How to Do 360 Excavator Pre-Start Checks

Every shift on a tracked excavator should start the same way: with a thorough pre-start check. It is not a box-ticking exercise. A proper walk-around protects you, the people around you, and the machine itself, and it is exactly the kind of practical knowledge a CPCS assessor expects you to demonstrate. This guide follows a full inspection on a JCB JZ140 — a 14-tonne tracked, zero tail swing excavator — and breaks down what to look for at every stage.

If you are preparing for your test, it pairs well with our 360 Excavator CPCS Test walk-through and our overview of what a CPCS 360 course actually covers.

Why the Pre-Start Check Matters

Carrying out daily checks is not just good practice — it is a legal expectation. Under PUWER (the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998), work equipment must be maintained in a safe condition and inspected to make sure it stays that way. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a duty on you to take reasonable care, and where the machine is used for lifting, LOLER brings the quick hitch and any rated attachments into scope too.

“If I’ve got my check sheet now I would be taking those off now and I could sign the bottom to say it’s happy enough to be working.”

That signature matters. It is your record that the machine was inspected and found fit for work.

Start at the Digging End

Work methodically so you never miss anything. Begin at the bucket and quick hitch:

• Quick hitch — confirm the pins are secured, the hydraulic hoses are sound, and there is no debris in the way. On a fully automatic, hydraulically fed hitch, check the cylinders for weeps or leaks.
• Capacity plate — if the machine will be used for lifting, the hitch must carry a current capacity plate so it meets current legislation. No plate means no lifting.
• Tipping link — check the pins are suitably greased and look for damage on the arms.
• Tipping link ram — being high up, look for leaks around the cylinder, plenty of grease, secure pins, and no hydraulic leaks.

Working Around the Machine

Move around to the front and down each side, checking as you go:

• Cab glass and lights — look for broken or cracked windows and confirm the lights are fitted, not damaged, and not hanging off. You will confirm they actually illuminate during the functional check.
• Manufacturer’s plate — on this JCB it sits on the side of the cab and gives the serial number, size, weight, manufacturer, model, and date of manufacture.
• Boom and dipper rams — check they are greased, the securing bolts are in place, and there are no hydraulic leaks. The check valves (boom cylinder valves) at the rear of the ram are your lowering option if the machine locks out.
• Slew ring — confirm it is greased and there is no debris built up underneath.
• Steps — make sure they are not damaged, missing, or loose.

Inspecting the Tracks

On this machine the tracks are long carriage — wider and longer than standard. Work along each one:

• Idler — at the front, check it is not damaged or bent. You will get a better feel for it when you drive.
• Track rollers — they should not be hanging off, should be free of debris, and should spin to help carry the track. Keep the grease slot clean.
• Drive sprocket — also called the track sprocket. You cannot inspect the drive motor inside, but you can confirm the teeth are in good condition.
• Track — look for loose plates, correct tension, no damage, and undamaged track chains on the inside.

Don’t Skip the Rear

Because this is a zero tail swing machine, the counterweight stays within the width of the tracks, so the chance of striking something behind is minimal. Even so, a visual check is still required. Check the reversing camera lens is clean and the unit is not loose, then repeat the full track inspection on the second side.

Side Panels and Engine Bay

Open the side panels to find the screen wash, batteries, radiator and oil cooler, along with the hydraulic system, diesel filter and pump, and oil filter. As an operator, your job here is a visual check only — confirm everything looks tight and undamaged. Avoid interfering with electrical components.

“There’s quite a lot of things in here that we as an operator will not get involved too much with apart from a visual check on it. If there is any issues… we will phone up whoever the relevant person is.”

Knowing the limits of your role is part of operating competently. If something is wrong, report it to the fitter rather than attempting a repair.

Climb on top using the correct method and check the engine bay:

• Slew ring oil — read the dipstick at the back of the engine.
• Air filter — you can lift the cap and look inside, but leave any issues to the fitters.
• Expansion tank — check the coolant is up to the marked lines, then refit and secure the cap.
• Engine oil — with the machine cold and unstarted, the level should sit settled between the two dots on the dipstick.
• Belts, exhaust and turbo — confirm the drive belts are on and everything looks sound.

Coming down, keep three points of contact and descend backwards — never face-first, where a slip could cause serious injury.

The Functional Check

Once inside the cab, start with cleanliness: nothing loose under the pedals. Then run through the controls:

1. Seat belt first — confirm the inertia reel locks.
2. Start up — on this key-coded machine, enter the four-digit code until the dashboard shows “disarmed,” then start. Let the JCB auto warm-up complete so the oils reach temperature.
3. Mirrors and glass — while you wait, check the mirrors are not cracked, loose or hanging off, and inspect the glass above and behind you.
4. Hydraulic lock and lights — take the dead man / isolator lever down, switch on the beacon, and confirm the green (seat belt on) and orange (ready) indicators.
5. Seat — adjust forwards, backwards and at the back rest for good posture.
6. Horn — confirm it works.
7. Functional movements — lift, lower and crowd the bucket, then push the arm out and in. Listen for any squeaking, banging or abnormal sounds.
8. Travel — push both joysticks forward to confirm the tracks move, slewing to face the direction of travel or using the camera.

Finally, know your emergency stops. Beyond the hydraulic lock, this machine has a full isolation stop button — a last resort that shuts everything down. To restart you must reset it and turn the ignition back through centre.

Once you are happy with both the visual and functional checks, lower the bucket, isolate the machine, and sign your check sheet.

How CPCS CPD Mastery Fits Into This

Knowing your daily checks inside out is one of the most reliable ways to pass both your initial 360 excavator test and your renewal — and to stay safe on site every day. CPCS CPD Mastery is built to get you there. The app includes 4,000+ practice questions across 43 plant categories, 5 plant calculators, 8 quick reference guides, full mock tests, and detailed explanations for every answer, so you understand the reasoning behind safe working practice rather than just memorising it.

Whether you are revising pre-start procedures, brushing up on legislation, or working towards your renewal, it gives you category-specific revision that mirrors the real test. For the bigger picture on renewals, see our guide on how to pass your CPCS renewal test. Download CPCS CPD Mastery today and make every check second nature.