The first part of any preventive maintenance checklist should be done from outside the vehicle.
Lights: If your vehicle has any lights — headlights, brake lights, warning lights, etc. — they should be inspected to ensure they are working properly. Any burned-out bulbs should be replaced.
Steps, handrails, and grab irons: Ensure all these grab points are secure and that they aren’t rusty or damaged, which could make them dangerous.
Undercarriage: This is especially important if you work in areas where it snows or your equipment is exposed to salt or road de-icing chemicals. Inspect the undercarriage for signs of rust or damage.
Brakes: This step has a variety of things you will need to inspect, including the filters, fluid levels, lines and fittings, and the parking brake. If any of these things look like they’re getting ready to fail, it is a good idea to take the equipment off the floor until it can be repaired.
Electrical lines: Inspect any exposed wires to ensure their insulation is intact.
Hydraulic lines: Inspect these lines for any signs of leaks that could cause equipment failure.
Hydraulic oil: The oil that is carried through the hydraulic lines needs to be inspected, too. Look at the oil levels, and check the hoses, cylinders and fittings for any leaks.
Fuel tank: The cap should be in place on a fuel tank, and the tank itself should be inspected to ensure there are no dents in the metal that could weaken the tank and lead to leaks.
Lift arms: If the equipment has any lift arms, they should be inspected and checked for rust, leaky hydraulics and other weak points.
Body: Inspect the body of the equipment for rust, damage or other potential problem points.
Grease lines: If your equipment has grease lines, check them for leaks.
Check for leaks: Other places that leaks could occur might be in coolant lines, fuel lines or tires.
Work tools: For any smaller work tools, make sure to inspect their cutting edge or teeth to see if they need sharpening.
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