If you’ve ever worked with skid steers or other pieces of heavy equipment for extended periods, you likely know the frustration of dealing with equipment downtime. Skid steer downtime can stop your work in its tracks, which is just one reason it’s so important to avoid. Keep reading to learn the importance of preventing skid steer downtime and how to avoid it in your future construction, landscaping, and other projects.

Causes of Skid Steer Downtime

Ignoring signs of damage and wear can lead to equipment failure and downtime. This is why skid steer and other equipment inspections are so crucial. Some of the most vulnerable areas of the skid steer are the tires. Tires on any piece of equipment are often susceptible to damage from piercing, puncturing, and more. Low-pressure or flat tires lead to downtime while you wait for a tire replacement or repair. Skid steer treads can also be susceptible to similar damage from wear and tear on job sites.

Importance of Preventing Downtime

Skid steer downtime leads to project delays and wasted time and money. If your company only has a select few skid steers for construction projects, taking even one machine out of the equation can lead to a dramatic increase in construction efficiency.

Inspecting and maintaining any type of heavy equipment, including skid steers, is also critical in preventing injuries on the job. Knowingly or unknowingly operating equipment with damaged parts can lead to accidents, injuries, and further issues. Not only can this lead to more downtime, but you’ll also lose more money on additional repair costs.

How To Prevent Skid Steer Downtime

The best way to prevent skid steer downtime is to perform regular inspections and necessary maintenance on your heavy machinery. There’s a direct connection between maintaining your skid steer and preventing downtime. If you or your team go without inspecting this equipment, you could cause damage to the engine, hydraulic systems, drivetrain, tires, and more. Frequently check your skid steer’s tires or tracks for diminished tread depth and damage. Catching a crack or puncture early can mean the difference between a delayed construction job and completing a project on schedule. It’s helpful to keep spare skid steer parts on hand so that you can swap them out before the damage causes a breakdown.

Now that you know the importance of preventing skid steer downtime, you can follow these words of advice to avoid downtime in the future. Don’t let equipment damage sneak up on you while on the job. Instead, stock spare skid steer parts from Tractor Zone so that you’re ready to replace a tread, cutting edge, or other components when you start to notice any damage.