Free telehandler pre-start checklist

• The MapTrack telehandler pre-start checklist contains 38 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: A - Cab & ROPS, B - Boom & Hydraulics, C - Forks & Attachment, D - Stabilisers & Outriggers, E - Engine & Fluids, F - Tyres & Brakes, G - Lights & Safety Devices.
• Cab & ROPS: ROPS/FOPS structure condition, seatbelt and operator restraint bar, mirrors and rear camera, horn, backup alarm, gauges and warning lights, fire extinguisher, first aid kit.
• Boom & Hydraulics: boom sections for cracks or deformation, wear pads condition and clearance, telescope cylinder and hoses for leaks, boom pivot pins and retaining hardware, boom extension chain or cable condition, hydraulic oil level and system pressure.
• Forks & Attachment: fork blades for bends or cracks, fork heel wear, carriage locking hooks and retaining pins, attachment coupling secure, load chart displayed and matched to fitted attachment, quick coupler engagement.

Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.

• Identify faults before operation: catch boom cracks, hydraulic leaks, stabiliser faults, or LMI errors before they cause incidents or collapses.
• WHS compliance: demonstrate duty of care and meet work health and safety obligations under Australian legislation, particularly as a high-risk work plant.
• 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 telehandler each shift, and that the correct licence was held.
• Maintenance planning: trend data from pre-starts helps schedule servicing before failures occur, particularly for boom wear pads, hydraulic filters, and tyre condition.

• Cab & ROPS: ROPS/FOPS structure condition, seatbelt and operator restraint bar, mirrors and rear camera, horn, backup alarm, gauges and warning lights, fire extinguisher, first aid kit.
• Boom & Hydraulics: boom sections for cracks or deformation, wear pads condition and clearance, telescope cylinder and hoses for leaks, boom pivot pins and retaining hardware, boom extension chain or cable condition, hydraulic oil level and system pressure.
• Forks & Attachment: fork blades for bends or cracks, fork heel wear, carriage locking hooks and retaining pins, attachment coupling secure, load chart displayed and matched to fitted attachment, quick coupler engagement.
• Stabilisers & Outriggers: stabiliser legs for cracks or damage, pins and retaining clips, foot pads condition, stabiliser cylinder hoses, level indicator operation.
• Engine & Fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel level, DEF/AdBlue where applicable, air filter restriction indicator, battery terminals, belts, hoses, and fluid leaks.
• Tyres & Brakes: tyre pressure and condition (cuts, bulges, chunking), wheel nut torque check, parking brake function, service brake response.
• Lights & Safety Devices: headlights, work lights, rotating beacon, indicators, Load Moment Indicator (LMI) calibration and alarm function, emergency lowering valve, emergency stop, walk-around for fluid leaks or ground hazards.

1. Walk-around inspection

   before starting, walk around the telehandler checking for fluid leaks under the machine, tyre condition, boom condition, stabiliser condition, and any objects beneath or near the machine.

2. Check fluid levels

   with engine off, check engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, and fuel. Top up if needed and record levels on the form.

3. Inspect forks and attachment

   check fork blades for bends or cracks, confirm carriage locks are engaged, verify the load chart is displayed and correct for the fitted attachment.

4. Inspect boom

   check boom sections for cracks, check wear pad condition and clearance, inspect cylinder hoses for leaks, and confirm pivot pins are secure.

5. Inspect stabilisers

   check stabiliser legs, pins, retaining clips, and foot pads. Confirm hydraulic hoses are not damaged.

6. Inspect cab and controls

   check ROPS/FOPS integrity, fasten seatbelt or restraint bar, set mirrors, and test horn before starting.

7. Start engine and check instruments

   observe warning lights clear at startup, confirm oil pressure and temperature gauges read normal, and test backup alarm and LMI display.

8. Test brakes and steering

   at slow speed in a safe area, test parking brake, service brake, and confirm steering mode selector operates correctly.

9. Test boom operation

   with forks lowered and stabilisers deployed if required, cycle the boom through raise, lower, extend, and retract to confirm hydraulic response and LMI alarm function at rated capacity limit.

10. 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.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• WHS Regulations 2017 (Part 5.1 Plant)
• WHS Act 2011 (Section 19 - Primary duty of care)
• AS 1418.10 (Elevating work platforms, where telehandler is used as EWP)

• Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
• Model Work Health and Safety Act (Safe Work Australia)
• AS/NZS 1418.10:2025, Cranes, hoists and winches, elevating work platforms (Standards Australia)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

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