Checklist · Vehicle & Fleet
Quad Bike / ATV Pre-Start Checklist
Pre-start check for quad bikes (all-terrain vehicles) used on farms, rural properties, worksites and in land management. Covers tyres, brakes, throttle, rollover protection, loads and rider readiness, the main factors in quad bike deaths and injuries.
37 checklist items
Checklist Items
| Item | Pass / Yes | Fail / No |
|---|---|---|
| VEHICLE & RIDER DETAILS | ||
| Date | ||
| Property / Site | ||
| Vehicle ID / Registration (if registered) | ||
| Make & Model | ||
| Rider Name | ||
| Rider trained and authorised to ride this quad bike | Yes | No |
| Planned Task and Area (terrain, slopes, water crossings) | ||
| TYRES & WHEELS | ||
| Tyre pressures checked with a low-pressure gauge and set to manufacturer's specification | Pass | Fail |
| Pressures even side to side (uneven pressure affects stability) | Pass | Fail |
| Tyres: no cuts, bulges or exposed cords | Pass | Fail |
| Wheel nuts tight; no excessive play in wheel bearings | Pass | Fail |
| CONTROLS & BRAKES | ||
| Throttle returns to idle freely when released | Pass | Fail |
| Front and rear brakes effective; park brake holds on a slope | Pass | Fail |
| Steering: no binding or excessive play; handlebars straight and secure | Pass | Fail |
| Engine stop switch works | Pass | Fail |
| Gear selector and reverse lockout operate correctly | Pass | Fail |
| Lights and horn operational | Pass | Fail |
| MACHINE CONDITION | ||
| Engine oil and coolant levels adequate | Pass | Fail |
| Fuel level adequate; no fuel leaks | Pass | Fail |
| Chain or drive shaft guarded, adjusted and lubricated | Pass | Fail |
| Suspension: no broken springs or leaking shocks | Pass | Fail |
| Footrests and mudguards in place | Pass | Fail |
| Operator protection device (OPD) / rollover protection fitted and secure (where fitted or required by your policy) | Pass | Fail |
| LOADS & ATTACHMENTS | ||
| Racks secure; loads within the manufacturer's rack and towing limits | Pass | Fail |
| Loads strapped down and balanced; no load shifting the centre of gravity | Pass | Fail |
| Spray tanks baffled and secured (liquid surge affects stability) | Pass | Fail |
| Towed implements within limits; hitched at the correct towing point only | Pass | Fail |
| RIDER & RIDE PLAN | ||
| Helmet suitable for quad bike use worn and fastened | Pass | Fail |
| Eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, long pants and sturdy boots worn | Pass | Fail |
| No passengers carried on a single-seat quad bike | Pass | Fail |
| No children riding adult-sized quad bikes | Pass | Fail |
| Someone knows the planned route and return time; communication device carried | Pass | Fail |
| Steep slopes, gullies and known hazards on the route identified; a side-by-side or other vehicle used if the task suits it better | Pass | Fail |
| DEFECTS & SIGN-OFF | ||
| Defects found (describe or write "None") | ||
| Vehicle tagged out of service (if unsafe) | Yes | No |
| Vehicle fit for use | Yes | No |
| Rider Signature | ||