Forklift Rodeos: Time to Show Off

Forklifts are one of the most common pieces of heavy machinery needed in warehouses and on construction sites. Driving a forklift isn’t easy; it takes specific skills and certifications to become an authorized forklift operator. Forklift rodeos are designed for forklift operators either within one company or from different companies to compete against other forklift professionals and showcase their skills.

What are Forklift Rodeos?

Warehouse forklift operators have a highly defined set of skills necessary for driving and controlling such large, high-value pieces of equipment every day. These rodeos gather accredited forklift operators at different points across the country to compete against one another based on their forklift skills.

These rodeos are held in large warehouses, and all competitors and judges are certified forklift operators. Participants compete in a variety of fields.

They undergo challenging courses and obstacles that they must overcome using forklift knowledge, accuracy, precision, and safe operation practices. 

These competitions are a great way to push your team members to take their operating skills and techniques to the next level.

How Do Forklift Competitions Work?

Forklift rodeos usually consist of three different parts. The first part is a practical knowledge test, usually a multiple-choice quiz. This tests the operator’s technical knowledge and education levels. 

The second part of the rodeo is a forklift inspection test. Participants each inspect a forklift planted with several defects.

These defects can be related to safety, operations, fuel, and more and are usually not obvious to the eye. This tests the operator’s knowledge of various types of machines and potential ability to troubleshoot equipment.

Obstacle Course

The final part of the forklift rodeo is the obstacle courses. Usually broken up into two different challenges, the obstacle courses test the participants operating skills. The courses differ per competition but the two listed below are pretty common:

The first course requires the operators to move around an obstacle course while balancing a tennis ball on top of a traffic cone on their forklift. If the tennis ball drops, the driver is disqualified from the round.

The second course is forklift basketball. Participants must pick up a basketball, carry it throughout the course and shoot it through the hoop at the end without dropping it. These courses test the operator’s ability to keep the vehicle steady, balanced, secure, and safe.

Forklift Rodeo Scoring

Rodeo scoring is a combination of the driver’s operating time and their penalties and bonus points. Bonus points are accrued through correct answers, good speed and times, and safe practices. Penalties are given when obstacles are knocked over or dropped, unsafe operations occur, or the operator gives incorrect answers. Rodeos can be a great way to motivate, inspire, and add some fun to your warehouse operators’ jobs!

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