How often should an excavator be inspected?

Before it's used each shift. Many sites also add a weekly or periodic check for lubrication and wear, as the maker's manual lays out. Follow the manual and your site's own rules.

What should I do if the excavator fails the check?

Stop using it. Tag it out of service so nobody else runs it, tell your supervisor, and write down what failed. It goes back into service after it's been repaired and checked. A coupler that doesn't lock is a stop.

Does this excavator checklist meet OSHA requirements?

It's a starting point. The maker's manual, your company procedures and the rules that apply to you decide what must be checked. Add or remove lines to match. A checklist records that a check happened. It doesn't guarantee compliance.

Free template

An excavator inspection checklist you can print today.

Walk all the way around the machine, then check it running. A coupler that isn't locked or a hose that's leaking is what you're looking for. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF. Use it alongside the manufacturer's operator manual and your site's procedures.

Also calledExcavator daily checklist, Excavator pre-use inspection, Excavator walkaround, Backhoe excavator 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.

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Excavator checklist

Date

Time

Site or location

Operator name

Machine make, model and unit number

Hour meter reading

Walk around the machine (engine off)

PassFailN/A

Operator's manual and load chart, if used for lifting, are on the machine
Tracks, rollers, idlers and sprockets are in good condition, with no missing parts
Track tension looks right and nothing is jammed in the undercarriage
Boom, stick and bucket show no cracks, bends or wear
Pins, bushings and retainers are in place and secure
Quick coupler and bucket lock are in good condition
Hydraulic hoses, cylinders and fittings are free of leaks
Counterweight and covers are secure
Engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid and fuel levels are correct
Cab glass, mirrors and lights are clean and undamaged
Steps, handholds and walkway surfaces are clear and not slick

After you start (engine on)

PassFailN/A

Gauges and warning lights work, and none stay on
Seat belt is in good condition and used
Horn, travel alarm and lights work
Joysticks or levers work smoothly, and return to neutral
Boom, stick, bucket and swing all move correctly, and hold when released
Travel controls work, and the brakes hold on a slope
Quick coupler locks, and the lock is tested with the attachment on
Fire extinguisher is in place, if your site requires one
No unusual noises, smells or vibration

Dig area

PassFailN/A

Underground utilities are located and marked before digging
Overhead lines are identified and the required distance is kept
Swing radius is barricaded, and people stay out of it
Spoil and equipment are kept back from the edge of the trench
A spotter or signal person is in place where the operator can't see
Operator is trained on this machine and knows the site's signals

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 every shift
Do the walk-around with the engine off, then the function check running. Do it before the machine digs.
Step 2
Mark every line
Pass, fail or not applicable. Don't leave a line blank. A blank line is a question nobody can answer later.
Step 3
Tag out a failure
If a coupler, brake or control fails, don't use the machine. Tag it, report it and write what you found.

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.

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Common questions

How often should an excavator be inspected?: Before it's used each shift. Many sites also add a weekly or periodic check for lubrication and wear, as the maker's manual lays out. Follow the manual and your site's own rules.
What should I do if the excavator fails the check?: Stop using it. Tag it out of service so nobody else runs it, tell your supervisor, and write down what failed. It goes back into service after it's been repaired and checked. A coupler that doesn't lock is a stop.
Does this excavator checklist meet OSHA requirements?: It's a starting point. The maker's manual, your company procedures and the rules that apply to you decide what must be checked. Add or remove lines to match. A checklist records that a check happened. It doesn't guarantee compliance.

Related and more free tools

Free tool

An excavator inspection checklist you can print today.

Excavator checklist

Walk around the machine (engine off)

After you start (engine on)

Dig area

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Check before every shift

Mark every line

Tag out a failure

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Get new free tools by email.

Common questions

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