Free trencher pre-start checklist

• The MapTrack trencher pre-start checklist contains 25 checks across 7 sections. Sections covered: Boom and Digging Chain / Wheel, Teeth and Cutting Components, Guards, Hydraulic System, Engine and Drivetrain, Tracks / Wheels, Controls and Instruments.
• No WHS regulation names a daily trencher pre-start; it is the common way to apply regulation 213 and the manufacturer's daily checks.
• Isolate the trencher and lower the digging assembly before checking or clearing the chain, teeth or wheel.
• A missing guard, failed emergency stop or faulty reverse alarm fails the pre-start; the trencher stays out of service until repaired.
• Part 6.3 Division 3 of the model WHS Regulations covers underground essential services information and trench controls for excavation work.
• Check teeth before each use and chain wear and tension at the manufacturer's interval; check more often in rocky or abrasive ground.

Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.

• Cutting performance: identifying worn or missing teeth, loose chain tension or damaged cutting wheel segments before the shift prevents poor trench quality and rework.
• Operator safety: confirming guards, emergency stops, reverse alarms and fire extinguishers are functional protects the operator and nearby workers from exposed cutting components.
• WHS compliance: documented pre-start records demonstrate the PCBU has met their duty of care for plant inspections under the WHS Regulations.
• Hydraulic integrity: checking hydraulic oil, hoses and fittings prevents leaks that can cause sudden loss of boom or depth control.
• Reduced downtime: catching track tension issues, low fluid levels or sensor faults before trenching begins avoids mid-shift breakdowns.
• Underground services safety: the pre-start prompts the operator to confirm Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) clearance and service locating before operating in the trench zone.

• Machine details: type (chain trencher, wheel trencher, micro trencher), make/model, serial or fleet number, hour meter, date.
• Operator details: name, licence or competency number.
• Walk-around inspection: check for leaks, damage, loose components, ground conditions and service markings in the work area.
• Digging assembly (chain trencher): boom condition, chain tension, chain links, teeth and holders (wear, damage, missing), sprockets, guards, crumb conveyor or spoil auger.
• Digging assembly (wheel trencher): cutting wheel condition, teeth and holders (wear, damage, missing), wheel bearings, guards, spoil conveyor.
• Hydraulic system: hydraulic oil level, hoses, fittings, cylinders, leak check, boom raise/lower function.
• Engine and fluids: engine oil, coolant, fuel, DEF/AdBlue, air filter, exhaust.
• Undercarriage (tracked): tracks, track tension, rollers, sprockets, idlers, track pads.
• Undercarriage (wheeled): tyres, inflation, tread, wheel nuts.
• Controls and instruments: digging depth control, ground speed, steering, all gauges and indicators.
• Electrical and lighting: headlights, work lights, beacons, reverse alarm.
• Safety devices: guards in place, emergency stops functional, fire extinguisher charged, safety signage.
• DBYD / services clearance: Dial Before You Dig plan reference, service locating completed, hand-dig zone marked (if applicable).
• Defect register: item, description, action required.
• Sign-off: operator and supervisor.

1. Record machine details including type, make/model, fleet number, hour meter and operator name.

   Enter the trencher type (chain, wheel or micro), make, model, serial or fleet number, the current hour meter reading and the date. Record the operator name and their licence or competency number. This links the inspection to a specific machine, operator and shift for traceability.

2. Conduct a walk-around inspection with the machine off. Check for leaks, damage, loose components, ground conditions and service markings.

   Walk around the entire trencher before starting the engine. Look underneath for hydraulic oil, engine oil or coolant leaks. Check for loose bolts, cracked hoses, damaged guards or debris caught in the digging assembly. Verify the ground surface is stable and note any underground service markings (paint, flags, stakes) in the planned trench zone.

3. Inspect the digging assembly: for chain trenchers, check boom, chain tension, links, teeth, holders, sprockets and guards. For wheel trenchers, check wheel, teeth, holders, bearings and guards.

   For chain trenchers, measure chain tension against the manufacturer specification and inspect each visible link for stretch, cracks or damage. Check teeth and holders for wear, missing tips or loose fittings. Inspect boom condition, sprockets for wear and the crumb conveyor for blockages. For wheel trenchers, examine cutting wheel segments, teeth and holders, wheel bearings for play and the spoil conveyor for damage. Confirm all guards covering the cutting assembly are securely in place.

4. Check the hydraulic system, engine fluids, undercarriage (tracks or wheels), controls, electrical system and all safety devices.

   Check the hydraulic oil level on the sight glass, inspect hoses and fittings for leaks, and test boom raise and lower function. Confirm engine oil, coolant, fuel and DEF/AdBlue levels are within range. For tracked models, check track tension, rollers, sprockets and idlers; for wheeled models, check tyre inflation, tread and wheel nuts. Test digging depth control, ground speed and steering. Verify lights, beacons, reverse alarm, emergency stops and fire extinguisher.

5. Confirm DBYD clearance and service locating for the planned trench zone. Record the DBYD reference number.

   Before operating, confirm that a current Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) plan has been obtained covering the planned trench alignment. Verify that on-site locating has been completed using cable locators or ground-penetrating radar, and that hand-dig zones near identified services are clearly marked. Record the DBYD reference number on the checklist.

6. Record any defects and report per site procedures. Do not operate until safety-critical defects are rectified. Sign off on paper, or submit it digitally in MapTrack.

   Document each defect with a description and the action required. If a safety-critical defect is found, tag the trencher out of service and notify the supervisor immediately. The operator and supervisor both sign the completed checklist. Save as a PDF or submit digitally in MapTrack so the record is linked to the asset.

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.

Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.

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

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