How Pre-Starts on Your Excavator Could Save Your Life

If you’re in the business of dealing with heavy machinery and equipment like excavators, chances are you’re well-versed in all things safety. Operating an excavator, along with other heavy machinery and equipment comes with its own unique set of inherent risks that can be managed with the right safety precautions. 

Conducting an excavator pre-start check is just one of the ways to ensure your excavator is up to scratch so you can avoid any potential workplace injuries or incidents. Here’s everything you need to know about conducting pre-start checks, including what to include on a machinery pre-start checklist. 

What is a pre-start inspection?

A pre-start inspection involves a series of routine safety checks that are carried out on an excavator before it’s put to use. These inspections are usually carried out by the plant operator against an excavator pre-start checklist.

These checks are intended to identify potential safety issues, damage or maintenance problems before the excavator is used. This helps to reduce the risk of potential failures, breakdowns and accidents that could lead to more serious equipment damage, disruptions to operations or even harm to workers or general safety concerns.

Why performing pre-start checks is important

An excavator inspection is an essential part of excavator maintenance and safety management. Regularly conducting these inspections helps to identify potential problems before they escalate, which can reduce downtime due to unexpected breakdowns and enhance the overall safety and reliability of machinery and equipment. 

How often should pre-start checks be completed?

The frequency of pre-start inspections depends on a number of factors, including the type of equipment, how often it is used, manufacturer recommendations, regulatory requirements and the industry itself. There are three main types of checks that should be carried out, daily pre-start checks, weekly inspections and routine services conducted by qualified technicians.

In most instances, it’s common to complete a daily pre-start check before each shift or each time the excavator is used. These daily checks usually involve a quick visual inspection of critical components for signs of general wear and tear.

It’s also recommended to conduct more thorough weekly checks of your excavator that inspect the functionality of additional elements, like mirrors, cameras, tyre pressure and safety devices.

In addition to these checks, it’s essential to carry out regular maintenance and review the maintenance history to extend the life of your excavator. This type of maintenance should be carried out by a qualified technician.

It’s worth noting that the main purpose of completing pre-start checks is to ensure safety, and reliability, and to maintain the excavator’s performance at its best. Depending on the usage frequency and conditions in which your excavator is used in, you might need to adjust how often you conduct pre-start inspections.

What to include in a pre-start inspection checklist

Pre-start inspections tend to include a series of checks, tests and assessments that are typically performed by operators, maintenance personnel or designated equipment inspectors. In some instances, manufacturers will provide their own guidelines or pre-start inspection checklist that should be closely followed.

The specific steps and procedures can vary depending on the specific excavator model, manufacturer recommendations and industry standards. Here’s a breakdown of the common operational checks that are often covered in a pre-start inspection:

1. Exterior Inspection 

• Check for visible damage, dents or cracks on the excavator’s body, boom, arm, and bucket.
• Inspect the tracks or wheels for wear, damage and proper tension.
• Confirm that all safety decals and labels are visible and readable.

2. Fluid Levels

• Check engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant and fuel levels against the manufacturer’s specifications to determine whether the fluid reservoirs have adequate fluid levels.

3. Leaks 

•  Inspect the ground beneath the excavator for any signs of fluid leaks (oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, etc.) If you notice any leaks, try to identify the source and address them promptly. Alternatively, you might want to engage a qualified technician to complete the repair. 

4. Tires or Tracks 

• Examine tyres or tracks for damage, wear and proper tension.
• Check for cuts, punctures or signs of tread separation.

5. Safety Features

• Test the emergency stop buttons and other safety switches.
• Ensure all safety guards, shields and protective barriers are securely in place.

6. Lights and Signals 

• Make sure all lights, including headlights, brake lights and turn signals function properly.
• Test audible alarms and warning signals.

7. Controls and Instruments 

• Test all controls, switches, levers and joysticks for correct functionality.
• Check gauges, indicators and monitors to ensure they are working correctly.

8. Electrical Systems 

• Inspect the wiring, connectors and batteries for signs of damage or wear.
• Check the battery charge and connections if applicable.

9. Lubrication and Greasing

• Verify that all required lubrication points have been properly greased.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubrication intervals and types.
• Maintain oil levels and grease the required grease points

10. Hydraulic Systems 

• Inspect the hydraulic hoses, fittings and connections for leaks, damage or wear.
• Test the hydraulic functions, including digging, lifting and rotating before starting the job.

11. Exhaust System 

• Check the exhaust system for leaks, proper connections and unusual noises.

12. Brakes and Safety Devices 

• Test the effectiveness of the excavator’s brakes, including its parking brakes.
• Make sure the audible and visual alarms are working.

13. Operator’s Area 

• Ensure that the operator’s seat is secure and in good condition.
• Check the seatbelt, mirrors and visibility.
• Test all the operator controls and functions, like air conditioning, if applicable.

14. Tracks or Wheels 

• Ensure that the tracks or wheels are properly aligned and tensioned.
• Check that the sprockets, rollers and idlers are in good condition.

15. Undercarriage 

• Inspect the undercarriage for any signs of damage or excessive wear.

16. Bucket and Attachments 

• Check the bucket and any attachments for wear, damage or proper functioning and ensure that the locking mechanisms for any attachments are secure.

17. Documentation 

• Keep a record of the pre-start inspection, noting any issues found and actions taken. This includes documenting the date, time and identity of the person performing the inspection.

18. Operator Training 

• Confirm that operators are trained to use the excavator safely and are aware of its operation and limitations.

19. Compliance 

• Ensure that the excavator meets all relevant safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Don’t be tempted to cut corners when it comes to safety procedures. By utilising a thorough pre-start inspection checklist can potentially save lives by identifying safety hazards and mechanical issues before you use your equipment. 

You can trust Orange Hire to deliver safe, reliable equipment

At Orange Hire, we pride ourselves on providing absolute safety. With the largest fleet of earthmoving, attachments and traffic equipment on the East Coast of Australia, you can rely on us to supply the latest, safest and most reliable equipment for your next job. Get a quick quote or contact us today for tailored equipment solutions. 

For more information about our complete range of shoring services and equipment, visit your nearest branch, email [email protected], or call our friendly team of experts at 1800 UR HIRE.