operating normally.

Battery-Assisted Starting Requirements

If an emergency power source or auxiliary battery must be used:

• use a battery with matching specifications;
• confirm the correct polarity before connection;
• connect the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal;
• do not create flames or sparks near the battery and do not smoke;
• do not disconnect the battery connection carelessly during charging.

Prohibited Actions

• Starting the machine by pushing, towing, or rolling it downhill.
• Moving off while instrument warnings remain active.
• Continuing to operate the machine when the instruments indicate abnormal conditions.

3.8 Travel Operation Requirements

During travel, the operator must always maintain control of machine stability, direction, and speed.

Basic Travel Requirements

• Follow company traffic rules and all applicable local regulations.
• Do not use the machine or the attachment beyond its rated capacity.
• During travel, keep the forks or attachment in the transport position.
• The transport position should normally include:
  • forks or attachment approximately 300 mm above the ground;
  • the telescopic boom fully or nearly fully retracted;
  • the carriage or attachment moderately tilted back.
• Handle only loads that are balanced, stable, and properly secured.
• Always watch the direction of travel and maintain clear visibility.
• Use the mirrors frequently and reduce speed when necessary to confirm the surroundings.
• Avoid obstacles and anticipate the turning radius in advance.

Speed Control Requirements

• Travel speed with a load must not exceed 12 km/h, unless local regulations or machine markings require a stricter limit.
• Travel at low speed on wet, muddy, uneven, soft, or confined ground.
• Reduce speed before turning.
• Brake smoothly and avoid sudden stops.

Hydraulic and Steering Operating Requirements

• Do not operate boom hydraulic controls unnecessarily during normal travel.
• Do not switch steering modes while the machine is moving.
• If boom adjustment is required under special conditions, it may only be done at very low speed, with good visibility, and after risk confirmation.
• Forward/reverse changes must be made only when the machine is under stable control; harsh directional changes are prohibited.

Prohibited Actions

• Resting the foot on the brake pedal while driving.
• High-speed turning.
• Risky travel near ditch edges, deep excavation edges, embankment edges, or steep slopes.
• Leaving the cab while the load is raised.
• Leaving the machine unattended with the engine running.
• Using two machines together to handle heavy loads unless a dedicated risk assessment and site command plan have been completed.

Rollover Response Principle

If there is a danger of rollover:

• the operator must not jump out of the cab;
• remain seated;
• hold the steering wheel firmly;
• keep the seat belt fastened;
• rely on the cab protective structure to reduce injury risk.

3.9 Shutdown and Parking Requirements

When work is completed, the machine is unattended, or the operator needs to leave the cab, the machine must be shut down and parked in accordance with the required procedure.

Parking Requirements

• Park the machine on level ground.
• If parking on a slope is unavoidable, the slope must remain within the machine’s permitted limit.
• Do not park where the machine obstructs traffic, blocks access routes, or is close to railway tracks.
• Do not park in locations where there is a risk of slipping, sinking, or falling.

Standard Shutdown Procedure

1. Stop the machine completely.
2. Place the forward/reverse control lever in neutral.
3. If equipped with a transmission, place the gear selector in neutral.
4. Fully retract the telescopic boom.
5. Lower the forks or attachment to the ground.
6. For hydraulic attachments such as grabs, clamps, or buckets, place them in the fully closed or safe position.
7. After heavy engine load, let the engine idle for several minutes before shutdown.
8. Shut off the engine.
9. Remove the ignition key.
10. Close and lock the cab doors, windows, and relevant covers.

Long-Term Parking Requirements

If the machine will be parked for an extended period:

• take measures against rain, freezing, and dust;
• check the antifreeze capability of the coolant;
• close and lock all access points and covers;
• disconnect power or carry out storage maintenance as required when necessary.

3.10 Road Travel Requirements

When the machine must travel on public roads, plant roads, or other regulated traffic areas, all applicable local regulations must be followed.

Confirm Before Road Travel

• the machine complies with local road regulations;
• warning lights, beacon, front and rear lights, and turn indicators are operating correctly;
• the wiper is in good condition;
• work lights are switched off, leaving only the lights required for road travel;
• the telescopic boom is fully retracted;
• the attachment is in the low transport position, normally about 300 mm above the ground;
• the appropriate steering mode for road travel has been selected;
• if the machine is equipped with axle leveling or stabilizers, they have been returned to the required road transport position.

Prohibited Actions

• Driving on the road with the telescopic boom extended.
• Driving on the road with the attachment raised high or in an unstable position.
• Coasting downhill in neutral.
• Driving on the road with a load in violation of local regulations.

Risk Statement

Coasting downhill in neutral may result in:

• loss of engine braking;
• loss of speed control;
• increased steering and braking risk;
• mechanical damage.

3.11 Road Transport with Front Attachments

When the telehandler is driven on the road with a front attachment installed, local regulations and additional safety requirements must be followed.

Basic Requirements

• Do not carry a load on the attachment while traveling on the road.
• Sharp edges and dangerous projections on the attachment must be protected or covered.
• The attachment must not block the headlights, turn indicators, or other legally required lighting devices.
• The machine must comply with local requirements for overall dimensions, lighting, warnings, and protective measures.

3.12 Trailer Towing Requirements

If a Telescro telehandler is used to tow a trailer, local regulations and the machine rating plate limits must be observed.

Confirm Before Towing

• the trailer gross weight is within the machine’s permitted limit;
• the coupling device matches the trailer;
• the vertical load at the hitch point does not exceed the machine’s allowable value;
• the trailer braking system complies with legal requirements;
• the trailer lighting and electrical system are connected correctly;
• if the trailer uses an auxiliary braking system, the machine has the corresponding trailer brake connection capability.

Basic Principles

• The maximum trailer gross weight must not exceed the value stated on the machine rating plate.
• The vertical load on the hitch point must not exceed the manufacturer’s permitted value.
• Starting, turning, braking, and reversing must be carried out more smoothly than normal.
• Travel speed must be reduced appropriately during towing.