Free crane daily pre-start checklist
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A crane daily pre-start checklist is a form used to inspect and document a crane's condition before use. This page explains what to include in a crane pre-start inspection, how to use the template, and offers a free PDF-ready crane pre-start checklist you can download and use straight away. No sign-up required to use the form.
Last updated: 2026-03-26 · MapTrack
Commercial Director
How to use: Fill crane and operator details → mark Pass/Fail for each item → add notes where needed → sign and date → save as PDF (Print → Save as PDF in your browser).
- ✓ PDF-ready. Open and print to PDF
- ✓ Covers boom, wire ropes, hook, load systems, outriggers, cab, engine and safety
- ✓ Free to use with or without MapTrack
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See the first part of the checklist below. Enter your email above to download the full crane pre-start inspection form (PDF-ready).
What is a crane pre-start checklist?
A crane daily pre-start checklist is a structured form used to inspect a crane before it is operated each day or shift. It applies to mobile cranes, tower cranes, crawler cranes and overhead/gantry cranes. Because cranes handle suspended loads at height, a thorough pre-start inspection is critical to preventing catastrophic failures, dropped loads and serious injuries. The checklist covers everything from the boom, wire ropes and hook block to the load moment indicator (LMI), outriggers, cab controls and safety devices, catching problems such as worn ropes, faulty load limiting systems or structural damage before they lead to incidents on site.
Benefits of using a crane pre-start checklist
- Catch critical issues before lifts: identify problems with the boom, wire ropes, hook block, LMI/RCI and anti-two-block devices before loads are lifted.
- Operator and rigger safety: confirm brakes, outriggers, emergency stops, slew systems and load-limiting devices are functioning before crane operation begins.
- Compliance with WHS and AS 2550: meet workplace health and safety obligations and Australian Standard AS 2550 (Cranes, hoists and winches) requirements for daily inspection of cranes.
- Preventive maintenance: keep the crane in good order by catching minor issues (low fluids, rope wear, loose bolts) before they become costly repairs or unplanned downtime.
- Consistency across operators: a standardised checklist ensures critical checks are not missed regardless of which operator is using the crane that shift.
- Recordkeeping for incidents and insurance: maintain a verifiable history of pre-start inspections for audits, insurance claims, incident investigations and regulatory inquiries.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you move from paper or static PDFs to digital forms 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).
Book a demo to see digital pre-starts and forms in MapTrack.
What to include in a crane pre-start checklist
Our free crane daily inspection form includes:
- Crane details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, hours reading, SWL/maximum capacity.
- Operator details: name, HRWL class and number, date, site/location.
- Walk-around: general condition, visible leaks, ground conditions and setup area.
- Cab and controls: cabin access and housekeeping, seatbelt, mirrors/camera, wipers/washers/horn, gauges and displays.
- Structural: boom sections condition, jib condition (if fitted), outriggers/pads, slew ring/bearing, counterweights secure, turntable bolts.
- Engine and fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, batteries.
- Wire ropes and rigging: main hoist rope condition, auxiliary rope (if fitted), hook block and safety latch, sheaves/pulleys, rope terminations and dead ends.
- Load systems: load chart posted and legible, RCI/LMI operational, anti-two-block device, boom angle indicator, anemometer/wind speed (if fitted).
- Safety devices: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency stops, beacon/strobe, reverse alarm.
- Lights and electrics: headlights/work lights, indicators/tail lights, battery terminals.
- Outrigger setup (if mobile crane): outrigger pads level, ground bearing adequate, exclusion zone marked.
- Overall result, defects table, operator and supervisor sign-off.
How to conduct crane pre-start inspections
- Complete crane and operator details at the top of the checklist, including the hours reading, SWL/capacity and HRWL class.
- Perform a walk-around inspection before entering the cab. Check for leaks, structural damage, ground conditions and that the setup area is suitable for the planned lifts.
- Go through each checklist item and inspect the corresponding component. Mark Pass or Fail (and add notes if needed). Pay particular attention to wire ropes, hook block, load systems and outriggers.
- If any item fails, note it and do not operate the crane until it is rectified or approved. Report defects per your procedures and the requirements of AS 2550.
- Sign and date when the check is complete. Keep the form for your records or export/save as PDF.
In MapTrack, you can turn this (or your own) checklist into a digital form completed on mobile. Results and photos attach to each crane, and failed items can trigger work orders so the crane is not available until it is cleared. Book a demo to see how.
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Back to download formHow often to complete a crane pre-start
Complete a crane pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. Before critical lifts, perform an additional pre-lift check covering the specific rigging, load weight and lift plan. If the crane has been relocated to a new site, has had repairs, or was used by another operator, perform a fresh check. Many construction sites require a daily pre-start for all cranes on site. Your company policy, site rules, lift studies or contract may specify additional frequency. When in doubt, complete the checklist each time the crane is used.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a crane pre-start inspection cover?
- A crane pre-start inspection should cover a walk-around (general condition, leaks, ground conditions and setup area), cab and controls (seatbelt, mirrors, wipers, horn, gauges), structural components (boom sections, jib, outriggers/pads, slew ring/bearing, counterweights, turntable bolts), engine and fluids (oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, batteries), wire ropes and rigging (main hoist rope, auxiliary rope, hook block, safety latch, sheaves/pulleys, rope terminations), load systems (load chart, RCI/LMI, anti-two-block device, boom angle indicator, anemometer), safety devices (fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency stops, beacon/strobe, reverse alarm), lights and electrics (headlights, work lights, indicators, battery terminals), and outrigger setup for mobile cranes (pads level, ground bearing, exclusion zone).
- How often should cranes be inspected?
- Cranes should receive a pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. Before critical lifts, an additional pre-lift check is recommended. In addition to daily checks, manufacturers typically specify service intervals based on hours. Your company policy, site rules, lift studies or contract may require additional inspections. Always follow the most stringent requirement and any applicable Australian Standards (AS 2550 series).
- What qualifications are needed to operate a crane?
- In Australia, crane operators must hold a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) issued by the relevant state or territory WHS regulator. Licence classes include CN (non-slewing mobile crane up to 3 tonnes), CV (vehicle loading crane over 10 tonne metres), CO (open non-slewing mobile crane), C2 (slewing mobile crane up to 20 tonnes), C6 (slewing mobile crane up to 60 tonnes), C1 (slewing mobile crane up to 100 tonnes), CT (tower crane) and CB (bridge and gantry crane). Doggers and riggers require separate HRWL classes. Requirements vary by state and territory; always verify operator competency and licence currency before allowing crane operation.
- Is the template free to use without MapTrack?
- Yes. You can download and use the crane pre-start checklist template for free. Open the file and use your browser's Print → Save as PDF to keep a copy. No MapTrack account required. If you later want digital pre-starts tied to each crane with work orders and audit trails, we'd be happy to show you MapTrack.
Need digital pre-starts attached to each crane?
Build forms in MapTrack by describing them to AI, uploading an existing form, or using a template. Pre-starts live on the asset with evidence and work orders.