Recovery Vehicle Inspection
What LOLER Covers on a Recovery Truck
A recovery vehicle only comes under LOLER 1998 for the parts that lift. Winching a casualty along the ground is not lifting, but the moment an underlift, spec lift, lorry loader crane or tail lift raises a load clear of the ground, it is lifting equipment and needs a thorough examination at least every 12 months.
Our Engineer Surveyors examine the lifting equipment on your recovery trucks, along with the chains, strops and shackles that go with them, and hand back a clear report per item.
Recovery Vehicle LOLER
Regulation
LOLER 1998
Underlift, crane and winch
Every 12 months
Chains, strops and shackles
Every 6 months
Examined
On site
Report turnaround
Within 3 days
What's included
What's covered in a recovery vehicle inspection
Winch, Rope and Fairlead
We examine the winch drum, rope or synthetic line, hook, fairlead and mountings, checking for broken wires, crushing, corrosion and worn anchor points. We confirm the brake holds the load rather than letting it creep back.
Underlift and Spec Lift
The underlift boom, extensions, wheel grids or forks and their pins take the whole weight of the casualty vehicle. We check them for cracking, distortion, wear and play, and confirm the lift raises and holds under load.
Slidebed, Rams and Hydraulics
We inspect the tilt and slide rams, hoses, valves and bed mechanism for leaks and damage, then run the bed and lifting functions to make sure they operate smoothly and hold position safely.
Lorry Loader Crane and Tail Lift
Where a HIAB-type crane or tail lift is fitted, it is examined in its own right: boom, slew, stabilisers, platform, ram seals and controls, with tail lifts that carry people falling on the 6-monthly cycle.
Chains, Strops and Lifting Accessories
Every chain, strop, sling, shackle and eye carried on the vehicle is examined and identified in the report, with safe working loads confirmed as marked and legible so each item is only used within its rating.
How it works
Your recovery vehicle'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 how many vehicles and where they are based, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
2
On-site examination
Tell us how many vehicles and where they are based, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
3
Compliant report
Tell us how many vehicles and where they are based, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
4
Reminders
Tell us how many vehicles and where they are based, 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
Thorough, dependable examinations of recovery lifting equipment from skilled Engineer Surveyors who train continually and keep pace with current standards.
Responsibility
A rigorous examination process that safeguards against risk and keeps businesses operating in line with legal and regulatory frameworks.
Care
Safety and compliance run through everything. Your wellbeing is our focus, our standards provide genuine peace of mind across all your deployments.
GET IN TOUCH
Request a Quotation
Let us know how many recovery vehicles need examining and when suits, 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
Recovery Vehicle Inspections: What Operators Ask
Which parts of a recovery vehicle come under LOLER?
Anything on the truck that raises a load clear of the ground: the underlift or spec lift, a lorry loader crane, a tail lift, and the winch where it is used to lift rather than drag. The slidebed ram and its lifting points are examined with them.
How often does recovery lifting equipment need examining?
Every 12 months for equipment lifting loads, and every 6 months for anything lifting people or for lifting accessories. An examination is also needed after any exceptional event, such as an overload or a significant repair.
Do chains, strops and shackles need examining separately?
They are lifting accessories, so they fall on a 6-monthly cycle rather than the 12-monthly one. We examine them alongside the vehicle and list each item in the report, so nothing on the truck gets missed.
Is winching a casualty vehicle classed as lifting?
Pulling a vehicle along the ground or onto a bed is not lifting in LOLER terms. As soon as the winch, underlift or crane takes the weight and raises the load, LOLER applies and that equipment needs a thorough examination.
Can you examine a whole recovery fleet at our depot?
Yes. We come to you and work through the fleet in one visit where the vehicles are available, with scope for multiple days on larger requirements, and you get a report of thorough examination per item.