NEWS

August 19, 2019

Equipment Pre-Start Checklist

featured image

Quick Tip Video: Pre-Start Checklist

At the beginning of the workday, it can be easy to step into the machines and get to work. But adding routine pre-start checks to your daily schedule gives a huge advantage to your work and business.

This video outlines the ways you can ensure your Cat® mini hydraulic excavator is in proper shape before you get working. This quick and easy inspection will become second nature and help keep your machines in top shape and your workers safe.

Transcript

Hey, I‘m Collin and this is today’s quick tip.

Today I’m going to show you the steps you should take before starting your CAT mini hydraulic excavator.

First, you should always conduct a machine walk around.

Make sure that the tracks are free of large debris, which could damage the machine.

When you enter, face the machine and use three points of contact while climbing on board.

Once seated and before starting the excavator adjust the seat and armrest to your desired position.

Always fasten your seat belt.

Make sure that the hydraulic control console is in the raised position and that the blade control lever and joysticks are in the neutral position.

Before starting the machine check your surroundings to ensure that no one is in your work area.

Then set the engine speed control to medium idle position.

Now you’re ready to start the engine.

As always consult your operation and maintenance manual for more information.

That was today’s quick tip.

Thanks for watching.

Key Check Points

Each of these steps is an important part of the pre-start check. If you forget even one part, you may miss a potential issue with the equipment that could become much more serious after the work starts.

First, complete a walkaround of your machine. See if there is any debris caught in the tracks or if anything seems off about the outside of the machine. If there is debris caught on the tracks, clear it before you enter the machine.

After you’ve completed the external check, get inside and make adjustments so it feels right for you. Raise the seat or move it forward or back so you can feel comfortable while you’re operating the machine. And never forget your seatbelt! Once you feel right, make sure the controls are in the neutral position.

After you’ve completed these tasks, it’s time to turn your attention back outside. Look around the environment before you start the machine. Make sure there are no obstacles or other people in the vicinity. After you see that it’s all clear, it’s time to start the machine and get to work.

Why Complete Routine Checks?

Completing this checklist before every job gives you a few important benefits. It alerts you to any problems in the machine that could turn more serious once the machine starts and maintain a safer working environment.

If a problem goes unsolved for too long, it could become much more serious and cause other problems in the machinery. After you do discover this issue, it can cause delays in the job and bring additional costs to the project. You can avoid these extra problems by simply checking out your machinery before getting started at the beginning of each day.

Besides avoiding work delays and pricey repairs, these pre-start checks keep the environment and your workers safe. Accidents do happen sometimes, but you can reduce those risks by simply going through this checklist every day.

Choose Altorfer Cat for Every Maintenance Need

If you find a potential problem during these checks, you’ll want to fix it as soon as possible. No one knows this equipment better than Altofer CAT — and you can trust us to complete thorough routine maintenance on any machine in your fleet.

We have more than 29 locations in 24 different cities, as well as over 60 years of experience. Whatever your needs, we will find the best solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our services or give us a call at 800-333-5993
.