Free vac truck pre-start checklist

• The MapTrack vac truck pre-start checklist contains 26 checks across 5 sections. Sections covered: Cab & Controls, Engine & Drivetrain, Vacuum System, Wheels, Tyres & Brakes, Lights, Electrical & Safety.
• Regulation 213 puts the manufacturer's recommendations first, so the manufacturer's daily checks set what the pre-start covers.
• HVNL duties apply only to trucks over 4.5 t GVM or ATM, in participating jurisdictions; WA and the NT have not commenced it.
• A failed relief valve, damaged suction hose or faulty boom control fails the check; the truck stays out of service until repaired.
• AS 5488.1:2022 classifies subsurface utility information by quality; confirm how reliable the service locations are before vacuum excavating.
• Do a fresh pre-start after a change of operator, a service or a move to a new site.

Learn more about pre-start inspections in MapTrack.

Running vac trucks on civil and utility jobs? See civil asset tracking software for each truck's pre-starts, defects and services.

• Vacuum system safety: verify pump operation, relief valves and hose integrity before excavation begins.
• Underground service protection: confirm safe digging procedures and equipment condition near buried utilities.
• WHS compliance: documented inspections meet Work Health and Safety requirements for vacuum excavation equipment.
• Reduced downtime: identify hose wear, pump issues and fluid leaks before they cause breakdowns on site.
• Spill prevention: check tank seals, valves and discharge systems to prevent environmental incidents.
• 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.
• Vacuum system: vacuum pump, boom arm, suction hoses, tank, PTO engagement, pressure/vacuum gauges, safety relief valve, water system.
• 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, spill kit, 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 vac truck make, model, registration number, fleet number and current odometer or hour meter reading at the top of the form. Record your name, licence class (typically HR or HC for vac trucks in Australia) and the inspection date. This information links the check to a specific unit 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 walk clockwise around the unit. Look underneath and around the vacuum system for hydraulic fluid, engine oil, coolant or water leaks. Check each tyre for tread depth, cuts, bulges and correct inflation pressure. Confirm all mirrors are clean, secure and properly adjusted. Inspect the body panels, guards, steps and handrails for damage or loose fittings. Check that the rotating beacon and reversing alarm sensors are undamaged.

3. Inspect the vacuum system: pump condition, boom arm movement, suction hoses for wear, tank seals and PTO engagement.

   Check the vacuum pump oil level and inspect the pump housing for cracks or unusual wear. Operate the boom arm through its full range of motion and listen for grinding or hydraulic hesitation. Inspect suction hoses for external wear, kinks, coupling cracks and clamp tightness. Check the spoil tank seals, door gaskets and relief valve for damage or blockage. Engage the PTO from the cab and confirm smooth engagement with no slipping or vibration. Verify the pressure and vacuum gauges read correctly at idle.

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

   Sit in the cab and fasten the seatbelt, giving it a sharp tug to confirm the retractor locks. Check the dashboard for warning lights and gauge readings. Test wipers on both speeds and confirm washer fluid sprays. Sound the horn. Test all vacuum system controls from the cab including PTO engagement, boom controls and tank door operation. Verify the intercom or two-way radio is functional if the truck operates with a spotter.

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

   With the engine off, check the engine oil dipstick and top up if below the minimum mark. Inspect the coolant expansion tank level. Check drive belts for cracks, glazing and correct tension. Examine the air filter restriction indicator and replace the element if it shows red. Look for exhaust leaks at manifold joints and turbo connections. Check the DEF/AdBlue level if the vehicle is fitted with SCR emissions control.

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

   Start the engine and allow air pressure to build to operating range (typically 700-850 kPa for heavy vehicles). Apply the service brake firmly and check for a solid pedal with no excessive travel. Engage the park brake 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 when reverse is selected 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 with a clear description and the action required. Safety-critical defects including brake faults, vacuum system failures, PTO malfunctions, boom hydraulic leaks 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. Report any spill kit deficiencies immediately given the environmental risk of vacuum excavation work.

8. Sign off and date the form.

   Select the overall result (Pass, Action Required or Fail), then sign and date the form. Obtain a supervisor countersignature if required by your site policy. File the completed checklist in the vehicle logbook or submit digitally through MapTrack so the record is linked to the vac truck asset and available for fleet compliance audits and incident investigations.

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.

• Model WHS Regulations (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.

• Truck pre-start checklist
• Tipper truck pre-start checklist
• Excavator pre-start checklist
• Equipment pre-start checklist
• Pre-start inspections (MapTrack)
• Asset tracking
• Plant compliance
• Pricing