Free asphalt paver pre-start checklist

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Free asphalt paver pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers screed, augers, hopper, conveyor, hydraulics and safety devices. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

How to use: download the PDF, print or complete digitally on any device.

• ✓PDF format, ready to print or fill on screen
• ✓Use as-is or customise to suit your operation
• ✓Go digital in MapTrack for photos, alerts and audit trails

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Benefits of using this asphalt paver pre-start checklist

• Paving quality: catching screed wear, auger damage or conveyor faults before the shift starts prevents surface defects, segregation and rework.
• Operator safety: confirming guards, emergency stops, reverse alarms and fire extinguishers are functional protects the operator and ground crew working around hot asphalt.
• WHS compliance: documented pre-start records demonstrate the PCBU has met their duty of care for plant inspections under the WHS Regulations.
• Hydraulic integrity: checking hydraulic oil, hoses and fittings prevents leaks that can cause sudden loss of screed control or conveyor failure.
• Reduced downtime: identifying worn conveyor chains, low fluid levels or sensor faults before paving begins avoids mid-shift breakdowns.
• Site compliance: completed pre-start records satisfy principal contractor and road authority safety management requirements.

How to use this asphalt paver pre-start checklist

1. Record machine details including make/model, fleet number, hour meter and operator name.: Enter the paver make, model, serial or fleet number, current hour meter reading and the date. Record the operator name and licence or competency number (such as RIIMPO322F). This information links the inspection to a specific machine, operator and point in time for traceability.
2. Conduct a walk-around inspection with the machine off. Check for leaks, damage, loose components, ground conditions and general cleanliness.: Walk around the entire paver before starting the engine. Look under the machine for oil, hydraulic fluid or coolant leaks. Check for loose bolts, damaged guards, cracked hoses or any debris caught in moving parts. Confirm the ground surface is stable and the paver is parked on level ground.
3. Inspect the screed assembly: plate condition, heaters, tamper bars, vibrators and extensions.: Examine the screed plate for wear, gouges or warping that could affect mat quality. Test the gas or electric heaters to confirm they ignite and reach operating temperature. Check tamper bars for wear, vibrators for smooth operation and screed extensions for secure locking and correct crown adjustment.
4. Check the auger system: flights, bearings, speed controls and guards. Inspect the hopper: wings, push rollers, flow gates and floor. Check the conveyor: slats, chain tension, sprockets and tunnel.: Inspect auger flights for wear and damage, bearings for play or noise, and speed controls for smooth response. Operate hopper wings through their full range, check push roller condition and alignment, and confirm flow gates move freely. Examine conveyor slats for cracks, measure chain tension against the manufacturer specification and inspect sprockets and the conveyor tunnel for material build-up.
5. Inspect the hydraulic system, engine fluids, controls, electrical system, lights and all safety devices.: Check hydraulic oil level on the sight glass, inspect hoses and fittings for leaks, and verify cylinder operation. Confirm engine oil, coolant, fuel and DEF/AdBlue levels are within range. Test grade and slope controls, the levelling system, travel speed control and all gauges. Verify headlights, work lights, beacons, reverse alarm and camera (if fitted) are operational. Confirm all guards are in place, emergency stops are functional and the fire extinguisher is charged.
6. Record any defects and report per site procedures. Do not operate until safety-critical defects are rectified. Sign off and save as PDF or submit digitally in MapTrack.: Document each defect with a description and the action required. If any safety-critical defect is found, isolate the paver with a tag-out notice and inform the supervisor immediately. The operator and supervisor both sign the completed checklist. Save the form as a PDF or submit digitally in MapTrack so the record is linked to 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.

Frequently asked questions

What should an asphalt paver pre-start checklist cover?

An asphalt paver pre-start checklist should cover the screed assembly (plate condition, heaters, tamper bars, vibrators), auger system (flights, bearings, speed controls), hopper (wings, push rollers, flow gates), conveyor (slats, chain tension, sprockets), hydraulic system (oil level, hoses, cylinders), engine and fluids (oil, coolant, fuel), controls and instruments (grade and slope controls, levelling system), electrical system (lights, beacons, reverse alarm) and safety devices (guards, emergency stops, fire extinguisher). The checklist confirms the paver is safe to operate and ready to produce quality work.

How often should an asphalt paver be inspected?

An asphalt paver should receive a pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. Weekly inspections should cover deeper items such as conveyor chain wear, screed plate thickness measurement and hydraulic filter condition. Monthly and annual inspections should follow the manufacturer service schedule and cover items such as engine servicing, hydraulic system overhaul and electrical system testing. Always check the paver after relocation, repair or extended downtime.

Who can operate an asphalt paver on a construction site?

Any competent worker who has been trained in the safe operation of the specific paver type may operate it. In Australia, operators should hold a relevant competency (such as RIIMPO322F, Conduct civil construction paver operations) or equivalent site-specific training. The operator must understand the machine controls, emergency shutdown procedures and the hazards associated with hot asphalt, including burns, fumes and traffic. Check your state or territory WHS requirements for any additional licensing or competency obligations.

What is the difference between a paver pre-start and a roller pre-start?

A paver pre-start focuses on the material handling and placement systems unique to asphalt pavers: screed, augers, hopper, conveyor and grade controls. A roller pre-start focuses on the compaction-specific items: drum condition, vibration system, water spray system, edge clearance and oscillation (for oscillating rollers). Both cover common plant items such as engine, hydraulics, brakes, steering, lights and safety devices, but the equipment-specific sections are different.

Is this asphalt paver pre-start checklist free to download?

Yes, this asphalt paver 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.