Skid steers are built for tough, professional projects. Whether you’re clearing land, moving rocks or tearing down a wall, a skid steer is an excellent piece of equipment for many different jobs. But these nimble machines can be expensive to repair and replace if neglected. Companies such as Timberline Landscaping keep their skid steers going strong with good maintenance practices. They get the most value out of them until these machines are retired.
A daily check before each job can keep you from getting sidelined. Here’s our quick checklist of the top five things you should check before hopping in your skid steer.
- Check the Front End: Inspect attachments, such as the bucket, fork or brush-cutter to ensure they’re free from debris and not damaged. Be sure the arms are working properly and check to see that the pins and bushings are well-greased at all fittings. Inspect the hoses and tubes and make sure they’re secure and leak-free.
- Check the Tires/Track: Depending on your setup, be sure to either check the tire pressure or adjust track tension as necessary. Skipping this step puts strain on these components, which can be expensive to replace when damaged.
- Check Safety Controls: Step into the cab and inspect the seat belt, panel display, backup alerts and horn. This helps keep you and the people around you safe on the job.
- Check the Engine: Take a walk behind the machine and open the tailgate. Remove any debris and check to see that all components, such as the air filter and cooling system, are in good shape.
- Check fluid levels: Engine oil, hydraulic oil and coolant levels should all be inspected. Making sure that all fluid levels are full helps keep your skid steer from suffering from accelerated wear or heat damage. For a full list of top-quality fluids for your skid steer, take a look at what AMSOIL has to offer here.
Be sure to acquaint yourself with your operator’s manual for a complete maintenance schedule.
Comments
Share: