Free articulated dump truck pre-start checklist
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Free articulated dump truck daily pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers cab, steering, brakes, body, engine and safety devices. Download from MapTrack.
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See the first part of the articulated dump truck pre-start checklist below. Download the full version above.
What is a articulated dump truck pre-start checklist?
An articulated dump truck (ADT) pre-start checklist is a daily inspection form completed before operating an articulated dump truck on site. Articulated dump trucks are high-capacity off-highway haulers used extensively in mining, civil construction, quarrying and large earthworks projects. Because of their size, articulation joint, high centre of gravity and typical operating conditions (steep haul roads, soft ground, heavy loads), a thorough pre-start inspection is essential to confirm the machine is safe to operate. Under Australian WHS Regulations, an ADT is classified as plant and the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure it is inspected before use. OSHA general duty clause requirements and most mining safety regulations also mandate documented pre-operational checks for heavy mobile equipment. The checklist covers the walk-around visual inspection, engine and fluids, cab and controls (steering, brakes, transmission, mirrors, seatbelt, ROPS certification), articulation joint and hitch pins, hydraulic system (body raise and lower, tailgate, hoses and cylinders), body and liner condition, tyres and wheels, brakes (service, retarder, parking), lights and reversing systems (camera, radar, alarm), and all safety devices including the fire suppression system if fitted. A completed checklist documents the operator inspection findings and provides evidence of WHS compliance for site audits and incident investigations.
Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.
Benefits of using this articulated dump truck pre-start checklist
- Operator safety: confirms brakes, steering, ROPS, seatbelt, articulation lock and safety devices are functional before operating on haul roads.
- Articulation joint inspection: the dedicated check of the oscillation joint, hitch pins and A-frame catches defects that could cause catastrophic steering failure.
- WHS compliance: documented daily pre-start inspections meet Australian WHS Regulation requirements for plant inspections and are accepted by principal contractors.
- Reduced downtime: identifying hydraulic leaks, low fluid levels or tyre damage before the shift avoids mid-shift breakdowns on haul roads.
- Site compliance: completed records satisfy principal contractor and client requirements for documented plant inspections on mining and civil construction sites.
- Audit trail: signed daily pre-start records provide evidence for safety audits, insurance claims and regulator enquiries.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise articulated dump truck checklists in MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
- Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
- Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
- Ability to share forms digitally.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
- Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
- Auto-schedule pre-start forms so operators are prompted before every shift.
- Flag overdue pre-starts on the dashboard so nothing leaves the yard unchecked.
- Link each pre-start to the asset record for a complete inspection history.
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What to include in a articulated dump truck pre-start checklist
This articulated dump truck pre-start checklist covers 13 key areas:
- ADT details: make, model, serial/fleet number, hours reading, date, site name.
- Operator details: name, licence/ticket number, shift.
- Walk-around: check for leaks, damage, loose components, ground conditions around the machine.
- Engine and fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, transmission oil, fuel level, DEF/AdBlue (if fitted).
- Cab and controls: steering, brakes (service, retarder, park), transmission (F/N/R), mirrors, seatbelt, ROPS/FOPS certification plate, air conditioning, instrumentation.
- Articulation joint: oscillation joint, hitch pins, A-frame, articulation lock pin (for servicing), steering cylinders.
- Hydraulic system: body raise and lower, tailgate open and close, hydraulic cylinders, hoses and fittings, leak check.
- Body and liner: body condition, liner wear, body prop (safety support), tailgate hinges and latches.
- Tyres and wheels: tyre condition, tread depth, inflation, rim damage, wheel nuts.
- Lights and reversing systems: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, reversing camera, reversing radar, reversing alarm.
- Safety devices: fire suppression system (if fitted), emergency stops, horn, beacon, secondary steering (if fitted).
- Defect register: item, description, severity, action required.
- Sign-off: operator and supervisor.
How to use this articulated dump truck pre-start checklist
- Approach and walk-around: Walk around the ADT and look for fluid leaks under the machine, tyre damage, structural damage to the body and any obstructions in the operating area. Check ground conditions and haul road access before starting.
- Check cab, ROPS/FOPS and operator controls: Inspect the ROPS/FOPS structure for cracks or damage. Check the windscreen for cracks, test wipers and washers. Confirm the seatbelt latches correctly, mirrors are adjusted and undamaged, and cab access steps and handrails are secure.
- Inspect engine, fluids and drivetrain: Check engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid and transmission fluid levels. Top up if required and inspect for leaks. Check the air filter restriction indicator. Start the engine and listen for abnormal noise, vibration or excessive smoke.
- Test steering, articulation and brakes: Turn the steering through its full range in both directions and check for delay or excessive play. Inspect the articulation joint pins for wear. Test the service brake, parking brake and retarder (exhaust brake) on level ground. Confirm the brake warning light extinguishes after start-up.
- Check body, hydraulics, tyres and safety devices: Raise and lower the dump body and check for smooth operation. Inspect hoist cylinders for leaks. Check tyre condition, pressure and wheel nuts. Test the horn, reversing alarm, all lights and the rotating beacon. Confirm the fire extinguisher is present and charged.
- Record defects and sign off: Complete the checklist, noting any defects found. Report defects to the supervisor immediately and do not operate the ADT if any safety-critical defect is present. Sign and date the form. In MapTrack, submit digitally so the record is logged against the asset.
In MapTrack, you can run digital pre-starts attached to each asset. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.
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Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
An ADT pre-start inspection must be completed before each use or at the start of each shift. If the ADT operates across multiple shifts, each incoming operator should complete their own pre-start check. This is a non-negotiable daily requirement on Australian construction, mining and civil sites.
The WHS Act requires the PCBU to ensure plant is inspected and maintained so it remains safe for use. WHS Regulations specifically require pre-use inspections for plant that could cause injury. Most principal contractors and site safety management plans mandate documented pre-start inspections for all mobile plant, including articulated dump trucks. On mining sites, the Mining Safety and Health Regulations may impose additional inspection requirements.
Frequently asked questions
- What should an articulated dump truck pre-start checklist cover?
- An ADT pre-start checklist should cover the walk-around visual inspection, engine and fluids, cab and controls (steering, brakes, transmission, mirrors, seatbelt, ROPS), the articulation joint and hitch pins, hydraulic system (body raise/lower, tailgate), body and liner condition, tyres and wheels, lights and reversing systems (camera, radar, alarm), and safety devices including the fire suppression system if fitted. The checklist should also record the hours reading and any defects identified.
- Do ADTs require a specific licence or ticket to operate?
- In Australia, an articulated dump truck does not require a specific high-risk work licence from the state WHS regulator. However, the operator must hold a current Statement of Attainment or equivalent competency for the specific machine type (e.g. RIIMPO321F for conducting articulated haul truck operations). On mining sites, additional site-specific inductions and competency verifications are typically required. In other jurisdictions, check local regulations for operator qualification requirements.
- How often should an ADT pre-start be completed?
- A pre-start must be completed before each use or at the start of each shift. For machines operating on round-the-clock rosters, each shift requires its own documented pre-start. If the machine changes operators, sites or has been repaired, a fresh pre-start should be completed regardless of when the last one was done.
- What is the difference between an ADT pre-start and an excavator pre-start?
- Both follow a similar format (walk-around, fluids, cab, controls, safety devices), but an ADT pre-start includes specific items for the articulation joint, hitch pins, body raise/lower, tailgate, retarder brake, haul road suitability and reversing systems (camera, radar). An excavator pre-start focuses on the boom, stick, bucket, swing mechanism, tracks, counterweight and attachment locking system. The inspection items differ because the machines operate differently and have different hazard profiles.
- Is this articulated dump truck pre-start checklist free to download?
- Yes, this ADT pre-start checklist is completely free to download as a PDF. No account or signup is required. For teams wanting to move beyond paper forms, MapTrack offers a digital version that automates scheduling, sends overdue alerts, and stores completed records in the cloud for instant retrieval during audits.
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