Forklift rodeos in Indiana can be a lot of fun. They’re called
“rodeos” because you get to show off your skills as a lift truck driver by competing in challenging obstacle
courses.
All you need to host a forklift rodeo is a
warehouse, forklifts,
obstacles, and judges. You can have activities set up outside. But we recommend
a warehouse because Indiana weather is unpredictable.
You can place the obstacles in different arrangements to
create fun (and safe) activities for the drivers. Here are 3 suggestions for
forklift rodeo activities adapted from Ohio’s Rodeo Guide to help you get started.
1. Circle Driving Course
Arrange 10 obstacles in a 40 foot diameter circle. We suggest
using pallets as obstacles since they’re readily available in a warehouse. Be
sure to adjust the space between the obstacles based on the width of the
forklift you’re using.
The object of this forklift rodeo driving course is to travel
around the circle with your empty lift truck forks lowered. One lap is
completed with the driver weaving between openings. You can have everyone go
around the circle once, twice, or even drive forward for the first lap and in
reverse on the second lap.
The driver with the fastest time wins this forklift rodeo
course.
2. Bowling Course
Set up a bowling ball on a pallet 5-10 feet away from the
starting line. For the makeshift bowling lane, you’ll need an 8-10 foot strip
of carpeting, pvc pipes as bumpers, and 10 bowling pins. You may want to
elevate one side of the lane so that it’s easier for the ball to roll. We
recommend placing obstacles behind the bowling pins to stop the ball from
rolling across the warehouse floor.
When the judge signals for you to start, drive the forklift to
the pallet and pick it up. Be careful not to let it roll off the pallet or
you’ll be disqualified. Turn and face the direction of the bowling pins. Drive
toward the elevated end of the lane. Lift the forks high enough to drop the
ball and have it roll. Aim for the middle of the lane so that you knock down
most, if not all of, the pins.
The judge keeps tally of how many pins each driver knocks
down. That’s why you’ll want to go for a strike every time!
You can play up to 10 rounds of this bowling course with up to
6 players. It all depends on how much time you have set aside for your forklift
rodeo.
3. Basketball Course
For this basketball course, you’ll need a basketball, a regulation
basketball hoop, and a traffic cone. Place the basketball on the cone 28-32
feet away from the starting line. And position the basketball hoop 40-45 feet
away from the cone.
Start this course by standing on the outside of the lift
truck. When the judge gives you the signal, get into the forklift and start the
course. Move to the basketball resting on the cone. Pick it up with the tines
and race toward the basket. Once you’re close enough, lift the forks up to the
level of the basket. And try to drop it through the hoop. Go back to the
starting line to finish this course.
You have 2 minutes to finish this course. If you drop the ball
at any time, you’re disqualified.
Get More Ideas For Forklift Rodeos In Indiana
We’ve been driving and selling forklifts from Lafayette to
Columbus, IN since 1960. And we’ve seen and been part of a number of forklift
rodeos in Indiana over the years. Our experts are happy to share tips and
tricks for a fun and safe event with you. If you want to know more about
forklift rodeos – or forklifts in general, give us a call at (317) 247-8474!
