What should you check in an equipment pre-start?

An equipment pre-start typically covers guards and safety (ROPS, seatbelt, kill switch, fire extinguisher), controls and hydraulics (steering, brakes, hoses, levers), engine and fluids (oil, coolant, fuel, leaks), attachments and underbody, and documentation or compliance (registration, operator competency). Complete the check before each use or at the start of each shift.

Is an equipment pre-start checklist required?

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and industry. In Australia, workplace health and safety obligations often require that plant and equipment are maintained and fit for use; many organisations use pre-start checklists to demonstrate due diligence. Check your local regulations and company policy.

Can I use a digital or mobile app for equipment pre-starts?

Yes. Digital pre-start forms on phone or tablet are widely used for plant and equipment. They keep evidence, photos and timestamps attached to each asset and support compliance and audits. MapTrack lets you build pre-start forms (including from this template), complete them on mobile, including offline, and attach results to the asset record. Book a demo to see how.

Free equipment pre-start checklist

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Free equipment pre-start checklist template (PDF-ready). Inspect plant before use: guards, controls, fluids, safety and documentation. Download free.

Last updated: 2026-02-20

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 20 February 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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What is a equipment pre-start checklist?

An equipment pre-start checklist is a list of tasks and inspections to perform before plant or equipment is used. It helps operators and supervisors confirm the asset is safe and fit for use, reducing the risk of accidents, breakdowns and non-compliance. The checklist should be completed daily or before each use and is a preventive measure to catch problems before they escalate.

Benefits of using this equipment pre-start checklist

Fewer financial losses: spot minor issues before they become costly repairs or downtime.
Defects before use: uncover problems that could cause damage or injury when the equipment is started or operated.
Compliance: meet regulatory and organisational requirements and demonstrate due diligence.
Preventive maintenance: keep plant and equipment in good order and reduce unexpected failures.
Consistency and accountability: a standardised approach so important checks aren't missed.
Recordkeeping: maintain a record of pre-starts for maintenance history and audits.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

When you move your checklists from paper to 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 equipment pre-start checklist

This equipment pre-start checklist covers 8 key areas:

Asset details: asset/equipment ID, meter/hours, make/model, date, operator name and site/location.
Guards and safety: guards in place, decals, ROPS/FOPS, seatbelt, kill switch, fire extinguisher, first aid.
Controls and hydraulics: steering, brakes, hoses, oil level, levers, lights, horn.
Engine and fluids: oil, coolant, fuel, leaks, exhaust, battery, belts, air filter.
Attachments and underbody: attachment secure, underbody, tyres/tracks.
Documentation and compliance: registration, inspection, operator competency, keys.
Declaration: confirmation that the check was completed, defects reported and equipment not used until safe.
Signature: operator signature, print name and date/time.

How to use this equipment pre-start checklist

Complete asset and operator details at the top of the checklist.
Go through each item and inspect the corresponding component. Mark Pass or Fail (and add notes if needed).
If any item fails, note it and do not use the equipment until it's rectified or approved. Report defects per your procedures.
Sign and date when the check is complete. Keep the form for your records or export/save as PDF.

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?

Complete an equipment pre-start inspection before each use or at the start of each shift. Many organisations require a daily pre-start for plant and equipment; some require a check before every session. If the equipment has been sitting unused, has had repairs, or was used by another operator, do a fresh check. Your company policy or contract may specify frequency. When in doubt, complete the checklist each time you use the equipment.

Frequently asked questions

What should you check in an equipment pre-start?: An equipment pre-start typically covers guards and safety (ROPS, seatbelt, kill switch, fire extinguisher), controls and hydraulics (steering, brakes, hoses, levers), engine and fluids (oil, coolant, fuel, leaks), attachments and underbody, and documentation or compliance (registration, operator competency). Complete the check before each use or at the start of each shift.
Is an equipment pre-start checklist required?: Requirements vary by jurisdiction and industry. In Australia, workplace health and safety obligations often require that plant and equipment are maintained and fit for use; many organisations use pre-start checklists to demonstrate due diligence. Check your local regulations and company policy.
Can I use a digital or mobile app for equipment pre-starts?: Yes. Digital pre-start forms on phone or tablet are widely used for plant and equipment. They keep evidence, photos and timestamps attached to each asset and support compliance and audits. MapTrack lets you build pre-start forms (including from this template), complete them on mobile, including offline, and attach results to the asset record. Book a demo to see how.

Need to run digital pre-starts attached to each asset?

Register every asset in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.

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