Free Pre-Start Checklist (Feller Buncher) Template

Purpose of the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Feller Buncher) Template

Operating a feller buncher involves significant risks associated with heavy machinery, hydraulic systems, and powerful cutting heads. This Free Pre-Start Checklist (Feller Buncher) Template provides a structured framework for operators to conduct thorough, documented inspections before starting work.

Its primary purpose is to systematically identify any mechanical defects, fluid leaks, structural damage, or safety system malfunctions that could lead to an incident, equipment failure, or injury. By formalising daily checks, your organisation can proactively manage risks, demonstrate due diligence, and foster a stronger safety culture around plant operation.

Formalising your approach to pre-start checks and plant maintenance is a critical step in fulfilling your duty of care.

How to use the Free Pre-Start Checklist (Feller Buncher) Template

This checklist is provided as a fully editable DOCX file and a print-ready PDF. After downloading, you can implement it immediately for paper-based checks or use the DOCX version as a base to integrate into your digital safety systems.

The template includes sections for recording operator details, machine identification, date, and a comprehensive list of inspection points covering the engine, hydraulics, cutting head, cabin, tracks or wheels, and emergency systems. There is also a sign-off area to confirm the machine is either fit for use or has been reported for maintenance.

IMPORTANT: This document is a template and must be customised to your specific workplace. You are responsible for adapting it to reflect the make, model, and configuration of your feller buncher(s), along with site-specific hazards and operational procedures.

We are not liable for any incidents arising from the use of this template without proper customisation. For best results, integrate this checklist as part of a comprehensive WHS management system.

When to use it

A feller buncher pre-start checklist should be completed by the operator at the beginning of every shift or before the machine is used for the first time each day. If operators change over mid-shift, the incoming operator should also conduct a check to verify the machine's condition.

Should a safety-critical defect be discovered, the check serves as the trigger point for taking the equipment out of service. The machine must be isolated, tagged out, and reported to a supervisor immediately.

It must not be used until a competent person has completed repairs and deemed it safe.

Who should use it

The primary user of this checklist is the trained and competent feller buncher operator. They have the hands-on knowledge to physically inspect the equipment and recognise deviations from safe operating condition.

Supervisors and WHS managers should also use the completed checklists as a tool for oversight. They can review the records to verify that inspections are being completed correctly, identify recurring mechanical issues, and ensure that faults are being addressed in a timely manner.

Ensuring operators are not just competent in operation but also in conducting these inspections is a key part of your safety obligations.

Integrating with Other Safety Documents

This pre-start checklist does not exist in isolation. It forms a crucial part of the plant's overall safety documentation, which should also include Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for felling operations, maintenance and service logs, risk assessments, and operator training records.

The data gathered from these checklists provides valuable input for your maintenance schedules and risk assessment reviews. The core principles of a pre-start check are universal across different types of machinery. For example, the principles are similar whether you're using this document or a pre-start checklist for a CNC router.

Record Keeping and Review

Maintaining a file of completed pre-start checklists is a vital WHS practice. These records demonstrate that your organisation is actively monitoring the condition of its plant and equipment, which can provide crucial evidence during WHS compliance audits or in the event of an incident investigation. They also create a historical log that can help mechanics and technicians diagnose recurring problems more effectively. Management should periodically review these logs to spot trends that may indicate a need for changes in maintenance strategy, operator training, or equipment replacement. You can explore more templates across various industries in our free WHS resources library to build out your safety systems.