Machine Types, Components and Pre-Use Inspection
Machine types, components and pre-use inspection is tested by asking you to select a suitable tractor or dozer and confirm its safety-critical items before work.
Machine selection
- Tracked dozer: high push force and low ground pressure; suits bulk cut, rough ground and slopes within limits.
- Wheeled tractor: faster travel and less ground disturbance on firm surfaces; poor in soft ground.
- Blade type, ripper, winch and towed plant must match the task and manufacturer's limits.
Pre-use inspection
- Walk-around: undercarriage (tracks, sprockets, idlers, rollers, shoes), blade and cutting edge, pins, hydraulic hoses and guards.
- Cab: ROPS/FOPS, seat belt, horn, lights, mirrors or cameras, fire extinguisher and isolation switch.
- Check fluids, leaks, track tension and decals; record defects and quarantine the machine if a fault is safety-critical.
Worked example: A dozer has a frayed hydraulic hose weeping oil at the blade cylinder. Reasoning: isolate, lower the blade to ground and release pressure, then tag the machine. A burst hose can drop the blade or cause burns; do not operate until repaired.
Traps: treating the pre-use check as a box-tick, ignoring track tension, and using a machine with an unlatched seat belt or missing guard.
Key points
- Match machine type and attachment to task and ground.
- Inspect undercarriage, blade, pins and hoses.
- Confirm ROPS/FOPS, seat belt and isolation.
- Record and quarantine safety-critical defects.