Free crane pre-start checklist
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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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See the first part of the crane pre-start checklist below. Download the full version above.
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 must comply with 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, cranes are classified as high risk plant, 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.
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.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise crane 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 crane pre-start checklist
This crane pre-start checklist covers 12 key areas:
- 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 or export/save as PDF.: 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.
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?
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
Applicable regulatory standards
This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:
- AS 2550 (Cranes, hoists and winches - Safe use)
- AS 1418 (Cranes, hoists and winches)
- WHS Regulations (plant and equipment)
Need to run digital pre-starts attached to each asset?
Register every crane in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.
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