Excavator / Backhoe Pre-Op

OSHA 1926.602 + ASME daily pre-op for hydraulic excavators and backhoes. Covers undercarriage, boom / arm / bucket, controls, and operator visibility.

Machine Identification & Readiness

• Equipment ID, model, and hour meter recorded
  Record the unit identifier, model, and current hour meter reading.
• Pre-op inspection performed before start-up and use
  Verify the inspection is completed before the machine is operated.
• Operator has valid authorization and is familiar with controls
  Confirm the operator is authorized and trained for this equipment.
• No active lockout-tagout or out-of-service tag present
  Verify the machine is not tagged out and is cleared for operation.

Undercarriage & Walk-Around

• Tracks, rollers, idlers, or tires free of visible damage and abnormal wear
  Check for cuts, cracks, missing lugs, excessive wear, or other visible defects.
• Undercarriage free of excessive debris, mud buildup, or obstructions
  Confirm buildup is not affecting travel, cooling, or access points.
• No visible hydraulic, fuel, coolant, or engine oil leaks
  Inspect the ground and machine surfaces for active leaks or wet spots.
• Steps, handrails, access points, and non-slip surfaces secure and clean
  Verify safe access to the cab and service points.
• Counterweight, frame, and covers free of cracks, missing fasteners, or impact damage
  Check for structural damage or missing guards/covers.

Boom, Arm, Bucket & Attachments

• Boom, arm, and bucket free of cracks, bends, or visible structural damage
  Inspect welds, plates, and major members for deformation or cracking.
• Pins, bushings, retainers, and couplers secure and properly seated
  Verify all pins and retainers are present and not visibly loose or missing.
• Bucket teeth, cutting edge, and wear parts serviceable
  Check for excessive wear, missing teeth, or damaged cutting edges.
• Quick coupler, if equipped, locked and secured
  Confirm the attachment locking mechanism is fully engaged and visually secure.
• Hydraulic cylinders, hoses, and fittings on boom/arm/bucket free of damage or leaks
  Inspect for abrasion, bulging, exposed reinforcement, or active leakage.

Controls, Safety Devices & Hydraulics

• Start-up indicators and warning lights function normally
  Confirm the machine displays no unresolved warning or fault indicators at start-up.
• Service brake, parking brake, and travel controls respond properly
  Test control response in a safe area per manufacturer procedure.
• Steering, swing, boom, arm, bucket, and auxiliary controls operate smoothly
  Check for abnormal delay, sticking, drift, or unintended movement.
• Horn, backup alarm, and other audible warning devices function
  Verify warning devices are audible and operational.
• Cab controls, pedals, and joysticks free of contamination and obstruction
  Confirm controls are clean, unobstructed, and not affected by loose objects.

Operator Visibility, Cab & Documentation

• Windshield, mirrors, and camera systems clean and unobstructed
  Verify visibility aids are clean, intact, and positioned for safe operation.
• Cab windows, doors, and latches secure and functional
  Check that glazing is intact and doors/latches close and secure properly.
• Seat belt present and in serviceable condition
  Inspect the seat belt webbing, latch, and retractor for visible damage.
• Deficiencies documented and machine removed from service if required
  Record any non-conformance, notify supervision, and tag out the machine when a critical item fails.