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Free crane pre-start checklist
Free crane daily pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers boom, wire ropes, hook, load systems, outriggers, cab, engine and safety. Download free.
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40 checks · 9 sections · Sign-off
40 checks
The fields in the printable form, in a view that fits your screen.
- Asset ID
- Make / model
- Serial number
- Hours reading
- SWL / max capacity
- Operator name
- HRWL class / number
- Date
- Site / location
Walk-Around
Cab & Controls
Structural
Engine & Fluids
Wire Ropes & Rigging
Load Systems
Safety Devices
Lights & Electrics
Outrigger Setup (if mobile crane)
(list any item marked F: reference item # from checklist)
Defects & Action Required
- Item #
- Defect description
- Action taken / reported to
- Rectified by / date
Declaration
I declare that I have completed this crane pre-start inspection before using this crane. I have reported any defects or non-compliant items to my supervisor and will not use this crane until any defects that affect safety have been rectified. I understand that failure to complete a pre-start check or to report defects may breach company policy and WHS obligations.
Operator Sign-off
Signature · Print name · Date & time
Supervisor / Reviewer Acknowledgement
Signature · Print name · Date
The MapTrack crane pre-start checklist contains 40 checks across 9 sections.
General guidance only. Check the form against your equipment manual, site procedures and local requirements before using it.
Short answer
A crane pre-start checklist records the operator's check before each shift: walk-around, structure, boom and jib, outriggers, wire ropes, hook block and latch, rated capacity indicator, anti-two-block device, cab controls and safety devices, with defects and sign-off. Operators complete it before each use or shift as site practice. Regulation 213 of the model WHS Regulations requires competent-person inspection following the manufacturer's recommendations; AS 2550.1 Section 7 covers crane inspection.
Checked against AS 2550.1-2011 on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates
Key takeaways
- The MapTrack crane pre-start checklist contains 40 checks across 9 sections. Sections covered: Walk-Around, Cab & Controls, Structural, Engine & Fluids, Wire Ropes & Rigging, Load Systems, Safety Devices, Lights & Electrics, Outrigger Setup (if mobile crane).
- Test the rated capacity indicator and anti-two-block device every shift; a failed load limiting device means the crane is tagged out.
- Check wire ropes against the in-service inspection and discard criteria in AS 2759-2004 Sections 13 and 14.
- Registered mobile and tower cranes need a major inspection at design life end, else as a competent person advises, else every 10 years (reg 235).
- Record the operator's high risk work licence class against the crane; Schedule 3 of the model WHS Regulations lists the crane classes.
- Confirm the ground is firm, outrigger pads are sound and the exclusion zone is set before any lift.
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 or 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) or rated capacity indicator (RCI), 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. In Australia, crane inspections are guided by AS 2550 (Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use) and the AS 1418 series. The WHS Regulations require the PCBU to ensure cranes are inspected and maintained. Crane operators must hold a current High Risk Work Licence for the relevant crane class.
Under the WHS Act 2011 and WHS Regulations Chapter 5, many cranes are registrable plant (Schedule 5) and operating them is high risk work, and the PCBU must ensure that risks arising from their use are eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. The consequences of a crane failure, including dropped loads, boom collapse or overturning, can be catastrophic for operators, riggers and bystanders. A structured daily pre-start inspection is the first line of defence, providing a systematic opportunity to verify that every safety-critical system is functioning correctly before any lifting operation begins.
Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.
Checking cranes before every shift? Our guide compares the main pre-start inspection software options.
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Benefits of using this 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.
What to include in a crane pre-start checklist
- 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 use this crane pre-start checklist
Complete crane and operator details at the top of the checklist, including the hours reading, SWL/capacity and HRWL class.
Record the crane asset ID, make and model, current hour meter reading and the maximum safe working load. Enter your High Risk Work Licence class, licence number and the site or project name.
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.
Circle the crane at ground level looking for hydraulic or oil leaks, cracked welds, loose bolts and damage to outrigger pads. Confirm the ground is firm and level and the exclusion zone is established.
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.
Run each wire rope through your gloved hand feeling for broken wires, kinks or flat spots. Verify the hook safety latch closes fully. Test the RCI/LMI display reads correctly and the anti-two-block device activates.
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.
Tag the crane out of service for critical defects such as failed load limiting devices, damaged wire ropes or non-functional emergency stops. Notify the supervisor and maintenance team immediately.
Sign and date when the check is complete. Keep the form for your records.
Confirm every item is marked Pass, Fail or N/A. Print your name, sign and record the date and time. In MapTrack, submit the completed inspection to link it to the crane asset record automatically.
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How often should you complete this checklist?
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.
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).
Link to this answerCranes 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).
Link to this answerIn 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 over 3 tonnes), CV (vehicle loading crane of 10 metre tonnes or more), CO (slewing mobile crane over 100 tonnes), 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.
Link to this answerCrane inspections in Australia are guided by AS 2550 (Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use) and the AS 1418 series (Cranes, hoists and winches). AS 2550 requires daily pre-operational checks, periodic inspections and major inspections at defined intervals. The WHS Regulations require the PCBU to ensure cranes are inspected and maintained. Wire rope inspection and discard criteria are covered in AS 2759. Always follow the most stringent standard applicable to your crane type and jurisdiction.
Link to this answerYes, this crane 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.
Link to this answerApplicable regulatory standards
This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.
| Standard | Edition | Clauses this template relies on | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 1: General requirementsCrane inspection, records of maintenance and repair, and inspection of ropes, hooks and lifting gear. | AS 2550.1-2011 |
| Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Model Work Health and Safety RegulationsPlant inspection, major inspection and records for registered cranes, and the crane licence classes. | Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011) |
| Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee) |
| Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 5: Mobile cranesMobile crane maintenance and inspection, and limiting and indicating devices such as rated capacity indicators. | AS 2550.5:2016 |
| Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Steel wire rope - Use, operation and maintenanceIn-service inspection of steel wire rope and the criteria for discarding it. | AS 2759-2004 |
| Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
| Guide to inspecting and maintaining cranesSafe Work Australia's guide to inspecting and maintaining cranes; guidance, not law. | December 2015 | Whole instrument | Safe Work Australia |
| Cranes, hoists and winches (AS 1418 series, design)The crane design series; AS 2550 is the matching safe-use series. | Multi-part series. Current parts at check date: AS 1418.1:2021, AS 1418.2-1997, AS 1418.3:2024, AS 1418.4-2004, AS 1418.5-2013, AS 1418.6-2004, AS 1418.7:2024, AS 1418.8-2008, AS 1418.9:2024, AS/NZS 1418.10:2025, AS 1418.11:2014, AS 1418.12-1991, AS 1418.13-1996, AS 1418.16:2026, AS 1418.17-1996, AS 1418.18:2024 | Whole instrument | Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher |
Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 1: General requirements
Edition: AS 2550.1-2011
Crane inspection, records of maintenance and repair, and inspection of ropes, hooks and lifting gear.
- 7.3: Inspection of cranes, hoists and winches.
- 7.5: Records of maintenance, inspection and repair.
- Section 8: Inspection of ropes, hooks and lifting gear.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
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 inspection, major inspection and records for registered cranes, and the crane licence classes.
- 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 235: Registered mobile and tower cranes need a major inspection at the manufacturer's design life end, else per competent person advice, else every 10 years.
- reg 237: Records of tests, inspections, maintenance and alterations must be kept for plant required to be registered.
- Schedule 3: High risk work licence classes, including scaffolding, rigging, cranes, hoists, forklift trucks and boom-type EWPs.
Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)
Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use, Part 5: Mobile cranes
Edition: AS 2550.5:2016
Mobile crane maintenance and inspection, and limiting and indicating devices such as rated capacity indicators.
- Section 7: Maintenance, inspection and repair of mobile cranes.
- Section 8: Limiting, indicating and data recording devices on mobile cranes.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Steel wire rope - Use, operation and maintenance
Edition: AS 2759-2004
In-service inspection of steel wire rope and the criteria for discarding it.
- Section 13: Inspection of steel wire ropes in service.
- Section 14: Criteria for discarding steel wire ropes.
Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher
Guide to inspecting and maintaining cranes
Edition: December 2015
Safe Work Australia's guide to inspecting and maintaining cranes; guidance, not law.
Cranes, hoists and winches (AS 1418 series, design)
Edition: Multi-part series. Current parts at check date: AS 1418.1:2021, AS 1418.2-1997, AS 1418.3:2024, AS 1418.4-2004, AS 1418.5-2013, AS 1418.6-2004, AS 1418.7:2024, AS 1418.8-2008, AS 1418.9:2024, AS/NZS 1418.10:2025, AS 1418.11:2014, AS 1418.12-1991, AS 1418.13-1996, AS 1418.16:2026, AS 1418.17-1996, AS 1418.18:2024
The crane design series; AS 2550 is the matching safe-use series.
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.
- Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
- AS 2550 series, Cranes, hoists and winches, safe use (Standards Australia listing)
MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.
The numbers behind this crane pre-start checklist
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The MapTrack crane pre-start checklist contains 40 checks across 9 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Crane pre-start checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/crane-pre-start-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Crane pre-start checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/crane-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;">Crane 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;">Crane details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, hours reading, SWL/maximum capacity.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Operator details: name, HRWL class and number, date, site/location.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Walk-around: general condition, visible leaks, ground conditions and setup area.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Cab and controls: cabin access and housekeeping, seatbelt, mirrors/camera, wipers/washers/horn, gauges and displays.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Structural: boom sections condition, jib condition (if fitted), outriggers/pads, slew ring/bearing, counterweights secure, turntable bolts.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Engine and fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, batteries.</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/crane-pre-start-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Crane pre-start checklist</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>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.
About the author
Co-Founder & Commercial Director
Jarrod has spent over a decade in technology consulting and asset management, including roles at Accenture (mining and heavy industry) and CGI as an Asset Management Consultant. He co-founded MapTrack and built and scaled its original platform, then rebuilt it with Lachlan and Alex from thousands of customer conversations and 300+ user research sessions with field teams. His consulting background gives him deep insight into the operational and compliance challenges facing asset-intensive Australian businesses.
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