All equipment needs maintenance from time to time. Even the highest quality machines from the most reliable brands will experience wear and tear. This doesn’t have to mean the end of your heavy equipment, though. By keeping an eye on your equipment, you can catch the early warning signs that something’s wrong with your machine. Stay on top of equipment issues and keep your machines in excellent shape by looking for these signs your heavy equipment needs maintenance.

The Engine Keeps Stalling

Engines stall occasionally, but if you notice a pattern forming, it might be time to take a deeper look at your machine. Frequent stalls or difficulty starting your engine could be a sign of an underserviced battery, low fluid levels, or powertrain issues. By itself, a stalling engine doesn’t give you a clear diagnosis of what's wrong. However, this is an important early warning sign that you should never ignore in your heavy equipment.

You Hear Grinding, Screeching, and Other Noises

When it comes to your heavy machinery, always trust your ears. Many of the same warning sounds you might hear in your car also apply to your equipment. Grinding, screeching, whining, humming, and other abnormal noises usually indicate that some part of your machine needs servicing.

These and similar sounds might stem from a lack of fluids, misaligned parts, brake issues, and other problems. If you hear unusual noises coming from your equipment, schedule an inspection to find the root of the issue.

The Exhaust Looks or Smells Different

Scent is another sense to pay attention to around heavy equipment. If your machine’s exhaust smells strange, it could be a sign your heavy equipment needs maintenance. In addition to unusual smells, excess fumes or discolored smoke can also indicate a problem with your machine. Abnormal exhaust can stem from a number of issues, including ventilation problems or dirty air filters.

Fluid Leaks and Low Fluid Levels

You can solve numerous equipment issues by topping off fluids. If you’re refilling your machine’s reserves all the time, though, you might have a bigger problem on your hands. Keep an eye out for leaks by documenting whenever you refill or flush fluids, watching for puddles beneath parked equipment, and inspecting your machine regularly for loose or damaged parts.

When you need to repair or replace parts for your heavy equipment, make sure you’re getting the best deal possible by choosing a reliable aftermarket supplier. Tractor Zone has manufacturer standard equipment parts for Bobcat and other top brands. Let our team help you find the exact part you need by contacting Tractor Zone today.