A Quick Guide to Proper Skid Steer Maintenance

If you own a skid steer, you have a versatile piece of equipment that saves you time and money. Unfortunately, even the best skid steer isn’t a good machine without regular maintenance. Skid steer maintenance isn’t hard to do and is good for the life of your machine.

If you don’t know how to do the necessary upkeep, you won’t get the most out of your machine. This quick guide will teach you the reasons behind proper skid steer maintenance and how to perform the care yourself.

Check the Hydraulic Fluid Levels

Equipment maintenance includes checking the hydraulic fluid levels regularly. The first step is to locate the tank and limit the amount of fluid in the tank.

If the tank is low, it is essential to add hydraulic fluid to the tank. If it is full, you should check the level to ensure it is between the maximum and minimum indicators. If necessary, you should adjust the fluid to bring it within the acceptable range.

It is also essential to check the fluid’s condition. If the fluid appears cloudy or has a strange smell, it indicates a problem and should be replaced.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

The lubricant protects the skid steer’s finely tuned mechanical parts from wear and tear. This lets the machine run smoothly and efficiently and last longer. All moving parts, such as pins, joints, and bearings, should be greased.

Pay special attention to parts with a lot of friction, like drive trains, axles, and probes. Use only high-quality, high-performance lubricants made for the skid steer. This will protect it better and make it less likely to get dirty.

Schedule Professional Maintenance Services

Professional maintenance services should include checking the fluids, filters, and hoses, adjusting and containing the drive parts, and inspecting and greasing the operators and controls.

Professionals can determine what’s wrong with the skid steer and fix or replace any broken parts or components to ensure it works well. This will help you ensure you have the equipment when you need it and cut down on downtime and expensive repairs.

Skid Steer Regular Cleaning

Equipment cleaning will help extend the machine’s life and prevent costly repairs due to dirt and debris build-up. Clean the dashboard and dashboard vents to avoid overheating and control panel corrosion. Remove any dirt and debris from the fan cooling assemblies, radiators, and air filters.

For example, an SVL Kubota skid steer should be cleaned and inspected daily, with a thorough cleaning done each month. Cleaning includes checking for any areas of dirt, oil, and grime that have built up, then wiping, sweeping, and scrubbing away these areas with an all-purpose cleaner and a soft-bristled brush.

Keep Your Skid Steer in Good Shape

Proper maintenance of your skid steer is essential to your success. Inspect your machine daily and follow the guidelines outlined in this guide to ensure that your skid steer remains in top condition.

Scheduled maintenance and repairs are essential to avoid costly breakdowns and ensure you get the most life out of your skid steer. Take action today and ensure your skid steer is maintained correctly.

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