Excavator Inspection
When an Excavator Falls Under LOLER
An excavator only comes under LOLER 1998 once it is used for lifting - slinging pipes, lowering manhole rings, or moving materials from a lifting eye or the quick hitch. At that point it is lifting equipment and needs a thorough examination at least every 12 months.
Our Engineer Surveyors focus on the lifting components and give you a clear report on what they find.
Excavator LOLER
Regulation
LOLER 1998
Excavator used for lifting
Every 12 months
Lifting accessories
Every 6 months
Examined
On site
Report turnaround
Within 3 days
What's included
What's covered in an excavator inspection
Lifting Point and Shackle
We examine the designated lifting point, lifting eye or shackle the load hangs from. A worn or damaged lifting eye and shackle is one of the defects we most often flag.
Quick Hitch
We check the quick hitch and its safety and locking system, along with the bucket, linkage and pins used in lifting. A quick hitch safety system not engaging correctly is a serious and common finding.
Hydraulics and Load Hold
We inspect the hydraulic rams, hoses and the check or load-hold valves that stop a load dropping. Leaks and failing check valves affecting load hold are frequent faults.
Boom and Structure
We examine the boom, dipper arm and structure for cracks and corrosion, especially around pins, linkages and welds where lifting loads concentrate.
Capacity Systems and Markings
We check the load hold and overload protection and the rated capacity indicator where fitted, and confirm the lift capacity chart and markings are present and legible.
How it works
Your excavator's LOLER examination, start to finish
Every scheme your equipment is required to meet under UK regulation carried out by accredited engineers and backed by compliant reports.
1
Book
Tell us the machine and where it's working, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
2
On-site examination
Tell us the machine and where it's working, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
3
Compliant report
Tell us the machine and where it's working, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
4
Reminders
Tell us the machine and where it's working, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
OUR STANDARDS
Engineering inspections where safety comes first
We take our responsibilities seriously, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, quality and safety across every aspect of our operations.
Quality Assurance
Precise, reliable examinations of lifting components from skilled Engineer Surveyors who stay current with best practice.
Responsibility
A disciplined examination process that controls risk and keeps your lifting operations legally and regulatory compliant.
Care
Safety drives every part of the work. Your people's wellbeing matters most, and our standards deliver real peace of mind.
GET IN TOUCH
Request a Quotation
Let us know what you need examined and when, and we'll confirm availability and a competitive quote, usually the same day.
Call us
0208 050 3958
Based in
Reading, Berkshire: serving the South of England
● Hampshire
● Oxfordshire
● Northamptonshire
● Cambridgeshire
● Surrey
● Buckinghamshire
● London
FAQ
Excavator Inspection: Frequently Asked
Does my excavator need a LOLER examination?
Only when it is used for lifting, such as slinging a load from a lifting eye or the quick hitch. Used purely for digging, it falls under PUWER instead. When it does lift, it must be thoroughly examined at least every 12 months.
What counts as using an excavator for lifting?
Any job where a load is slung or lifted using a lifting point, hook, eye or the quick hitch - lowering pipes, lifting manhole rings, moving materials and the like.
What's the difference between LOLER and PUWER?
LOLER deals with the lifting side of your equipment, while PUWER covers it as work equipment more broadly. Plenty of machines need both, and we carry out PUWER examinations too.
Do I legally need a LOLER examination?
If your business owns, operates or controls lifting equipment, then yes. LOLER 1998 makes it your legal duty to have it thoroughly examined by a competent person and to keep the resulting report.
Do you carry out examinations on site?
Yes. Our Engineer Surveyors come to your premises across Berkshire and the surrounding counties, and we issue reports promptly.