Free tipper truck pre-start checklist

• The MapTrack tipper truck pre-start checklist contains 26 checks across 5 sections. Sections covered: Cab & Controls, Engine & Drivetrain, Tipping Body & Hydraulics, Wheels, Tyres & Brakes, Lights, Electrical & Safety.
• Vehicle details: make/model, registration, fleet number, odometer reading.
• Operator details: name, licence class, inspection date.
• Cab and controls: mirrors, seatbelt, instruments, wipers, horn.

Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.

• Hydraulic safety: verify rams, hoses and PTO engagement before tipping under load.
• Tray integrity: catch cracks, pin wear and tailgate faults before material is loaded.
• Roadworthiness: confirm brakes, tyres, lights and mirrors meet HVNL and WHS requirements.
• Reduced downtime: identify belt wear, fluid leaks and tyre damage before they cause breakdowns on site.
• Load safety: check load restraint points and tailgate latches to prevent material spills.
• Audit trail: maintain a verifiable history of daily pre-start inspections for fleet audits and incident investigations.

• Vehicle details: make/model, registration, fleet number, odometer reading.
• Operator details: name, licence class, inspection date.
• Cab and controls: mirrors, seatbelt, instruments, wipers, horn.
• Engine and drivetrain: oil level, coolant, belts, air filter, exhaust, transmission.
• Tipping body and hydraulics: tray condition, hydraulic rams, PTO, tailgate latch, tray pins, hoses.
• Wheels, tyres and brakes: tread depth, inflation, wheel nuts, service brake, park brake.
• Lights and electrical: headlights, indicators, brake lights, reverse alarm, beacon, battery.
• Safety equipment: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, wheel chocks, PPE.
• Defect register: item, description, action required.
• Sign-off: operator and supervisor.

1. Record vehicle details including make/model, registration and odometer reading.

   Enter the truck make, model, registration number, fleet number and current odometer reading at the top of the form. Record your name, licence class (typically HR or HC for tipper trucks in Australia) and the date. This information links the inspection to a specific vehicle and operator for traceability during audits, incident investigations and fleet reporting.

2. Walk around the truck and check for visible damage, fluid leaks, tyre condition and mirrors.

   Start at the front and work clockwise around the truck. Look underneath for fresh oil, coolant or hydraulic fluid pools. Check each tyre for tread depth (minimum 1.5 mm for steer axles), cuts, bulges and correct inflation pressure. Confirm all mirrors are secure, clean and properly adjusted. Inspect the body for dents, cracks or loose panels that could affect structural integrity or load containment.

3. Inspect the tipping body: tray for cracks or dents, hydraulic rams for leaks, tailgate latch and tray pins.

   Examine the tray floor and sides for cracks, corrosion or deformation, paying particular attention to welds at stress points. Check each hydraulic ram for oil weeping, scoring on the chrome shaft and secure mounting pins. Confirm the tailgate latch engages fully and the tray hinge pins are intact with retaining clips in place. Verify the PTO engagement mechanism operates smoothly from the cab controls.

4. Check the cab: seatbelt, instruments, wipers, horn and controls.

   Sit in the cab, fasten the seatbelt and give a sharp tug to confirm the retractor locks. Check the dashboard for warning lights, gauge readings and that the speedometer and tachometer are functional. Test the windscreen wipers and washers on both speeds. Sound the horn to confirm it works. Check that all cab controls, including the tipping body controls, respond correctly.

5. Inspect engine bay: oil, coolant, belts, air filter and exhaust.

   With the engine off, check the engine oil level on the dipstick and top up if below the minimum mark. Inspect the coolant expansion tank level (never open a hot radiator cap). Check drive belts for cracks, glazing and correct tension. Examine the air filter restriction indicator and replace the filter if it reads in the red zone. Look for exhaust leaks at manifold joints and turbo connections.

6. Test brakes (service and park), lights, indicators, reverse alarm and beacon.

   Start the engine, allow air pressure to build to operating range (typically 700-850 kPa) and listen for air leaks. Apply the service brake firmly and check for a solid pedal feel with no excessive travel. Engage the park brake on a slight grade and confirm the truck holds stationary. Walk around and verify all headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators and clearance lights are functioning. Confirm the reverse alarm sounds and the rotating beacon operates.

7. Record any defects and report per your site procedures. Do not operate until safety defects are rectified.

   Note every defect in the defect register section with a clear description and the action required. Safety-critical defects, including brake faults, steering issues, hydraulic leaks on the tipping body or non-functional lights, must be rectified before the truck is operated. Attach an out-of-service tag if needed and notify the supervisor and maintenance team immediately.

8. Sign off, date the form and save as PDF.

   Select the overall result (Pass, Action Required or Fail), then sign and date the form. If your site requires a supervisor countersignature, obtain it before commencing work. File the completed checklist in the vehicle logbook or submit digitally through MapTrack so the record is linked to the vehicle asset and available for fleet audits.

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)
• Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) (Chapter 4 - Vehicle standards)
• NHVR National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual
• PCBU duty of care (WHS Act 2011, Section 19)

• Model WHS Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
• Model Work Health and Safety Act (Safe Work Australia)
• Heavy Vehicle National Law and Regulations (NHVR)

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

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