Forklift Derby participant manuevers through the obstacle course

It isn’t easy finding an event to appeal to those of us in the material handling industry. Although general company outings can be hosted, how can you include activities to engage the crowd?

Many companies find success with forklift rodeos. The concept is fairly simple – create strategic courses for forklift operation and challenge your employees to drive the course. Operators with the fastest times and fewest penalties are awarded cash and prizes, not to mention bragging rights in the warehouse.

For over 25 years, ProLift hosted an annual competition titled the Forklift Derby. We invited customers to participate and compete against one another. Running two courses, those operators with the best times moved on to smaller heats until an ultimate winner was declared. Not only did the top driver personally take home the cash and prizes, the sponsoring company was presented the rotating trophy for the year.

Over the years, the competition grew in popularity. Local companies were holding internal contests to select who they would send to represent them. We saw many of the same drivers return and later developed an advanced group named the All Stars. Some drivers enjoyed the day so much they sponsored themselves and took a vacation day to compete. Family and friends of the participants came to watch, including children that cheered for their parents while they drove.

Hosting a forklift rodeo is no small task; however, it can be accomplished with a committed team and planning. The benefits reaped with friendly competition and operator morale are worth the effort.

To receive your Forklift Rodeo “How-To”, email your questions to info@proliftequipment.com. Sample obstacle courses, score sheets and rules can also be provided upon request.

Good Luck and Have Fun!