Do-It-Yourself Walk Around Machine Inspections
The most important part of equipment operation happens before you get in the machine. Check out the guidelines for inspecting a wheel loader below. You can also view a video covering a small track loader. The principles below can be applied to nearly any type of machine.
MACHINE WALK-AROUND INSPECTION BASICS
Daily walk-around inspections help you control expenses and ensure your safety. By taking the time to inspect your Cat equipment before you use it, you can prevent major breakdowns and safety incidents in the future.
GENERAL CONDITION
When you begin your walk-around, start with the basic components by:
- Checking your machine’s transmission fluid
- Inspecting hoses and couplings — remember not to check hydraulic hoses with your fingers
- Looking for loose lug nuts and wear in the driveline area
#ASKFOLEYEQ VIDEO | EPISODE #1:
In the #ASKFOLEYEQ video below, Matt Beason, an Inside Sales Rep for Foley Equipment explains how to complete a walk-around inspection on a small Cat machine.
You can apply these tips to just about any type of equipment by considering the important components of your machine.
LIFT ARMS
Next, inspect the lift arms in equipment that features them by:
- Looking for wear in the pin areas and couplers
- Checking for loose or leaking hose clamps, lines or fittings
- Inspecting greasing tubes for damage
BUCKET OR ATTACHMENT
If your equipment has an attachment, inspect it by:
- Making sure the bucket’s cutting edge stays square with the ground and has no damage
- Looking for cracked welds or unusual wear on the attachment
- Examining the cylinder rod and tilt cylinder rod
WHEELS AND TIRES
Give every wheel and tire a thorough look with these inspections:
- Reviewing the tires for embedded debris, damage, tread condition and sidewall condition
- Checking the tire pressure
- Looking at the center articulation area
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
Evaluate your engine compartment with these quick checks:
- Examining the radiator and fan housing for damage
- Checking the engine dipstick with a white towel — a “bull’s eye” appearance on the towel will indicate the presence of fuel
- Looking for leaks and damage throughout the whole compartment
OPERATOR CAB
Finally, complete these steps in your cab:
- Inspecting and cleaning the external mirrors, interior mirrors, window glass, floor and interior
- Testing all indicator lights for function
- Checking the fuel level
CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF VERSION FOR REFERENCE.