A practical checklist

  1. Read the machine meter when the maintenance event is recorded.
  2. Enter the observed reading, including zero when that is genuinely the reading.
  3. Put labour duration or an unreadable meter explanation in notes instead.
Illustrative recordA worked example

Inspection · Tractor T3 · 876 hours. Notes: “Inspection took about 45 minutes.” The hours field remains 876, not 0.75, because it records the engine meter rather than the inspection duration.

What to avoid

Never estimate a meter reading from calendar time just to fill the field. Leave it unspecified and explain the missing reading if necessary.

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