Operating a yard truck or any heavy truck machinery can be a dangerous task without the proper training. At Louisville Switching, we are proud to rent, lease, sell, and service Ottawa Yard trucks. Our team is highly trained and certified to be operating and managing trucks of this caliber. Because we think that yard truck safety is so important, we want to share the reasons behind why and provide you with some tips for safely operating your own truck. 

Why You Need Yard Truck Training 

Accidents occur in the blink of an eye and without warning, even to the most experienced drivers. Safety is the number one concern for truck drivers and operators. Yard trucks are heavy, dangerous pieces of machinery that only trained, knowledgeable professionals should operate. It is important to follow proper safety precaution before, during, and after operating yard trucks to increase safety, reduce injuries, decrease potential damages to the truck, and to increase overall productivity- because if you are not wasting time trying to learn how to operate the truck when you need to use it, you will be able to get right to work. 

If you have not received training or own your own yard truck, we want to share some tips and practices to follow to ensure you are safely operating this equipment. 

Tips and Best Practices For Operating Your Yard Truck

Our team only recommends the use of a yard truck if you have undergone proper training and instruction from a certified dealer. Here is the Pre-Operation Checklist from the Kalmar Ottawa T2 (Terminal Tractors) Operator's Manual:

• Check tires for damage and proper inflation. 
• Check cab hold down latch (air suspension unit) for proper latching.
• Check all fluid levels: engine oil, hydraulic and coolant. 
• Drain any moisture from air tanks. 
• Check cab doors and latches for proper operation. 
• Ensure that all steps, walkways and handholds are installed and in good working order. 
• Start engine and check transmission fluid level with parking brake applied and transmission shift selector in "neutral". 
• Check windshield wiper for proper operation. 
• Check steering system for any binding. Make sure steering effort is smooth and light. 
• Check accelerator for proper operation. The accelerator should operate smoothly and without any binding. 
•  Check all rear view mirrors; adjust and clean if needed. 
• Check cab and frame for any structural damage or cracks. 
• Inspect trailer electrical cable and trailer air lines for damage. Make sure both air lines are installed. 
• Clean all windows if needed. 
• Check transmission shift lever for any binding. 
• Check boom control lever for proper operation. 
• Check all lights for proper operation: headlights, turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights and marker lights. 
• Check horn(s) for proper operation. 
• Check and fill fuel tank.

To read the full Kalmar Operator's Ottawa T2 Manual is our go-to for all yard truck safety instructions. You can download it here.

If you would like to get yard truck training , you can contact our General Manager, Chris Troutt, to get more information. We would love to answer all of your yard truck safety questions today.