How to Properly Maintain Your Skid Steer for Optimal Performance

Skid steers, also known as compact track loaders or skid steer loaders, are designed to handle all kinds of construction tasks and projects. Even though this type of construction equipment is relatively small, it plays an important role in tasks such as transporting materials, grading and land clearing.

These versatile vehicles have several components that need to be regularly maintained, from the oil to the engine, to keep them operating reliably and efficiently day after day. Several maintenance best practices for skid steers should be followed daily, weekly, monthly and seasonally to ensure they are prepared to tackle your construction projects. Discover a comprehensive maintenance guide for skid steers and tips on choosing the right John Deere parts for your equipment.

Importance of Skid Steer Maintenance

While skid steers are designed to be durable and versatile, they are still susceptible to wear and tear. They can face several common issues involving the hydraulic system, as well as electrical problems, ranging from blown fuses to starter failures. Hydraulic system malfunctions can affect how well the system functions daily, impacting you equipment’s reliability and performance.

Any issue that gets overlooked can lead to more involved and costly repairs later on. Unexpected breakdowns can negatively affect your business’s productivity and ability to meet client demands. Regularly maintaining compact equipment like skid steers will also reduce the risk of breakdowns and extend the life span of your equipment, protecting your investment.

Daily Maintenance Checks

A quick daily maintenance check can improve your skid steer’s performance. Just taking a few minutes each day to inspect your skid steer can help you catch potential issues and make any necessary repairs before they become more involved and costly.

Here are a few key things to focus on when performing your daily maintenance:

• Perform a visual inspection: Look over the skid steer, checking for any signs of damage. Pay special attention to the skid steer’s body and make sure there aren’t any cracks or dents. Check all of the bolts, seals and attachment components like the bushings and cylinders to verify that they are securely attached. You’ll also want to inspect the lift arms and connections on all sides of the machine before using it.
• Check fluid levels: Skid steers rely on several fluids, including engine oil, hydraulic fluid and coolant, to adequately lubricate the moving parts and allow the machine to perform as it should. Check these levels daily to see if they are within the recommended levels. While checking the fluids, look for any damage or signs of leaks coming from the engine or hydraulics.
• Do a quick clean: Dirt, debris and grime can build up on your skid steer, leading to issues like decreased efficiency and overheating. Regularly cleaning your skid steer will prevent clogs, which can make your machinery work harder than it needs to and damage sensitive components or electrical connections.

Weekly and Monthly Maintenance

Along with daily maintenance, you’ll want to complete several other tasks weekly and monthly. These tasks include:

• Battery maintenance: Check the battery and terminals to ensure they are clean and free of corrosion. Frequent work in extreme temperatures can affect battery performance even more than normal wear.
• Greasing and lubricating: Several parts must be regularly lubricated to keep everything moving freely. If parts like the pivot pins, lifting arms and cylinders aren’t adequately lubricated, excess friction can lead to wear and tear and reduce the life span of your machinery.
• Changing filters: While the frequency can vary based on factors like the type of skid steer you operate, you will need to regularly change out the air, fuel and hydraulic filters. Make sure you use the correct John Deere parts when changing the filters and follow the schedule outlined in the owner’s manual to ensure compatibility and performance.

Seasonal Maintenance

Extreme heat and cold can impact your skid steer’s performance capabilities. This is why there are a few special maintenance tasks you’ll want to complete each season:

• Summer maintenance: During the summer, monitor the coolant and cooling systems to avoid overheating. Systems like the oil cooler and radiator have to work harder in the summer. If they are coated in dust and debris, they will have to work even harder to keep your machinery cool and working properly.
• Winter maintenance: In the winter, the viscosity of the fluids can start to jell. If your skid steer runs on diesel fuel, you can use anti-gel additives to prevent this. Check that the tire pressure is within the correct range and there is enough traction to handle rough terrain or snow. If the tires are too worn, it will impact the maneuverability — and safety — of the equipment.

Best Practices for Skid Steer Maintenance

Before attempting any maintenance and repair tasks, thoroughly review the owner’s manual. It provides the information and insights you need to properly care for your equipment.

Here are a few additional skid steer service tips to keep your machine operating at peak performance:

• Use OEM parts: Choosing the right parts for maintenance and repair work is crucial. Your owner’s manual will explain which parts are compatible and designed to work with your skid steer. Using OEM parts also ensures you’ll have warranty support.
• Create a scheduled maintenance plan: Based on the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations, create a detailed plan and logbook to schedule and track all activities. Following a schedule helps trained operators know exactly what tasks have been completed and when so your equipment is always prepared to tackle all kinds of construction projects with ease.

Ready to Optimize Your Skid Steer Performance?

As your No. 1 source for everything under construction, Groff Tractor & Equipment can help your business reduce downtime and optimize skid steer performance. We provide scheduled maintenance to keep your equipment operating as it should throughout the year.

Our team of technicians is trained and certified, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve. You can also take advantage of increased flexibility by having your equipment serviced either on-site or in our shop. No matter which option you choose, we provide thorough inspections to keep your equipment free from any potential issues.

With our capability to service any brand skid steer in your fleet, our team will deliver a proactive maintenance approach to prepare your skid steer for any construction site challenges. Our emergency services are available 24/7, so you can feel confident that our team will be there for you when you need us most.

To learn more about our customized maintenance inspections and services, we invite you to call us at (800) 334-7633 or fill out our contact form today to get started.