Free Grader Pre-Start Checklist
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This free motor grader pre-start checklist covers all daily inspection items for grader operations on Australian work sites. The two-page A4 form includes cab and ROPS, blade and moldboard condition, circle and turntable, engine and fluids, tyres and brakes, steering and hydraulics, and lights and safety devices - 22+ check items in total. Print it, fill it in, and retain it as a signed inspection record.
Last updated: 2026-02-21 · MapTrack
Commercial Director
How to use: Download the template, open in your browser, fill in the details, then Print → Save as PDF. File one copy per shift with your plant records or fleet management system.
- ✓ PDF-ready. Open and print to PDF
- ✓ 22+ grader-specific check items across 7 sections
- ✓ Free to use with or without MapTrack
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See the first part of the checklist below. Enter your email above to download the full template (PDF-ready).
What is a grader pre-start check?
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, and tandem drive bogies. This checklist addresses all of those specific systems alongside the standard engine, brake, and cab checks.
Benefits of grader pre-start checks
- 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 move from paper or static PDFs to digital forms 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).
Book a demo to see digital pre-starts in MapTrack.
What to include in a grader pre-start checklist
Our free grader pre-start checklist includes:
- 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 conduct a grader pre-start check
- 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.
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Back to download formHow often should grader pre-starts be completed?
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
- What should a grader pre-start check include?
- A grader pre-start should cover: cab and ROPS/FOPS integrity, seatbelt, horn and backup alarm, engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil and fuel levels, blade and moldboard condition (cutting edge, end bits, cracks), circle and turntable (ring gear teeth, rotation, bearing play), tyres (pressure, cuts, studs), brakes (service and parking), steering (front axle lean, articulation), hydraulic cylinders and hoses for leaks, lights including beacon, and a general walk-around for fluid leaks or ground hazards.
- How often should a grader pre-start be completed?
- A pre-start check should be completed at the start of every shift or before first use each day. If multiple operators use the same grader across shifts, each operator completes their own inspection. Your site safety management plan or principal contractor may specify additional requirements. Always follow the most stringent requirement.
- Who can operate a grader?
- In Australia, operators of motor graders must hold the relevant competency, typically a Statement of Attainment for units such as RIIMPO321F. Conduct civil construction grader operations. No formal high-risk work licence (HRWL) is required for graders specifically, but site induction and demonstrated competency are always required. Check state/territory WHS regulations and your organisation's requirements before operation.
- Is the template free to use without MapTrack?
- Yes. Download and use the template for free. Open the HTML file and use Print → Save as PDF. No MapTrack account required. If you later want digital pre-starts linked to each grader with automatic fault alerts, MapTrack can help.
Need digital pre-starts with automatic fault alerts?
Register every grader in MapTrack. Complete pre-starts on mobile, get automatic alerts when faults are identified, and maintain a full inspection history on every asset.