HEAVY EQUIPMENT INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Before operating any construction machinery, a heavy equipment inspection is a vital safety step. Whether renting a forklift or purchasing a new telescopic boom lift for sale, the machinery will have a pre-use inspection checklist. If you need a heavy equipment maintenance checklist, contact our heavy machinery supplier. Here’s a closer look at what to expect.
Heavy Equipment Inspections Checklist
A heavy equipment inspection checklist should cover general equipment information and include sections on heavy equipment, attachments/pumps/chainsaws, liability, transport or support vehicles, and a release with the inspection date and time.
When inspecting heavy equipment, complete the general equipment information, pre-use inspection, and release portions of the form and the pertinent sections for your particular piece of equipment. Maintaining a heavy equipment daily inspection book is recommended so that repairs can be made and any safety hazards addressed before the next use.
Heavy Equipment Inspection Procedure Range
It's required that heavy equipment parts and accessories are in safe operating condition at all times. Parts and accessories include:
- Gauges and lights
- Seat belts
- Glass and mirrors
- Wipers and horn
- Fuel system
- Steering
- Brakes
- Suspension systems
- Exhaust
- Frame
- Tires and wheels
- Emergency equipment
- License
The pre-use and release portions of the heavy equipment inspection will also often have vehicle drawings, similar to a rental car agreement, where any damage can be noted.
Heavy Equipment Inspection Requirements
Section I of the heavy equipment inspection, which derives from the National Geographic Area Coordination Center, covers 23 line items. The first part of the inspection covers the roll-over protection system (ROPS) and approved seat belts. Next, you'll want to inspect all gauges and lights to ensure they’re mounted and functioning properly.
A battery inspection for corrosion, loose terminals, and hold-downs should occur before the engine is turned on. Once the battery inspection’s approved, and the engine oil is full and clean, it’s safe to start the engine. At this point, check for oil pressure, knocks, and leaks.
The steering components should be tight and free of play, and the deflectors, safety screens, and glass should have no cracks, damage, or debris.
Before inspection of new heavy equipment or heavy equipment for rent , the brakes and exhaust system should be checked for damage and wear, and the fuel system should be free of leaks.
The heavy equipment for sale at our construction equipment supply company is subjected to an inspection that includes the above and:
- Cooling system is full and free of leaks and damage.
- Fan and fan belts have proper tension with no fraying/cracks.
- Engine support, equalizer bar, springs, and main springs have no problems; shackle bolts and shifted spring leaf will be checked.
- Belly plate and radiator guards are securely mounted and free of debris.
- Final drive, transmission, and differential are not dripping.
- Sprockets and idlers are checked for cracks in spokes, sharp sprocket teeth, and the absence of welds.
If the new or refurbished heavy equipment has tracks and rollers, ensure there are no broken pads, loose rollers, or damaged flanges. Check the dozer and assembly for missing trunnion bolts and cracks.
Other heavy equipment inspection items are the body and cab condition, equipment cleanliness, and the smooth operation of all hydraulic attachments.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
When inspecting gauges and lights, ensure all required lighting devices, reflectors, and electrical equipment are correctly colored, positioned, and working. The glass and mirrors should not have any cracks more than 1/4-inch wide. If there are two damaged areas, they can't be closer than three inches to each other.
When inspecting a vehicle's frame, look for any cracked, broken, loose, or sagging members of the frame, as well as any missing fasteners. This includes fasteners connecting the engine, transmission, steering ear, body, fifth wheel, and suspension.
The tires should not have any exposed belt material or tread separation. The wheels or rims should not be cracked, broken, or have elongated bolt holes. The nuts and bolts should all be present and securely fastened to the correct torque rating.
Checking the Emergency Equipment
Along with checking all aspects of the machinery you're about to use, it's also important to ensure the necessary safety equipment is present in case of an emergency. Every power unit must be equipped with a fire extinguisher that’s easily accessible and properly filled. There should be warning devices for stopped vehicles, and all spare fuses and overload protective devices should be present.
If the vehicle or the conditions are unsafe, the machinery should not be used. For instance, if a scissor lift passes its pre-use inspection, but there are high winds, low-hanging power lines, or an uneven surface, the equipment should not be used until safe conditions are present.
If you ever have questions about how to safely operate a forklift or any piece of heavy machinery we sell and rent, please do not hesitate to ask a team member for assistance.