How often should a baggage tug be inspected?

Before use, at the start of each shift or when the operator changes. Your airline, ground handler and the tug maker set the full maintenance schedule, so follow those. This sheet covers the operator's daily check.

Is a baggage tug ground support equipment?

Yes. Tugs and baggage tractors are some of the most used GSE on the ramp. The free GSE daily checklist covers tugs, belt loaders, power units and stairs together, if you'd rather use one sheet.

What should I do if the tug fails the check?

Stop using it. Tag it out of service so nobody else drives it, tell your lead and write down what failed. It goes back into service after it's repaired and checked.

Free template

A baggage tug inspection checklist for the start of the shift.

Check the tug, its hitch and the carts it tows before the first run to the aircraft. Brakes, steering, lights, horn and the tow connection come first. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF.

Also calledBaggage tractor inspection, Tug daily check, GSE tug pre-use checklist, Baggage cart inspection

See the sheet All free tools

Free to print, copy and change. It’s a starting point. Add the lines your equipment and your rules need.

Edit it in the builder

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Baggage tug inspection checklist

Date

Time

Station or ramp

Operator name

Tug number

Hours or odometer

Walk around the tug

PassFailN/A

Tires and wheels are in good condition
No fuel, oil, coolant or hydraulic leaks under or on the tug
Body, bumpers and covers are secure and undamaged
Lights, beacon and reflective markings work and are clean
Battery or fuel level is right for the shift
Fire extinguisher is present and charged, if required

In the seat

PassFailN/A

Service brake stops the tug
Parking brake holds
Steering works smoothly, without excess play
Horn and back-up alarm work
Gauges and warning lights work, none stay on
Seat belt or restraint works

Hitch and carts

PassFailN/A

Hitch, pintle or coupling is secure and not worn
Tow bar and pins are in place and undamaged
Each cart's coupling and tow bar are secure
Cart brakes, wheels and side curtains or doors work
Train is within the length your station allows

Defects found and action taken

Taken out of service? Yes NoReported to

Inspector signature

Date

Supervisor review

Date

A starting point. Adapt it to your equipment, your procedures and the rules that apply to you.Free template from portalbaseai.com

How to use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Step 1
Check before the first run
Do it at the start of the shift, and again when a different operator takes the tug.
Step 2
Look at the connection every time
A cart that comes loose on the ramp can hit an aircraft or a person. Check each coupling when you hook up, not only at the start of the shift.
Step 3
Tag a failed tug
If a brake, steering or the hitch fails, don't use it. Tag it, park it away from the working line and tell the lead.

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Run this check on a phone, with a photo on any failed step, no signal needed. A failed step opens a repair and the record is kept for you.

Book a walkthrough See how digital inspections work

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Common questions

How often should a baggage tug be inspected?: Before use, at the start of each shift or when the operator changes. Your airline, ground handler and the tug maker set the full maintenance schedule, so follow those. This sheet covers the operator's daily check.
Is a baggage tug ground support equipment?: Yes. Tugs and baggage tractors are some of the most used GSE on the ramp. The free GSE daily checklist covers tugs, belt loaders, power units and stairs together, if you'd rather use one sheet.
What should I do if the tug fails the check?: Stop using it. Tag it out of service so nobody else drives it, tell your lead and write down what failed. It goes back into service after it's repaired and checked.

Related and more free tools

Free tool

A baggage tug inspection checklist for the start of the shift.

Baggage tug inspection checklist

Walk around the tug

In the seat

Hitch and carts

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Check before the first run

Look at the connection every time

Tag a failed tug

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Get new free tools by email.

Common questions

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