Equipment Start Up – Municipal

You have completed your Pre-Trip Inspections, climbed into the cab of your unit and “All Systems Go”, ready to launch into your shift.   Not so fast.  How you start your equipment involves some important details.  It is much more than just turning a key.

Being a “Professional” is about the details.  The following lesson provides an overview.

NOTE: The below is great info for new operators, however after operating a sweeper over many years or even decades, startups can blend together. Treating each startup with fresh eyes is a sign of a true professional.

1) Check-Yourself:

It is easy to get distracted especially if something did not go as planned:

• Running a little late
• Challenge with a co-worker or supervisor
• Last-minute changes
• Something on your mind from home

To get past this, once your butt hits the seat – pause for 15-30 seconds (more if needed).  Enjoy the quiet to bring everything into focus.

• Look around, is my cab how I left it, or how I expect it?
• Any safety issues?
• Anything unsecured that could roll under the brake peddles or become a flying object in an accident?
• Do I have my…
  • Lunch Box
  • Glasses – distance, reading, sunglasses
  • Job paperwork – maps, routes, job tickets
  • Pen/pencil
  • Wallet/Cell Phone
  • Tablet
  • Jacket
• Eight + hours from now, do I have everything I will need then? (When the sun comes up or goes down.  When the temp drops.)
• Do you need to hit the restroom one more time?  We don’t always have great options out in the field and needing a bathroom break takes your mind off being safe.  Do it now, before starting the truck.

• Rember – Love the job or hate the job, you are going to do a good job because that is who you are.

2) Get ready to start engines:

Notice we said, “get ready.”  The next steps only take a few moments but are vital.

• Is your vehicle still clear?
  • Could someone have opened the back compartment and have their hand in a bad place?
  • Could a mechanic have slid under the front bumper out of sight?
  • Could a maintenance tech be kneeling out of sight tightening a bolt?
  • Is a fellow operator checking their vehicle next to yours?
  • If you are not 100% sure – GET OUT AND LOOK. (G.O.A.L.)
• Some models of sweepers activate or return the brooms to travel position when started.  This sudden change in position of broom, heads, or other hydraulics could cause injury if someone is not expecting it.

• This “return to travel position” of brooms could have a delayed response as the air pressure builds up. You know your unit. It is up to YOU to be sure others around you are safe as they may not expect brooms to move unexpectedly.

3) Start the propulsion engine:

You may only have one engine, so this is easy. However, if you have two engines, start the main or propulsion one first.  Why?”

• This is the larger engine and will need longer to warm up.
• Many sweepers only have one alternator to charge the battery – this would be on the propulsion engine. Starting it first lets the battery re-charge before cranking the auxiliary engine.
• You will start the auxiliary or pony motor just to check everything. You don’t need to warm it up fully until ready to sweep.

As you start the engine it is key that you pay close attention to a few items:   (If you operate a gas, diesel, natural gas, or anything else, some of this will vary)

• Wait until all the diagnostics are done and the glow plug light goes out.

• As the engine fires up – watch the oil pressure gauge. Do not take your eyes off it for the first few seconds.  If it does not come up – STOP – and figure out why! It would not be the first time a mechanic changed the oil and forgot to refill it.  If the engine sounds and feels normal, you may have a bad gauge.  If in ANY doubt. Shut it down and investigate.  Do not assume a bad gauge.  Shut it down and investigate.  Look for a leak, check the drain plug, check the oil level, bring a mechanic or supervisor into the conversation.  Catching the issue now, will earn you much praise.

• Do not over-speed the engine. The oil has not completely circulated to provide proper lubrication.  Most engine wear occurs at cold-start and during the first few minutes of operation. Revving a cold engine will greatly accelerate this wear and tear.
• You should be listening carefully to the cranking and starting sounds. Anything that does not sound “normal” should be investigated.
• Next check the other gauges. Especially the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) lights.

• Your lights may be different.  Many trucks have DPF instructions on the backside of the sun visor.  Get to know what to do with these lights.  Not paying attention to a DPF warning can disable your truck and turn a simple regen into a $10,000 repair.

Your instructions may be different.

• As you watch the air brake gauges, now is a good time to check the parking brake.  If the parking brake was accidentally disabled, as the air pressure builds, the sweeper could roll.

• CDL Class trucks may require additional cab check engine start procedures. Perhaps an air brake test to CDL guidelines? That is beyond the scope of this lesson/course.  Now would be a good time to complete those according to your fleet, municipality, or company guidelines.

4) Start the pony or auxiliary engine.

• Are you in a good place?  Some air machines can cause rocks to fly when started. Will this cause any problems?
• Is your sweeper still clear of other personnel?
• Just like the propulsion engine, watch the oil pressure gauge as you start.
• Depending on the type of sweeper, season, AND the SOP for your fleet, municipality, or company, you may simply lift the brooms, etc.  Others may spin, test, or operate the sweeper parts.
• When everything is ready, shut down the auxiliary engine.

5) Ready to Roll!

• If you did not check your flashers, warning lights, or arrow boards during pre-start, do it now.
• Double-check your windows and mirrors are clean and perfectly adjusted. Never accept “just OK”. You are a Professional!
• Check your personal glasses (if you use them). Dirty glasses cause glare and lead to fatigue.

• Roll forward a few feet and confirm the brakes work.
• With the brakes applied, shift into reverse and confirm the back-up alarm works. You should be able to easily hear it.

6) Have a safe and productive shift

• Safe and productive (in that order)
• Remember, being a professional is following the details each and every shift.