Skid Steer Maintenance Guide

It takes a lot of time and effort to keep heavy machines in working order, and skid steers are no exception. Skid steers pack a lot of power and versatility into a compact frame and they deserve to be taken care of. If you aren’t keeping up with regular maintenance, you could end up with expensive service or repair bills that could have been avoided.

At Bobcat PNW, we want our customers to have all the information they need to properly maintain their skid steers. That’s why we have provided some tips to help you out with this. If you want more advice or if you need to schedule a service appointment, get in touch with us at one of our six dealerships in Washington. Our knowledgeable technicians are ready to help you with whatever you need.

Read Your Owner’s Manual

While the recommendations we provide below are broadly applicable to a vast variety of skid steers, it’s always advisable to check your owner’s manual to learn how your specific model functions and what the manufacturer recommends. You’ll find suggestions for products to use and the maintenance schedule for performing certain tasks. The manual will also teach you how every part of your machine functions, so that you’ll know when something is amiss.

Perform a Visual Inspection

Every time you get ready to work with your skid steer, it’s wise to walk around it to perform a quick visual inspection of all its major parts. Begin by looking for any fluid leakage. Inspect your hydraulic oil, engine oil, coolant, and fuel systems. Make sure that the hoses are tightly fitted and show no signs of damage.

Remember to check your fan belt tension and the fuel water separator. Take this opportunity to perform some basic upkeep. As you go over your skid steer, grease the fittings and pivot points. Give your air filter a check as well, since this is a quick and easy replacement job that can boost your machine’s performance.

Tires

Give the tires a once over, paying attention to any obvious signs of wear in the treads or damage on the sides. Check the air pressure and make sure it matches with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re not sure about the correct pressure, we recommend adjusting it a little for particular tasks. For example, if you’re working on a paved road, the tires should have a few extra pounds of pressure so they can hold firm on the rough pavement. On the other hand, when you’re working on softer ground, you can reduce the pressure a few pounds below the recommended setting.

Periodic Maintenance

The owner’s manual for your skid steer loader should indicate how often the manufacturer recommends an oil change. As a general rule, you’ll want to change all the fluids in your skid steer once every 250 operating hours. Meanwhile, your hydraulic fluid filter should be changed out every 500 operating hours. This is good to keep in mind when your machine is due for servicing. 

Proper Usage

The best way to prolong the life of your skid steer loader is to follow proper usage guidelines. Keeping your machine within the recommended operating limits is an excellent way to keep your equipment in good shape. Skid steers come in a variety of configurations, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re using the right model for the job. For example, a radial skid steer is going to perform a lot better when it comes to grading work than a vertical lift skid steer. Choosing the right kind of skid steer for the task at hand is important for minimizing the risk of equipment damage and workplace injury.

When you take care of your skid steer loader with proper preventative maintenance, it will serve you well for years to come. If you need any assistance with your equipment, stop by and see us at Bobcat PNW. We also offer a wide range of skid steer loaders for sale in Washington. Whatever you need, you can find it with us. We proudly serve all those in Auburn and Kent, WA, so contact us today!