Your Daily Pre - Start Checklist for Tadano Rough Terrain Cranes A daily pre - start check doesn’t feel glamorous. It’s quiet, repetitive work done before the lift plan, before the noise, before anyone’s watching. But it’s also where most crane problems are caught early. Miss something here, and the rest of the day become s reactive fast. For Tadano rough terrain cranes, pre - start checks are especially important. These machines work on uneven ground, handle frequent travel, and often operate in tight schedules. A few minutes of focused inspection can prevent breakdowns, protect the operator , and keep everyone around the crane safe. Start with a slow walk - around Before you climb into the cab, walk the crane. Don’t rush it. Look at the machine as a whole before focusing on details. You’re watching for anything that looks different from yesterday. Fresh leaks on the ground. New dents. Bent guards. Loose covers. Rough terrain cranes take a beating, so changes matter. If something feels off, it usually is. Pay attention to areas around the engine bay, axles, and slew ring. These are common places where early problems show up first. Tires, wheels, and axles come next Rough terrain cranes rely on tires more than people realize. Check pressure, condition, and sidewalls. Cuts, bulges, or uneven wear aren’t cosmetic issues. They affect stability. Look at wheel nuts and hubs. Missing or loose hardware is a stop - work issue, not something to “keep an eye on.” Axles should be free of oil leaks and visible cracks. If the crane worked on uneven or muddy ground the day before, spend extra time here. Check fluids with intention Fluid checks shouldn’t be done on autopilot. Engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, transmission oil, and brake fluid all tell a story. A low level matters, but so does a sudden change. If hydraulic oil looks cloudy or foamy, that’s a warning. If coolant levels keep dropping, something’s leaking. These checks take seconds and can save hours later. Using quality Tadano parts, including filters and seals, helps keep fluid systems stable. Cheap components often fail quietly until damage is done. Hoses, pipes, and fittings deserve attention Hydraulic hoses work hard on rough terrain cranes. Vibration, heat, and articulation stress them every day. Run your eyes along hose routes. Look for rubbing, cracks, wet spots, or loose clamps. Pay attention near articulation points and where hoses pass through frames. A small leak today becomes a burst hose tomorrow. If you notice repeated hose failures in the same area, it’s often a routing or support issue, not bad luck. Structural areas and boom sections You’re not doing a full inspection, but you are scanning for obvious issues. Look at boom sections, welds, pins, and retaining hardware. Pay attention to deformation, cracked paint near welds, or missing locking devices. These signs often show up before a visible crack forms. If something looks wrong, flag it early and let maintenance take a closer look. Rough terrain cranes move and flex constantly. Structural checks matter every day, not just during scheduled inspections. Wire ropes, hooks, and lifting gear Wire rope condition is non - negotiable. Look for broken wires, flattened sections, corrosion, or birdcaging. Check the hook for cracks, deformation, and latch operation. These components live in the load path. If they fail, consequences are immediate. No lift is worth skipping this check. When replacements are needed, use quality Tadano parts sourced through a reliable crane parts supplier . Lifting components aren’t the place for unknown substitutes. Cab checks before engine start Once inside the cab, slow down again. Check mirrors, windows, and seat condition. Make sure the seatbelt works and the seat locks properly. Turn the key to power - on without starting the engine. Watch the warning lights. They should illuminate and then clear as designed. If a fault stays on, don’t assume it’s a sensor glitch. Electrical warnings usually mean something needs attention. Test the horn, lights, wipers, and backup alarm. These aren’t comfort features. They protect people on the ground. Engine start and system response When you start the engine, listen. Experienced operators know what “normal” sounds like. Unusual knocks, hissing, or slow cranking are signs to stop and investigate. Watch gauges as the engine warms. Oil pressure should rise quickly. Temperatures should climb steadily, not spike. Hydraulic response should feel smooth, not jerky or delayed. Let the crane idle briefly before applying load or travel. Cold systems don’t li ke being rushed. Controls, brakes, and steering Before lifting anything, test movement without load. Slew, boom up and down, telescope, and travel at low speed. You’re checking for smooth response and consistent braking. Steering should feel predictable. Brakes should engage cleanly without delay or noise. Any hesitation or pulling to one side needs attention. Rough terrain cranes often operate in tight spaces. Control confidence is essential. Safety systems and indicators Limit switches, load moment indicators, and alarms exist for a reason. Confirm they’re functioning. Don’t assume yesterday’s status applies today. If a safety system is bypassed or disabled, that’s not a minor issue. It changes how the crane behaves under load. Address it before work begins, not after an incident. Documentation and communication matter A good pre - start check ends with a record. Note what you inspected, what you found, and what actions were taken. Even a simple daily log helps spot patterns over time. If you hand the crane over to another operator, communicate any observations clearly. “It’s probably fine” isn’t useful information. Specific notes are. Maintenance teams rely on these details to plan repairs and parts orders efficiently. Why parts quality affects daily checks Many daily issues trace back to parts quality. Seals that fail early. Sensors that give false readings. Filters that don’t perform as expected. Using quality Tadano parts reduces the number of surprises you encounter during pre - start checks. It doesn’t eliminate wear, but it keeps wear predictable. That predictability is what allows safe planning. Working with a trusted crane parts supplier helps ensure you’re installing components that match OEM specifications and service life expectations. Final thoughts A daily pre - start checklist isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about awareness. You’re taking a few quiet minutes to understand the condition of a powerful machine before people depend on it. For Tadano rough terrain cranes, these checks protect operators, ground crews, and schedules. They also reduce stress. When you know the crane is ready, the job feels different. Take the time. Look closely. Use quality Tadano parts when replacements are needed. And treat the pre - start check as the first critical lift of the day — the one where safety is the load you’re handling.