Tractor Pre-Operational Inspection Checklist

Fluid leaks

Broken, damaged, or missing components

Trash, dirt, or flammable material

Damaged lights, reflectors, or SMV emblem

Dirty battery

Check surroundings

Low charge level or missing fire extinguishers

Loose or missing bolts

Deflated, cracked, or worn tires

Loose, corroded or damaged wheels/rims

Missing or damaged shields and guards

Cracked or dirty windows and mirrors

Look on the ground for visible signs of leaks

Check all fluid lines for leaks, cracks, dry-rot. Leaky fuel lines and connections are fire hazards

Do not check hydraulic lines with your hands!

Hydraulic fluid can be injected into body and must be surgically removed
Check lines using a piece of cardboard or paper

Coolant leaks can lead to engine overheating

Make sure all shields are in place - they protect against moving parts and pinch points

Look for damaged or broken steps and hand rails

Clean off mud, grease, and any crop residue, especially from steps, operator's platform, engine, exhaust system, and hydraulic system

Items carried on operator platform can interfere with tractor operation or may cause slips and falls

Lights are required during day time when visibility is low, after sunset, and when traveling on public roads

Make sure the SMV emblem is reflective and not dull, dirty, or damaged

Dirt and grease on the battery surface can lead to a discharged battery

Flammable material on or around the battery can lead to a fire

Another human being or an animal may have entered the space near your tractor. Always check before getting on the tractor and then again before moving the tractor

Keep a working fire extinguisher on all tractors

Make sure the gauge on the extinguisher is in the green or charged area

Loose or missing bolts, pins, and clips on wheels and frame can cause a wheel to come loose during operation

Check for cracks in wheel around lug holes

Look for cuts in side walls and in tread

Examine tires for excessive wear

Check tire pressure

Under inflated tires develop internal damage; over inflated tires can cause front tires to bounce, and cause loss of steering control

Check rims for corrosion

Inspect rims/wheels for structural damages such as cracks and or damage

Inspect for secure attachment and proper working condition

Check that all shield and guards are in place

Check for clean windows and mirrors

Test wipers to ensure they are working properly

Inspect mirrors regularly; normal operation of tractors can jar mirrors out of adjustment

Adjust mirrors for visibility

Pre-Operational Inspection of a Tractor Includes Looking for the Following Conditions

Fluid leaks

Broken, damaged, or missing components

Trash, dirt, or flammable material

Damaged lights, reflectors, or SMV emblem

Dirty battery

Check surroundings

Low charge level or missing fire extinguishers

Loose or missing bolts

Deflated, cracked, or worn tires

Loose, corroded or damaged wheels/rims

Missing or damaged shields and guards

Cracked or dirty windows and mirrors

Check for the following problems when performing a pre-operational inspection:

Fluid leaks (fuel, hydraulic, coolant)

Look on the ground for visible signs of leaks

Check all fluid lines for leaks, cracks, dry-rot. Leaky fuel lines and connections are fire hazards

Do not check hydraulic lines with your hands!

Hydraulic fluid can be injected into body and must be surgically removed

Check lines using a piece of cardboard or paper

Coolant leaks can lead to engine overheating

Broken, damaged, or missing components

Make sure all shields are in place - they protect against moving parts and pinch points

Look for damaged or broken steps and hand rails

Accumulation of trash, dirt, or flammable material

Clean off mud, grease, and any crop residue, especially from steps, operator's platform, engine, exhaust system, and hydraulic system

Items carried on operator platform can interfere with tractor operation or may cause slips and falls

Damaged or non-working lights, reflectors, and SMV emblem

Lights are required during day time when visibility is low, after sunset, and when traveling on public roads

Make sure the SMV emblem is reflective and not dull, dirty, or damaged

Dirty battery

Dirt and grease on the battery surface can lead to a discharged battery

Flammable material on or around the battery can lead to a fire

Check surroundings

Another human being or an animal may have entered the space near your tractor. Always check before getting on the tractor and then again before moving the tractor

Discharged fire extinguisher

Keep a working fire extinguisher on all tractors

Make sure the gauge on the extinguisher is in the green or charged area

Loose or missing lug bolts on wheels

Loose or missing bolts, pins, and clips on wheels and frame can cause a wheel to come loose during operation

Check for cracks in wheel around lug holes

Damaged, cut or under-inflated tires

Look for cuts in side walls and in tread

Examine tires for excessive wear

Check tire pressure

Under inflated tires develop internal damage; over inflated tires can cause front tires to bounce, and cause loss of steering control

Corroded or damaged wheels/rims

Check rims for corrosion

Inspect rims/wheels for structural damages such as cracks and or damage

Shields and guards not in place or in working condition

Inspect rims/wheels for structural damages such as cracks and or damage

Inspect for secure attachment and proper working condition

Check that all shield and guards are in place

Dirty windows and misaligned mirrors

Check for clean windows and mirrors

Test wipers to ensure they are working properly

Inspect mirrors regularly; normal operation of tractors can jar mirrors out of adjustment

Adjust mirrors for visibility