Daily Walk-around Inspections That Actually Matter

By Sammuel MacMullin | Proven Mining Solutions Inc.

🚶 Daily Walk-around Inspections That Actually Matter

Before a machine moves an inch, the smartest thing you can do is a proper walk-around. It’s the cheapest maintenance step, and the one that saves more headaches than any laptop or wrench in the truck.

But here’s the catch: not all walkarounds are created equal.

Checking a box on an FLHA doesn’t keep the machine from going down. Actually looking—and knowing what to look for—does.

⚙️ Why Walkarounds Are Important

Catch problems early. Leaks, loose bolts, worn hoses—easy to fix when caught early; expensive if ignored.

Protect operators. A cracked step, bad cab mount, or loose grab handle can injure someone before the machine even starts.

Save downtime. A 10-minute walk saves a 10-hour breakdown.

🔎 What to Look For in a Real Walkaround

1) Fluids & Leaks

Check underneath for drips. Look at belly pan edges, hose connections, and cylinder seals. Small leaks never stay small.

2) Hoses & Electrical

Watch for rubbing, cracked jackets, frayed wires, or connectors that have worked loose.

3) Undercarriage & Tires

Tracks: tension, shoes, and any missing bolts.

Tires: cuts, sidewall damage, and pressure checks.

4) Structural & Safety

Grab handles, steps, mirrors, and guards. Loose or cracked welds should never be ignored.

5) Attachments & Work Tools

Buckets, blades, or grapples—check pins, retainers, and quick couplers. A loose pin can put a machine out of service faster than a blown hose.

6) Cab Condition

Glass, seatbelts, fire extinguisher, and controls. Operator safety starts inside the cab.

❌ Common Mistakes

“Paperwork walk-arounds.” Writing it down without actually checking.

Ignoring “small” leaks. They get bigger—and costlier.

Skipping the undercarriage. One missing shoe bolt can start a domino effect.

Not checking attachments. It’s usually the bucket or blade that fails first.

Rushing. A 2-minute walk-around doesn’t cut it.

🧠 Pro Tips from the Field

Use a flashlight on early starts—most leaks show up better in good light.

Always check the ground where the machine sat overnight—it tells a story before you even open the hood.

Train operators to see the difference between “normal” wear and a warning sign.

🔧 Proven Mining Has You Covered

At Proven Mining, we don’t just turn wrenches—we help clients set up inspection routines that actually prevent downtime.

📞 587-723-8777

🌐 provenmining.ca