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Free articulated dump truck pre-start checklist

Free articulated dump truck daily pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers cab, steering, brakes, body, engine and safety devices. Download from MapTrack.

Updated 3 May 2026

Articulated Dump Truck Pre-Start Checklist

Daily pre-start inspection for articulated dump trucks

Live form
0 of 38 checks

Cab and ROPS/FOPS

1ROPS/FOPS structure undamaged and mounting bolts tight
2Windscreen and windows clean, free from cracks
3Wipers and washers operational
4Seatbelt present, functional, and not frayed
5Mirrors adjusted and undamaged
6Cab access steps and handrails secure

Steering and Articulation

7Steering responds in both directions without delay
8Articulation joint pins and bearings free from excessive play
9Steering cylinder rods free from scoring and leaks
10Articulation lock pin stored correctly (not engaged)
11Steering hoses and lines free from damage

Brakes

12Service brake stops truck within normal distance
13Parking brake holds on grade
14Retarder / exhaust brake functional (if fitted)
15Brake warning light extinguishes after start-up
16No visible brake fluid or air leaks

Body and Hydraulics

17Dump body free from cracks and structural damage
18Body raises and lowers smoothly
19Hoist cylinders free from leaks and scoring
20Tailgate operates and latches correctly
21Body prop / safety strut stored correctly

Engine and Drivetrain

22Engine oil level within operating range
23Coolant level satisfactory, no leaks
24Hydraulic fluid level within operating range
25Transmission fluid level satisfactory
26No abnormal engine noise, smoke, or vibration
27Air filter restriction indicator within limits

Tyres and General

28Tyres free from cuts, bulges, and excessive wear
29Tyre pressure within specification
30Wheel nuts tight, none missing
31No fluid leaks visible under machine
32Ground engaging tools (if fitted) acceptable

Safety Devices

33Horn operational
34Reversing alarm / beeper functional
35Headlights, tail lights, and brake lights working
36Rotating beacon / strobe operational
37Fire extinguisher present, charged, and accessible
38All warning gauges and dash indicators normal at start-up

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These templates are free general guides provided as-is. They do not constitute legal, safety or compliance advice. You are responsible for ensuring any form meets your specific workplace obligations, industry standards and applicable regulations.

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Jarrod Milford

Jarrod Milford

Co-Founder & Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026
Also see:Pre-start inspections →Best pre-start inspection software →MapTrack vs SafetyCulture →

Short answer

An articulated dump truck pre-start checklist records the operator's check before each shift: walk-around, fluids, cab and controls, steering, brakes and retarder, articulation joint and hitch pins, body raise and tailgate, tyres, lights, alarms and cameras. Operators complete it before each use by site rule and common practice. Regulation 213 of the model WHS Regulations requires competent-person inspection following the manufacturer; it names no daily pre-start.

Checked against Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates

Key takeaways

  • The MapTrack articulated dump truck pre-start checklist contains 38 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Cab and ROPS/FOPS, Steering and Articulation, Brakes, Body and Hydraulics, Engine and Drivetrain, Tyres and General, Safety Devices.
  • No model WHS regulation names a daily pre-start; it is how most sites apply regulation 213 and the manufacturer's daily checks.
  • Fit the articulation lock before anyone works in the articulation zone, and remove it before driving.
  • A failed brake, steering, retarder or reversing alarm check means the ADT is not operated until it is repaired.
  • On multi-shift rosters, each incoming operator completes their own pre-start, a common site rule.
  • Clean and check mirrors and cameras: AS ISO 5006:2020 sets the operator field of view test method and criteria.

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Used by construction, mining and field service teams

Saunders InternationalMineral ResourcesSupagasHacer GroupMetro TunnelUltrabuilt

What is an 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 with management or control of it must ensure it is maintained and inspected by a competent person in line with the manufacturer recommendations (regulation 213). In the United States, MSHA rules require self-propelled mobile equipment at surface mines to be inspected by the operator before use on each shift (30 CFR 56.14100), and OSHA construction rules require vehicles in use to be checked at the beginning of each shift (29 CFR 1926.601(b)(14)). 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.

Doing pre-starts on dump trucks every shift? See civil plant and site asset tracking for pre-starts on phones and defects on each truck.

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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.
  • Email the right people when a form is submitted, with an automation you set up.
  • File every completed form against the asset, location or person it covers.
  • Download any completed form as a PDF, with failed answers listed at the top.
  • Fill in forms offline; they upload when the device is back online.
  • 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.
  • Set who can view, fill in or edit forms with user roles.
  • Upload a paper form (PDF, Word, Excel or a photo) and MapTrack's AI builds a digital version for you to check.
  • Make the pre-start form required when a machine is checked out to an operator.
  • Record who did each pre-start and when, and where if you turn location capture on.
  • Link each pre-start to the asset record for a complete inspection history.

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Steve McAllister

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What to include in an 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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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How 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. Most Australian construction, mining and civil sites treat this as a non-negotiable daily site rule.

The WHS Act requires the PCBU to ensure plant is inspected and maintained so it remains safe for use. WHS Regulations require plant to be maintained and inspected by a competent person in line with the manufacturer recommendations, or the recommendations of a competent person where there are none, and annually where neither is practicable (regulation 213). Most principal contractors and site safety management plans mandate documented pre-start inspections for all mobile plant, including articulated dump trucks. On mining sites, state and territory mining safety laws may impose additional inspection requirements.

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Frequently asked questions

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.

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. RIIMPO337E Conduct 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.

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.

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.

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 schedules each inspection, emails the assigned person in the week before it falls due, and stores completed records in the cloud for instant retrieval during audits.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The template alone does not establish compliance.

  • Model Work Health and Safety Regulations

    Edition: Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011)

    Plant risks managed, and competent-person maintenance and inspection following the manufacturer, else a competent person's recommendations.

    • reg 213: Plant must be maintained, inspected and, if necessary, tested by a competent person, following manufacturer or competent person recommendations; annual inspection applies only if neither is practicable.
    • reg 203: A person managing or controlling plant must manage its risks in line with Part 3.1.

    Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)

  • Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace

    Edition: November 2024 version (reviewed May 2018; amended 2021, 2023 and 2024)

    Guidance on how and when plant should be inspected.

    • Section 3.5: Inspecting plant: how and when plant should be inspected by a competent person, reflecting reg 213.

    Safe Work Australia

  • Model Work Health and Safety Act (Model Work Health and Safety Bill)

    Edition: Model WHS Bill as at 5 December 2025 (includes the Model WHS Legislation Amendment (Incident Notification) 2025)

    The person managing or controlling plant must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, it is without risks to health and safety.

    • s 21: The person managing or controlling fixtures, fittings or plant at a workplace must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, they are without risks to health and safety.

    Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)

  • Earth-moving machinery - Operator's field of view - Test method and performance criteria

    Edition: AS ISO 5006:2020

    Test method and criteria for operator field of view on earth-moving machinery, behind the mirror and camera checks.

    Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher

  • Earth-moving machinery - Safety, Part 6: Requirements for dumpers (ISO 20474-6:2017, MOD)

    Edition: AS 20474.6:2025

    Safety requirements for the design and build of dumpers, including ADTs (2025 edition).

    Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher

Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.

Articulated Dump Truck Pre-Start Checklist preview

Articulated Dump Truck Pre-Start Checklist template preview showing fields and layout

The numbers behind this articulated dump truck pre-start checklist

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<div style="max-width:480px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif;border:1px solid #E5E7EB;border-radius:12px;padding:20px;background:#ffffff;">
  <p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
  <p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">Articulated Dump Truck Pre-Start Checklist</p>
  <ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">ADT details: make, model, serial/fleet number, hours reading, date, site name.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Operator details: name, licence/ticket number, shift.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Walk-around: check for leaks, damage, loose components, ground conditions around the machine.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Engine and fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, transmission oil, fuel level, DEF/AdBlue (if fitted).</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Cab and controls: steering, brakes (service, retarder, park), transmission (F/N/R), mirrors, seatbelt, ROPS/FOPS certification plate, air conditioning, instrumentation.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Articulation joint: oscillation joint, hitch pins, A-frame, articulation lock pin (for servicing), steering cylinders.</li>
  </ul>
  <p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/articulated-dump-truck-pre-start-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Articulated Dump Truck Pre-Start Checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
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Free to reuse, including commercially. This template is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Copy it, adapt it, put it on your own site or in your own docs. All we ask is that you credit MapTrack with a link back to this page. The snippet above already includes that credit, so if you use it as-is you’re covered.

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The MapTrack articulated dump truck pre-start checklist contains 38 checks across 7 sections.

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MapTrack Articulated Dump Truck Pre-Start Checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/articulated-dump-truck-pre-start-checklist
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MapTrack. (2026). Articulated Dump Truck Pre-Start Checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/articulated-dump-truck-pre-start-checklist

Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/articulated-dump-truck-pre-start-checklist.

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