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How To Extend the Operating Life of Your Skid Steer

Apr 20th 2023

How To Extend the Operating Life of Your Skid Steer

When performing tasks on an industrial worksite, having reliable pieces of heavy equipment is nice to help ease the load and reduce risks. For example, a skid steer can be helpful in many tasks, from performing demolition to cleaning up unwanted debris.

However, properly maintaining your skid steer is essential if you want it to perform at its best and last. Here’s some information on how to extend the operating life of your skid steer.

Clean Regularly

Skid steers get messy during operations. Digging, lifting, and hauling dirt in and out of small spaces can leave them covered in filth. If you don’t attend to the grime, it can lead to corrosion, drastically reducing the lifespan of essential parts.

Therefore, one of the simplest things you can do to extend the life of your skid steer is to keep it clean. Cleaning the equipment after each use will remove unwanted materials and allow the parts to run smoothly. Also, performing a visual inspection while washing off the undercarriage will allow you to spot problems as soon as possible. This makes it easier to keep your skid steer running through thick and thin.

Check Fluids

Engines require adequate amounts of fluid to operate without failure. Oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid are essential for most types of heavy equipment. If oil or coolant levels get too low, the engine could overheat, causing critical mechanical components to break down prematurely. Likewise, the machine will lose much of its lifting capacity without hydraulic fluids, rendering it useless.

Regularly inspecting your skid steer to ensure fluids are at the right levels can prevent major issues from occurring. Look for any signs of leaking and repair them right away if necessary. Also, you should never overfill fluids. If there’s too much pressure in the system, the pipes or tubes could rupture, causing the engine to fail.

Maintain Tire Pressure

While skid steers generally operate on a track for better maneuverability, they sometimes come with tires to run on concrete or other hard services. You must adequately inflate the tires, so they can handle the job without wearing down or blowing out.

Tires should be able to distribute the weight of a vehicle evenly. Under-inflated tires have a large surface area, reducing fuel efficiency and increasing wear. If you want your skid steer’s tires to last, check the tire pressure before putting it under load. Otherwise, it could get stuck in the middle of a worksite or operate inefficiently.

Consult the Manual

Each heavy equipment manufacturer provides unique requirements for proper machine maintenance and upkeep. If you aren’t sure about something, consulting the owner’s manual should be the first thing you do. Getting first-hand instructions from the manufacturer will help you understand the ins and outs of each component.

You may want to check out the owner’s manual if you recently purchased a new skid steer. Getting to know the vehicle and any unique characteristics will help you avoid and prepare for problems. Learning the recommended maintenance schedule, operation procedures, and safety requirements will allow your crew to get the most out of the skid steer over its life.

Replace Old and Worn-Out Parts

The worst thing you can do for your skid steer is to ignore component failures and worn-out parts. Heavy equipment often experiences extreme elemental exposure during operation, causing parts to wear out prematurely. Excess heat, cold, moisture, and vibrations can degrade parts, which you should fix or replace as soon as possible.

However, OEM parts can be expensive. You can save money by purchasing parts from a trusted third-party seller. Finding reliable refurbished aftermarket skid steer parts will make it easier to keep up with necessary repairs without going over budget on the project. Carefully look over the quality of the parts before buying, ensure everything fits, and check to see if the seller offers a warranty.

Focus on Safety

Heavy equipment can be dangerous for the driver and other people in the vicinity. Accidents occur, but having basic safety training and equipment available to workers can prevent injuries while limiting damage to your skid steer.

You should securely fasten yourself inside the cab whenever the skid steer is running. You should also drive slowly in tight or crowded spaces to allow people the chance to get out of your way. Always remain seated to maintain balance, and never try to operate the machine on hills or uneven surfaces. The machine could topple over if it becomes unbalanced.

Train Workers

You should train workers to safely maintain heavy equipment and use best practices to avoid accidents. Employers must provide the necessary support and information to those working in or near skid steers and other types of heavy equipment.

High-vis clothing will help prevent accidents, but workers should know to avoid blind spots and stay clear of any equipment under load. You can prevent unwanted collisions by training workers to avoid moving equipment, but operators should also do their part. Finally, equip your skid steer with backup alarms, horns, and hazard lights to ensure anyone in the area is aware of its presence.

Use the Correct Attachments

The great thing about skid steers is that you can equip them with different accessories to modify their capabilities for specific tasks. Buckets, brooms, and tillers are just a few things you can attach to your skid steer if necessary. Just remember—attempting to force an attachment or use something not designed for your machine can result in damaged equipment or injury.

Matching the correct accessory to the skid steer will allow you to operate safely. Using something that doesn’t fit or is from a different manufacturer can lead to unintended damage to the machine. You could be looking at significant losses with added repair costs and downtime. Simply ensuring any attachments you buy or rent fit your skid steer beforehand will make everything go much more smoothly.

Give Your Skid Steer the Time and Attention It Deserves

Heavy equipment can handle rugged terrain and heavy loads, but it won’t last very long if you fail to perform general preventative maintenance and fix problems when they become apparent. These tips on how to extend the life of your skid steer will ensure you get the most out of your investment.

How To Extend the Operating Life of Your Skid Steer