Field scenario: The machine ran hot yesterday, the radiator screen has debris packed in the corners, and the customer is already waiting outside.
Why this matters
Heat, debris, tooth, hose, and leak problems are cheaper before the head spins than after failure in the field.
Pass standard
The machine is clean enough to cool, intact enough to run, and documented if anything is questionable.
- Inspect debris screens, radiator, hydraulic coolers, engine pre-cleaner, teeth, hoses, guards, leaks, tracks, and fluid levels.
- Clean packed wood dust or mulch with compressed air/blower before running high-flow hydraulics.
- Replace or rotate missing, loose, fractured, or dull teeth when cutting efficiency drops or vibration increases.
- Warm up the carrier and attachment. Listen for grinding, hydraulic strain, abnormal vibration, or fan/cooler issues.
Operator checkpoints
Coolers cleanTeeth checkedHydraulic fluid verifiedLeaks inspectedFire debris removed
Common mistakes
- Only checking fuel.
- Running with packed cooler screens.
- Ignoring missing teeth until vibration gets severe.
Document in Jobber
- Machine issue photos.
- Maintenance notes or damage found.
- Any delayed-start reason tied to safety/maintenance.
Field standard: A five-minute inspection beats a five-day breakdown.