Free excavator daily pre-start checklist
Free excavator daily pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers hydraulics, pins and bushes, tracks, cab, safety devices and engine checks. Download free.
Updated 16 Sept 2026
Excavator Daily Pre-Start Checklist
Excavator daily inspection: complete before first use each shift
Walk-Around
Engine & Fluids
Undercarriage / Tracks
Boom, Stick & Bucket
Cab & Controls
Safety Devices
Lights & Electrics
Attachments
Operator Sign-off
Signature
Print name
Date & time
Supervisor / Reviewer Acknowledgement
Signature
Print name
Date
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
Two ways to use it
Use in MapTrack →Use it digitally instead
Unlimited usersThese same 39 checks, already built.
- Scan the asset’s QR tag with any phone
- Submitted forms can trigger alerts
- Photos on fails, audit-ready records
- Export responses, PDF reports with your logo
Free trial. No credit card needed.
Trusted by teams across Australia and New Zealand
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
These templates are free general guides provided as-is. They do not constitute legal, safety or compliance advice. You are responsible for ensuring any form meets your specific workplace obligations, industry standards and applicable regulations.
Don't just download it - use it live. Start a free workspace with this excavator daily pre-start checklist already built, so your crew can run it from a phone.
Commercial Director
Key takeaways
- The MapTrack excavator daily pre-start checklist contains 39 checks across 8 sections. Sections covered: Walk-Around, Engine & Fluids, Undercarriage / Tracks, Boom, Stick & Bucket, Cab & Controls, Safety Devices, Lights & Electrics, Attachments.
Enter your email below to download this excavator daily pre-start checklist as a ready-to-use PDF.
Used by construction, mining and field service teams
What is an excavator daily pre-start checklist?
An excavator pre-start checklist records the checks made before the equipment is used. This form covers tracks, boom, stick, bucket, hydraulics, cab controls and safety devices, with space to identify the machine and operator and record findings. Check each applicable item against the equipment instructions and workplace process, rather than treating a ticked box as a guarantee that the machine is safe.
Check the machine and each fitted attachment against the manufacturer's instructions. A daily form doesn't replace the equipment's scheduled servicing or a competent person's assessment.
Record a defect clearly enough for the next person to understand it: identify the item, describe the observation and note who it was reported to. Follow the site's process for taking unsafe equipment out of use and arranging assessment. Keep any repair and return-to-service decision connected to the same asset ID.
The PDF is a starting point for the record, not a complete inspection procedure for every model. Review it before use, add any missing checks and explain items that don't apply. An item that couldn't be checked needs follow-up; it isn't the same as an item that is not applicable.
Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.
Benefits of using this excavator daily pre-start checklist
- Equipment reference: recording the excavator ID connects the completed check to the right machine, site and maintenance history.
- Clear findings: an item-by-item record gives the reviewer a place to look for defects, limitations and follow-up notes.
- Operator handover: a dated record helps the next person see what was checked and which findings still need attention.
- Consistent review: the same field order helps the team compare records while still allowing checks specific to each machine.
- Maintenance context: linking a reported defect to its repair record lets a reviewer follow the issue from observation to completion.
- Useful sign-off: names and dates identify who completed and reviewed the record without implying that the form certifies the equipment.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise excavator 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.
Book a demo to see how MapTrack handles excavator checklists.
Try MapTrack free for 30 days
Full access to every feature. No credit card required. Per-asset pricing so you scale as your fleet grows.
- No credit card required
- 30 days free trial
- Cancel anytime
1-2 days/week saved
“Bloody amazing! We used to spend 1-2 days a week tracking and managing our generators alone.”
Steve McAllister
Asset Coordinator, Saunders International
What to include in a excavator daily pre-start checklist
This excavator daily pre-start checklist covers 11 key areas:
- Excavator details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, hours reading.
- Operator details: name, licence/ticket number, date.
- Walk-around: general condition, cleanliness, no visible damage or leaks, ground conditions.
- Engine and fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, DEF/AdBlue (if fitted), air filter indicator.
- Undercarriage / tracks: track tension, sprockets, rollers, idlers, track pads/shoes, no debris wrapped.
- Boom, stick and bucket: pins and bushes (wear/play), bucket teeth and cutting edge, hydraulic cylinders, hoses, quick hitch.
- Cab and controls: ROPS/FOPS integrity, seatbelt, mirrors, wipers, horn, reversing camera/alarm, joystick operation, gauges.
- Safety devices: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, emergency stops, swing lock, boom lock, travel lock.
- Lights and electrics: headlights, work lights, beacon, indicators, battery.
- Attachments: secured, correct pins, hoses connected.
- Overall result, defects table, operator and supervisor sign-off.
How to use this excavator daily pre-start checklist
- Identify the equipment and operator: Record the excavator ID, operator, date and the other details requested on the form. Confirm the checklist is appropriate for the machine and fitted equipment.
- Use the equipment instructions: Follow the manufacturer's safe inspection procedure and your workplace requirements for each applicable check. Only perform tasks you are trained and authorised to carry out.
- Record the result of each check: Mark the result using the form's columns and add a clear note for a defect or incomplete check. Explain items that don't apply rather than leaving their status ambiguous.
- Report defects and arrange follow-up: Identify the equipment and affected item when reporting a finding. Follow the site's process for unsafe equipment and assessment, and keep the relevant job or defect reference with the record.
- Complete and retain the record: Sign and date the completed check and obtain the required review. Keep unresolved findings visible and connect any later repair and return-to-service decision to the same asset ID.
In MapTrack, you can run digital pre-starts attached to each asset. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.
Get the free templateEnter your email above to download the full excavator daily pre-start checklist as a PDF.Back to download formHow often should you complete this checklist?
Use the excavator pre-start record at the point specified by the equipment instructions and workplace procedure, including the checks required before operation. Review whether another check is needed after a change of operator, location, attachment or equipment condition. Don't use this generic form to set universal servicing or electrical-testing intervals.
Keep daily observations separate from scheduled maintenance, specialist inspection and repair records. Record the relevant hour-meter reading where the form provides for it, and use the manufacturer's schedule and applicable workplace requirements to plan the next service. Report a new fault when it is found, rather than waiting for the next scheduled form.
Frequently asked questions
Guidance to check before use
This template is a starting point for your records. It isn't an approval, certification or replacement for the instructions and requirements that apply to your work.
- Safe Work Australia model guidance on managing risks of plant in the workplace
Check the current source
Excavator daily pre-start checklist preview
The numbers behind this excavator daily pre-start checklist
Every figure below is sourced and dated, so you can quote it in a toolbox talk, a budget case or a board paper without having to chase the original report.
Embed this free template on your website
Run an industry blog, trade association site, or training resource? Drop a preview of this free excavator daily pre-start checklist straight into your page. The snippet is self-contained, needs no scripts, and links readers back to the full free template.
<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;">Excavator daily 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;">Excavator details: asset ID, make/model, serial number, hours reading.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Operator details: name, licence/ticket number, date.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Walk-around: general condition, cleanliness, no visible damage or leaks, ground conditions.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Engine and fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel, DEF/AdBlue (if fitted), air filter indicator.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Undercarriage / tracks: track tension, sprockets, rollers, idlers, track pads/shoes, no debris wrapped.</li>
<li style="margin:4px 0;">Boom, stick and bucket: pins and bushes (wear/play), bucket teeth and cutting edge, hydraulic cylinders, hoses, quick hitch.</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/excavator-pre-start-checklist" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Excavator daily 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.
Cite this template
Writing about this topic? You’re welcome to quote this checklist. Here’s the wording to use so your readers can find the original.
The MapTrack excavator daily pre-start checklist contains 39 checks across 8 sections.
- Short attribution
- MapTrack Excavator daily pre-start checklist, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/excavator-pre-start-checklist
- Reference list
- MapTrack. (2026). Excavator daily pre-start checklist [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/excavator-pre-start-checklist
Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/excavator-pre-start-checklist.
Need to run digital pre-starts attached to each asset?
Register every excavator in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.
Pre-start inspections · All templates · Pricing · Book a demo