Pre-Use Inspection (PDO-Style)

A thorough pre-use inspection is mandatory before operating any side boom tractor. This inspection follows the PDO/OPAL methodology and must be documented on the appropriate inspection form.

Never operate a side boom tractor with known safety defects. Any defects found must be reported immediately, and the machine must be taken out of service until repairs are completed.

1. Walk-Around Inspection

Complete a full 360° walk-around before starting the engine:

Check Point	What to Look For	Defect Action
Ground Conditions	Soft spots, slopes, obstructions	Relocate or prepare ground
Fluid Leaks	Oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant on ground	Identify source, report, do not operate
Structural Damage	Cracks, dents, bent components	Report immediately, STOP WORK
Load Chart	Visible, legible, undamaged	Replace before operating
Safety Decals	Warning labels present and readable	Report, arrange replacement

2. Boom & Wire Rope Inspection

Check Point	What to Look For	Defect Action
Wire Rope Condition	Broken wires, kinks, crushing, corrosion	STOP WORK – Report immediately
Rope Terminations	Secure wedge sockets, proper torque	Report, do not operate
Boom Structure	Cracks, deformation, weld defects	STOP WORK – Report immediately
Sheaves	Wear grooves, free rotation, guards in place	Report, assess if safe to operate
Hook Block	Safety latch, throat opening, swivel action	Replace if latch missing or damaged

3. Hydraulic System

Check Point	What to Look For	Defect Action
Hydraulic Hoses	Cracks, bulges, chafing, leaks	Report, do not operate if leaking
Fittings & Connections	Security, leaks at joints	Tighten or report for repair
Hydraulic Tank Level	Proper level on sight glass	Top up if low, investigate if recurring
Cylinders	Rod scoring, seal leaks, security	Report visible damage or leaks

⚠️ DANGER: Never touch hydraulic hoses with bare hands to check for leaks. High-pressure fluid can penetrate skin and cause serious injury.

4. Tracks & Undercarriage

Check Point	What to Look For	Defect Action
Track Tension	Proper sag, not too tight or loose	Adjust as per manufacturer specs
Track Shoes/Pads	Wear, missing bolts, damage	Replace worn or damaged shoes
Rollers & Idlers	Leaks, excessive wear, free movement	Report for maintenance action
Sprocket	Tooth wear, cracks, engagement	Report excessive wear or damage
Track Frame	Cracks, distortion, alignment	STOP WORK if structural damage

5. Operator Cabin & Controls

Check Point	What to Look For	Defect Action
Seatbelt	Condition, latch operation, retraction	Do not operate if defective
Control Levers	Return to neutral, smooth operation	Report, assess if safe to operate
Gauges & Indicators	Function test at startup	Report non-functioning gauges
Horn & Alarms	Audible function test	Do not operate if horn fails
Mirrors & Visibility	Clean, properly adjusted, intact	Clean or replace before operating
Emergency Stop	Accessible, functional	STOP WORK if non-functional

🛑 Stop-Work Conditions

Immediately stop work and report if you find:

Structural cracks or damage to boom or frame
Wire rope with broken wires exceeding rejection criteria
Non-functional emergency stop or brakes
Missing or defective seatbelt
Hydraulic system failure or major leak
Non-functional Load Moment Indicator (LMI)
Missing or illegible load chart

✅ Inspection Best Practices

Complete the inspection checklist systematically – do not skip items
Document all findings on the inspection form
Report all defects to your supervisor immediately
Never operate equipment with outstanding safety-critical defects
Keep a copy of the completed inspection form in the operator cabin