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How To Properly Inspect Heavy Equipment

Jul. 3 2023 Maintenance By RECO Equipment, Inc.

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From agriculture to construction to industrial projects, heavy equipment is making the hardest jobs easier than ever. But as a heavy equipment operator, it’s on you to perform regular inspections to ensure the safety and efficiency of your work. We here at RECO Equipment Inc. know that can sound intimidating, so we’ve put together a brief guide to get you started. To learn more, or if you’d like to see the heavy equipment we have for sale, contact one of our many locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, today!

Daily Inspections

You’ll need to inspect the equipment on a daily basis and before every use. These are actually part of OSHA requirements, so make sure that equipment managers and supervisors, primary operators, and anyone else who relies on the equipment are part of the process.

Safety

Efficiency matters, but your safety and that of any operators should be your number one priority. If you have any doubts about the health of any vital parts or processes, stop using the equipment in question until it can be serviced. Pay close attention to:

  • Brakes
  • Coupling devices
  • Seat belts
  • Parking systems
  • Safety devices
  • Steering mechanisms

Add any other vital functions to this list based on the specific equipment you’re inspecting.

Checklist

Every inspection requires a checklist, which you’ll move down item by item until you’re satisfied that every requirement has been met. Again, you may need to add items to the checklist, but these will get you started:

  • Tires/Undercarriage: Whatever the foundation of your machine’s movement is, whether it’s tires or tracks, inspect them for signs of damage, or excessive wear.
  • For tires, check air pressure. For tracks, check tension.
  • Engine: Check all fluid levels and consistencies, from hydraulic oil to exhaust fluid to coolant to fuel. Clear out any debris from the engine housing and check the filters to see if they require replacements.
  • Look for fluid leaks: Check the ground for pools of liquids that aren’t condensation. If you find them, don’t operate the vehicle until the leak is repaired and the fluid is replaced.
  • Frame: Check for structural damage, dents, scratches, and other signs that the equipment’s structure is compromised.
  • Arms: Grease any arms as needed and make sure they move smoothly.
  • Attachments: Verify that any attachments you’ll be using are in good condition.
  • Operator tools: Check mirrors, cab features, and technologies that assist the operator in doing their job.

We hope this guide helps you and your heavy equipment stay safe! For more information, or to see the heavy equipment we have available, contact us at RECO Equipment, Inc. We proudly serve the states of Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania—let us serve you today!