Free grader pre-start checklist
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Free grader pre-start checklist (PDF-ready). Covers cab, ROPS, blade, moldboard, circle, turntable, engine, tyres, brakes and hydraulics. Download free.
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See the first part of the grader pre-start checklist below. Download the full version above.
What is a grader pre-start checklist?
A grader pre-start check is a documented inspection completed by the operator before the motor grader is started or moved at the beginning of each shift. It systematically checks the mechanical condition, fluid levels, structural integrity, and safety systems of the grader to confirm it is fit for operation. Pre-start inspections are required under the Australian Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations for plant and equipment, and virtually all site safety management plans prohibit the operation of plant without a completed daily pre-start. Motor graders are complex machines with unique inspection requirements around the circle, moldboard, blade, tandem drive bogies and articulated steering. This checklist addresses all of those specific systems alongside the standard engine, brake, and cab checks. AS 4024 (Safety of machinery) and ISO 6165 (Earth-moving machinery) provide additional guidance on guarding, safety systems and inspection requirements for motor graders. A documented daily pre-start is the standard evidence of compliance for audits, insurance and incident investigations. Under the WHS Act 2011 (Section 19), the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) holds a primary duty of care to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that plant used for work is safe. The WHS Regulations 2011 (Chapter 5, Plant and Structures) require that graders are inspected, maintained and, where necessary, tested before use. Motor graders present equipment-specific risks including blade strike and entanglement in the circle mechanism, loss of steering control on grades, and rollover due to uneven ground or excessive speed during side-slope grading. Failure to identify and address these hazards through a documented pre-start inspection can result in regulatory enforcement action and personal liability for officers under WHS due diligence provisions.
Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.
Benefits of using this grader pre-start checklist
- Identify faults before operation: catch blade cracks, circle gear damage, or hydraulic leaks early before they cause breakdowns or injuries.
- WHS compliance: demonstrate duty of care and meet work health and safety obligations under Australian legislation.
- Reduced downtime: prevent costly breakdowns and unplanned maintenance by catching issues at the start of shift.
- Insurance and warranty protection: documented pre-starts support insurance claims and manufacturer warranty requirements.
- Operator accountability: signed records confirm who inspected and operated the grader each shift.
- Maintenance planning: trend data from pre-starts helps schedule servicing before failures occur, particularly for circle ring gears, cutting edges, and tandem drive chains.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise grader 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 grader checklists.
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What to include in a grader pre-start checklist
This grader pre-start checklist covers 7 key areas:
- Cab & ROPS: ROPS/FOPS structure condition, seatbelt and operator restraint, mirrors, horn, backup alarm, gauges and instruments, fire extinguisher, first aid kit.
- Blade & Moldboard: cutting edge condition and wear, end bits and blade bolts, moldboard surface (cracks, warps), blade tip clearance, scarifier/ripper tines and pins.
- Circle & Turntable: ring gear teeth condition, circle drive motor and gearbox, drawbar and ball stud, turntable bearing clearance, circle rotation through full range.
- Engine & Fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel level, DEF/AdBlue where applicable, air filter restriction indicator, battery terminals, belts, hoses, and leaks.
- Tyres & Brakes: tyre pressure and condition (cuts, bulges), wheel nuts, parking brake function, service brake response, tandem drive chain condition.
- Steering & Hydraulics: front axle lean and steering response, articulation joint condition, hydraulic cylinders for leaks, hose condition, hydraulic system pressure.
- Lights & Safety Devices: headlights, work lights, rotating beacon, indicators, reverse alarm, emergency stop, walk-around for fluid leaks or ground hazards.
How to use this grader pre-start checklist
- Walk-around inspection: before starting, walk around the grader checking for fluid leaks under the machine, tyre condition, blade and moldboard damage, and any objects beneath or near the machine.
- Check fluid levels: with engine off, check engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, and fuel. Top up if needed and record levels on the form.
- Inspect blade and circle: check cutting edge wear, blade bolts, end bits, ring gear teeth for damage or excessive wear, and circle bearing play.
- Inspect cab and controls: check ROPS/FOPS integrity, fasten seatbelt, set mirrors, and test horn before starting.
- Start engine and check instruments: observe warning lights clear at startup, confirm oil pressure and temperature gauges read normal, and test backup alarm.
- Test brakes and steering: at slow speed in a safe area, test parking and service brakes. Check front axle lean, articulation, and confirm steering operates without unexpected play or noise.
- Test blade controls: cycle the blade through its full range (raise, lower, side-shift, rotate) to confirm hydraulic response and no abnormal sounds.
- Complete the form: mark P (pass), F (fail), or N/A for every item. Record notes for any fail. Sign and retain the form. Do not operate if any fail item has not been rectified or escalated to the supervisor.
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?
A grader pre-start check must be completed before first use at the start of each shift or each working day. If the grader is used by multiple operators across shifts, each operator should complete their own inspection before taking control. In addition to daily checks, follow the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance intervals (typically at 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 hours). Cutting edges and end bits should also be visually checked mid-shift during heavy grading operations, as wear rates can be rapid on hard-surface work. Circle ring gear lubrication and tandem drive chain tension checks should be completed at the intervals specified in your machine's operator and maintenance manual.
Frequently asked questions
Applicable regulatory standards
This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:
- AS 4024 (Safety of machinery)
- ISO 6165 (Earth-moving machinery)
- WHS Regulations (plant and equipment)
Need to run digital pre-starts attached to each asset?
Register every grader in MapTrack, attach digital forms, and get a complete history of every inspection, service and compliance record.
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