A pre trip inspection of your mini excavator is a necessary routine. This inspection ensures machine safety. It prevents costly downtime. It protects your investment. A thorough check takes about ten minutes. This investment of time pays for itself in reliability.
Follow these steps before you start work every day.
Begin with a walk around the machine. Look for obvious hazards. Check the job site ground for stability and debris. Look for overhead obstacles like power lines. Clear all personnel from the immediate area. Do affirm that you have path clear for machine movement.
Examine the body of the excavator.
Inspect the undercarriage for any signs of wear. Look for hydraulic fluid leaks on the ground under the machine. Examine the track tension. Examine for extreme sag or visible damage to the track pads. Review the idlers and rollers for wear. Confirm the bucket and any attachments are safe. Check the pins and bushings for undue wear. Examine for cracks or bends in the boom and arm.
Open the engine compartment.
Check the engine oil level using the dipstick. Top it off if it is low. Inspect the hydraulic fluid reservoir. Check its level against the sight glass. Check the coolant level in the overflow tank. Ensure it is between the minimum and maximum marks. Check the air filter indicator. A clogged filter reduces power and efficiency. Look at the battery for any signs of corrosion or loose cables. Check for fuel leaks around the fuel filter and fuel lines.
Enter the operator's cab.
Ensure the cab is clean and free of loose tools. Check the operator's manual. It must be present in its designated compartment. Fasten your seatbelt. Adjust the seat for a full range of motion to the controls.
Inspect the controls before starting the engine.
Ensure the safety lock lever is engaged. Turn the key to the on position. Do not start the engine yet. Watch the warning lights on the instrument panel. They should illuminate for a bulb check. Look for any active warning lights that indicate a problem. Check all gauges for proper readings. Fuel level is critical. Do not begin work with a near empty tank.
Now start the engine.
Listen for unusual noises. Knocking or squealing sounds require immediate shutdown. Let the engine idle. Watch the exhaust for any unusual smoke. Blue or black smoke can indicate serious engine issues. White smoke may point to a coolant leak.
Test the machine's functions.
Release the safety lock lever. Test the boom raise and lower functions. Test the arm curl and dump functions. Test the swing function left and right. Operate the travel controls. Move forward and backward a short distance. Test the auxiliary hydraulic circuits if your machine has them. Listen for any changes in engine sound that indicate strain. Watch for any jerky or sluggish movements in the hydraulics. These are signs of potential problems.
Test the safety features.
Ensure the operator presence system works. The machine should not move if you rise from the seat. Test the emergency shutdown switch. Know its location and function.
Complete a final visual check.
Walk around the machine one more time after testing the functions. Look for any new leaks that appeared during your operational tests.
Document your inspection.
Use a checklist. Note any defects you find. Report any major issues to your supervisor immediately. Do not operate a faulty machine. Minor issues need scheduling for repair. A paper trail protects you and your company. It creates a record of maintenance and care.
Operator error causes many accidents. A proper pre trip inspection reduces this risk. It puts you in control of the machine's condition. It gives you confidence in your equipment. This process is your first defense against a bad day. Do not skip it. Your safety depends on this daily habit. The safety of everyone on your site depends on it.