Before the inspection
- The reported fault in the operator's words: when it started, under what load, what preceded it.
- Engine hours from the counter and the date of the last service.
- The repair history of this machine: a repeating defect is a reason to look for the cause instead of replacing the part a third time.
- The nameplate and serial number — photograph them straight away.
Engine
- Starting, idle and under load, unusual noises.
- Colour and amount of exhaust.
- Oil, fuel and coolant leaks.
- Condition of belts, hoses, radiators.
- Error codes from the control unit, if diagnostics are available.
Hydraulics
- Leaks at rods, fittings, high-pressure hoses.
- Rod condition: scoring, corrosion, impact marks.
- Speed and smoothness of working movements, holding under load.
- Pressure in the circuits — by the manufacturer's method and values.
- Level and condition of the hydraulic fluid.
Transmission and running gear
- Shifting, jerking, noises in the gearbox and axles.
- Play in joints and bearings.
- Running gear: links, rollers, idlers, track tension or tyre wear.
Electrics
- Batteries and charging.
- Lighting, signals, instruments.
- Condition of wiring in areas of chafing and heat.
Cab and working equipment
- Glass, doors, controls, safety systems.
- Attachments: bucket, teeth, pins and bushings, mountings.
- Steel structures: cracks, welding marks, deformation.
How to document the result
Every defect found goes on its own line in the form "unit — what is wrong — how urgent — what to do", with severity and a photo. Parts go in a separate table with article numbers. The details are in the article on the defect report, and the ready blank can be downloaded free.
In DefAct defect detection runs by blocks in the app: units, photos and severity are filled on site offline, and the report turns into a work order straight away.