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    Checklists

    Compactor checklists: pre-trip inspection and 500 / 1,000 / 2,000 hour services

    By the Tenmil teamUpdated August 2026

    Pre-trip inspection

    Every shift

    Do this walkaround at the start of every shift, machine parked on level ground, blade down if fitted, engine off. Don't start the machine until it's done. Anything that affects safe operation gets tagged out and reported before the machine moves.

    Before you approach

    • Work area and travel path — people, vehicles, power lines, fill edges, trenches, soft or sloped ground
    • Ground under the machine — fresh oil, coolant, fuel or hydraulic puddles
    • Steps, handholds, platforms — secure, clean, free of mud, ice, snow and grease
    • Guards, hood latch, housekeeping — in place, latched, undamaged; trash and grease build-up cleared

    Drum and vibratory system

    • Drum shell and edges — dents, cracks, weld damage, heavy material build-up
    • Drum pads or cleats — wear, cracks, missing or loose padsIf padfoot
    • Drum scrapers and cleaner bars — set close to the drum, secure, not worn through
    • Isolation mounts, damping elements — cracks, splitting, missing or loose hardware
    • Shell kit and drum bolts — present, tight, no rust streaks or movement marks
    • Vibratory housing and drive motor — leaks at seals and covers, damage, loose mounting bolts
    • Leveling blade — cutting edge wear, cracks, cylinder leaks, pins secureIf equipped

    Articulation, axle and tires

    • Articulation joint and hitch — cracks, loose or missing hardware, pin play, greased
    • Articulation lock bar — present, stows and engages, no damage
    • Steering cylinders and hoses — leaks, bent rods, chafe, loose ends
    • Tires, wheels and lug nuts — cuts, exposed cord, uneven wear, pressure, lugs tight, valve stems
    • Rear axle and final drives — leaks at seals, plugs and covers, damage, loose hardware

    Engine compartment and fluids (engine off)

    • Engine oil level — level on dipstick, condition
    • Coolant level — level in surge tank; never open a hot system
    • Hydraulic oil level — level in sight glass, machine on level ground
    • Fuel and DEF level, caps, separator — enough fuel for the shift, caps sealed, drain water, no DEF crystals
    • Air cleaner indicator and dust valve — not tripped, dust valve clear, service if flagged
    • Belts, hoses and engine bay leaks — tightness, cracks, chafe; oil, fuel, coolant or hydraulic leaks
    • Radiator and cooler cores — debris, fin blockage, leaks
    • Batteries, cables and disconnect — secure, terminals clean and tight, no corrosion

    Lights, safety devices and exterior

    • Work lights, road lights, beacon — working, lenses intact and clean
    • Windows, mirrors and cameras — intact, clean, adjusted, unobstructed view
    • Fire extinguisher — charged, mounted, inspection tag current
    • ROPS / FOPS and cab mounts — damage, cracks, loose mounting bolts
    • Decals, labels and machine plates — present, legible

    In the cab (before start)

    • Seat and seat belt — condition, buckle latches, mounting secure, age within replacement interval
    • Controls, propel lever, park brake — propel lever in neutral, park brake set, controls free
    • Cab floor and pedals — clear of tools, mud and debris
    • Wipers, washers, heater and defrost — working, washer fluid topped up, clear visibility
    • Emergency exit and hammer — present, accessible, unobstructed
    • Operator's manual and inspection log — in the cab
    • Hour meter reading — recorded on this sheetRecord

    Function check (engine running)

    • Start-up and gauges — no abnormal noise or smoke, warning lights clear, no fault codes
    • Horn, backup alarm, camera — all working
    • Propel forward and reverse — smooth, no creep in neutral, speed range selects
    • Steering, full lock both ways — no wander, binding or hard spots
    • Vibration, high and low amplitude — engages and stops, frequency sounds normal, no unusual noise
    • Leveling blade — full travel both ways, holds positionIf equipped
    • Service brake and park brake — stops the machine, park brake holds on a grade
    • Leaks after pressure is up — recheck cylinders, hoses, pumps and valve bank

    Run these compactor checklists in Tenmil

    Load them as PM templates, trigger them from hour-meter readings, and execute them as work orders in the field — see it on your own fleet scenario in a one-hour walkthrough.

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