Engine Compartment

You may have to raise the hood, tilt the cab (secure loose items so they cannot fall), or open the engine compartment door.

Check the following:

l Engine oil level.

l Coolant level in radiator; condition of hoses.

l Power steering fluid level; hose condition (if so equipped).

l Windshield washer fluid level.

l Battery fluid level, connection, and tiedown (batteries may be located in a separate compartment).

l Automatic transmission fluid level (may require a check with the engine warm and running).

l Check belts for tightness and excessive wear (alternator or generator, water pump, and air compressor).

l Leaks (fuel, coolant, oil, power steering fluid, hydraulic fluid, and battery fluid).

l Cracked or worn electrical wiring insulation.

l When checks are completed, you should lower and secure the hood, cab, or engine compartment door.

Walk Around Inspection

When you perform the walk around inspection, turn on the headlights, four-way hazard warning flashers, parking, clearance, side marker, and identification lights. Clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you go along. Do not forget to check your brake and left and right turn signal lights. If a light bulb is not working, the yard boss normally has spare bulbs and tools that allows you to replace faulty bulbs.

LEFT FRONT.- On the left front of the tractor, inspect the following:

l Check the glass on the driver's door and ensure it is clean.

l Check and ensure the door latches or locks work properly.

l Check the left front wheel for the condition of the wheel and rim, such as missing, bent, broken studs, clamps, lugs, or any signs of misalignment.

l Check the condition of the tire for proper inflation, valve stem and cap are in place, serious cuts, bulges, and tread wear.

l Check the lug nuts for looseness and rust streaks.

s Check the condition of the spring, spring hanger, shackles, and U-bolts on the left front suspension.

l Check the condition of the brake drum(s) and condition of the brake hoses on the left front brake.

FRONT.- On the front of the tractor, inspect the following:

l Condition of the front axle.

l Condition of the steering system for such things as loose, worn, bent, damaged, or missing parts. Grab the steering mechanism and check for looseness.

l Condition of the windshield for damage and dirt.

l Condition of the windshield wiper arms for proper spring tension.

l Condition of the wiper blades for damage, rubber stiffness, and securement.

l Condition of lights and reflectors, such as the parking, clearance, and identification lights. Ensure they are clean, operating, and are the proper color (amber at front).

Check the condition of the wheels and rims for missing, bent, broken spacers, studs, clamps, and lugs.

Check the condition of the tires for proper inflation, valve stem and caps, serious cuts, bulges, and tread wear.

Ensure the tires are not rubbing against each other and that nothing is stuck between them, such as rocks, boulders, and mud.

Ensure the tires are the same size and are not mixed, such as radial and bias types. Ensure all tires are properly inflated.

Inspect the wheel bearings and seals for leaks.

Check the hub oil level (if so equipped) and the hub oil reservoir for leaks.

Inspect the suspension system, such as the condition of the springs, spring hangers, shackles, and U-bolts.

Ensure the axle is secured and no fluid is leaking from it.

Check the condition of the torque rod arms, bushings, and shock absorbers.

Check the condition of the brakes, such as condition of the brake drums and undue wear on the hoses.

Check the condition of lights and reflectors. Ensure they are clean, are operating, and are the proper color (red at rear, other amber), and that side-marker reflectors are clean and are the proper color (red at rear, others amber). 

l Condition of the right turn signal. Ensure it is clean, operating, and is the proper color (amber or white on signals facing forward).

RIGHT SIDE.- On the right front, inspect all the items as you did on the left front. On the right side, inspect the following:

Ensure the primary and safety cab locks are engaged (if cab-over design).

Inspect the fuel tank(s) for damage, leaks, and secure mounting. Check the fuel crossover line, fuel level in the tank(s), and ensure the fuel cap(s) is/are on and secured.

Inspect the rear of the engine for leaks.

Inspect for leaks around the transmission.

Ensure the exhaust system is secured and ^not leaking, touching wires, fuel, or air lines.

Inspect for bends or cracks in the frame and cross members.

Inspect air lines and electrical wiring and secure against snagging, rubbing, and wearing.

Inspect the spare tire carrier for damage, and inspect the spare tire for proper inflation and size. Ensure the spare tire is secured in the tire carrier.

When hauling a load, inspect the following: 

Ensure the cargo is properly blocked, braced, tied, chained, and so forth.

Ensure the header board is adequate and secured (if so equipped).

Ensure the side racks, if equipped, are free of damage, properly set in place, and are secured.

Ensure the canvas and tarp (if required) are properly secured to prevent tearing, billowing, or blockage of mirrors.

Ensure all required signs are safely and properly mounted and all required permits are in your possession if the load is oversized.

Ensure the curbside cargo door is securely closed, latched, locked, and so forth.

RIGHT REAR.- When inspecting the right rear of the vehicle, inspect the following:

REAR.- When inspecting the rear of the vehicle, inspect the following:

l Ensure the rear clearance light, identification light, taillights and reflectors are clean, operating, and are the proper color (red at rear). Ensure that all wiring is secured in place.

l Ensure the right rear turn signal is clean, operational, and is the proper color (red, yellow, or amber at the rear).

l Ensure the license plate(s) is clean and secure (if so equipped).

l Ensure all required splash guards are present, not damaged, properly fastened, and not rubbing the tires or the ground.

When hauling a load with the vehicle, inspect the following: . Ensure all cargo is properly blocked, braced, tied, chained, and so forth.

. Ensure the tailboards are up and properly secured (if so equipped).

. Ensure the rear doors are securely closed, latched, or locked.

LEFT SIDE.- When inspecting the left side, you inspect all items the same as on the right side, plus the following:

. Ensure the battery box (if not located in the

engine compartment) is securely mounted to the vehicle.

. Ensure the battery box cover is secured.

. Ensure the batteries are secured.

. Ensure the batteries are not broken or leaking, and the fluid level in the battery is at the proper level.

c Ensure the battery cell caps are present and are securely tightened.

. Ensure the vents in the cell caps are free of foreign material.