A 10-minute walk-around catches problems while the machine is parked, instead of finding them at 2:00 PM with a load over a trench. Pre-trips are required by law in every Canadian province and US state. Skipping them is a major regulatory violation AND the most common reason for preventable equipment failures.

#	Discussion Point
1	Walk-around BEFORE you climb in. Same path every time means you don't miss anything. Look down (leaks, debris, tires) and look up (boom, exhaust, attachments).
2	Major defect = vehicle out of service. Brakes out of adjustment, hydraulic leaks onto hot components, cracked frames, broken ROPS — all major. Tag it. Don't operate.
3	Document everything. Even if no defects. Especially if no defects. The logbook is your proof you did the inspection if something goes wrong later.
4	Hour meter and fuel level. Track them every shift. Catches problems early — sudden fuel use change can mean a leak. Hour meter mismatches mean someone ran the machine without logging.
5	Report and don't operate. If you find a major defect, your job is to report it, not to fix it (unless qualified) and not to "make it work" for the shift. Production never trumps safety.

Use a consistent path. One example:

1. Engine compartment — fluids, leaks, belts, hoses
2. Cab — controls, gauges, glass, mirrors, seatbelt, fire extinguisher
3. Lights — running, signals, brake, marker, hazard, work lights
4. Mid-vehicle / undercarriage — tracks, rollers, frame, fuel tanks
5. Attachment / bucket / blade — wear, cracks, pins, teeth
6. Back / counterweight — lights, mud flaps, condition