Quick answer
An equipment pre-start checklist is a short routine that is designed to be done before a machine starts work each day, which provides an early warning of faults that could cause a breakdown or an injury.
A pre-start check provides real protection, because it allows you to spot a leak, a loose guard, a low fluid level or a worn tyre before the machine is put under load on a site.
A good checklist involves walking around the machine and checking the fluids, controls, tyres or tracks and safety devices, and the routine is designed to take only a few minutes at the start of a shift.
This guide describes a practical equipment pre-start checklist and helps a South African operator build a daily habit that improves safety, reduces downtime and protects an expensive machine.
A pre-start inspection is a habit that is designed to make safety and reliability routine, and it provides an operator with a simple daily process that allows you to keep an expensive machine working and a worksite safe.
A pre-start checklist is essential before operating any heavy machinery.
IMPROVE ROI AND EXTEND EQUIPMENT LIFE WITH ONGOING MAINTENANCE PROCESSES
Heavy Machinery is the most expensive construction & agricultural equipment you own. It’s also the costliest to repair or replace. This guide will show you how to save money and extend the life cycle of your equipment with regular maintenance best practices. MCM requires our clients to carry out Regular Maintenance, and Pre-Start Checks with each day of use, within the warranty period. And MCM highly recommends our clients to continue this Preventative Maintenance after the warranty period is over, hereby extending equipment lifecycle and your return-on-investment. MCM Group has branches in Cape Town, George, Gauteng, and Bloemfontein. Doing the Pre-Start Checklist will identify commonly overlooked areas of maintenance, and identify simple things you can do to greatly impact the long-term value of your most vital equipment. Even the most powerful and dependable MCM machinery requires basic attention to ensure it provides the exceptionally long service life and unmatched productivity of your MCM construction & agricultural equipment.
WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT?
Preventative Maintenance and Inspections should be a DAILY practice to all equipment owners. Before you start up your machine, there are important things to look for that can help avoid unanticipated downtime and expenses in the future. Pre-Start Checks are very important, and must be carried out by the operator, supervisor or responsible individual.
A pre-start checklist is essential before operating any heavy equipment. A thorough pre-start checklist helps prevent costly breakdowns and keeps operators safe on site. Need help choosing the right machine? Contact MCM Group for expert advice and a competitive quote.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE & SCHEDULED SERVICES
Preventative Maintenance (PM) is comprised of Pre-Start Inspections before every day the equipment is operated. Pre-Start Inspections are an important first line of defense against damage to your machine. PM helps anticipate change, and wear and tear. Corrective actions are taken continuously to ensure reliability and performance. PM involves regular systematic inspections, modification and replacement of components as well as performance testing and analysis. A successful preventive maintenance program extends construction equipment life and minimizes unscheduled downtime caused by equipment breakdown. Benefits from a proper PM program include:- Improved equipment and system reliability.
- Reduction of unexpected breakdown.
- Decrease in expensive parts replacement.
- Extended equipment life.
- Improved resale value.
- Better parts inventory management.
EASY ACCESS TO MCM EQUIPMENT PRE-START CHECKLISTS
To assist our clients with PM, MCM has made available our Pre-Start Checklists for your to download as required. Click on the equipment listed below to download MCM’s Daily Pre-Start Checklists (pdf).GET TO KNOW YOUR MACHINES INSIDE AND OUT
Thorough product knowledge is invaluable when it comes to implementing an effective PM program. Often, gaining this vital information is as simple as finding it in the machine’s equipment manual that has been researched and documented to isolate issues and prescribe the proper PM. Speaking with your equipment dealer or distributor to find out more about your assets and researching online are invaluable tips in getting the most out of your equipment. Listen to Your Operators Another valuable resource for getting to know your machines inside out is to involve the machine operators. Unless you’re on the controls on a daily basis, you’re not likely to have the intimate knowledge of each machine’s idiosyncrasies and quirks. Daily operators get a “feel” for the machine. Operators sense when something’s amiss, and they’ll tell you if they are trained and expected to do so. Listening to them and appreciating their input is a wise PM strategy. Stop Operations When You Suspect a Problem Stopping operation and dealing with a suspected problem between scheduled maintenance periods can be an enormous savings in failure costs and subsequent losses. Don’t restrict maintenance to rigid schedules. Instead, allow the flexibility to respond with proactive intervention. Remember, each client operates their equipment in different terrains, which very often impact your equipment differently.ARE YOUR OPERATORS TRAINED?
Knowledgeable machinery operators are more productive and cause less wear on machinery than untrained workers. Knowledgeable operators are also going to be safer to themselves and others working nearby. Properly trained operators will be more respectful of their equipment and more likely to look after it before, during and after scheduled maintenance intervals. That’s going to save you money in repairs and replacement. MCM highly recommends our clients to ensure the operators of their MCM equipment to be formerly trained to operate the specific equipment types, in some cases, it is a requirement during the warranty period.
Operator training should be built into your preventive maintenance program. Operators have to know more than just how to start and run their machinery. They need to be aware of what routine, day-to-day maintenance tasks are required and how to perform them without fail. They also need to understand how their equipment really works, as this understanding enables them to operate and look after your machinery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Equipment Pre-Start Checklists
What is an equipment pre-start checklist?
A pre-start checklist is a systematic inspection performed before operating any piece of heavy equipment each shift. It covers safety-critical items such as fluid levels, tyre condition, lights, controls, and structural integrity to ensure the machine is safe to operate.
How long does a pre-start check take to complete?
A thorough pre-start inspection typically takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on the type and size of equipment. This small time investment prevents costly breakdowns, avoids safety incidents, and helps maintain warranty compliance.
Is a pre-start checklist a legal requirement in South Africa?
Yes, South African occupational health and safety legislation requires employers to ensure that equipment is inspected before use. Failing to conduct pre-start checks can result in fines, liability for accidents, and non-compliance with workplace safety regulations.
What items should be checked during a pre-start inspection?
Key items include engine oil and coolant levels, hydraulic fluid, tyre pressure and condition, lights and indicators, seat belts, mirrors, brakes, and steering. You should also check for visible leaks, damage, or loose components before starting the machine.
Who is responsible for completing the pre-start checklist?
The equipment operator is responsible for completing the pre-start checklist before each shift or use. Supervisors and site managers must ensure that checklists are consistently completed, documented, and that any reported issues are addressed promptly.
What are the consequences of skipping a pre-start check?
Skipping pre-start checks can lead to equipment failure, costly breakdowns, workplace accidents, and serious injury. It may also void your equipment warranty and expose the business to legal liability under South African safety regulations.
Find Us Nationwide
MCM Group has branches in Cape Town, George, Gauteng (Midrand), and Bloemfontein. Walk in, call, or get in touch online for product advice, quotes, and after-sales support.
Explore MCM Group’s full range of TLB range, excavator range and front end loader range to find the right machine for your needs.
