Detailed Skid Steer Loader Maintenance & Easy Troubleshooting In 2023
Introduction Skid steer loaders have become special equipment in the construction industry. The reason is that they are highly versatile to perform multiple jobs and save time. At the same time, you can also save the costs of hiring an operator since a skid steer machine is very easy to operate. However, this efficient machine is not one without any problems. It may cause problems that, if not solved on time, may result in accidents. Therefore, skid steer loader maintenance is essential. Various common problems may occur in a skid steer machine. If you want your machine to run efficiently without any problems then you must ensure the wellness of your equipment. Here is a video you can take for reference. And this is only possible when you take care of the skid steer machine regarding all its problems, maintenance, and other things. Some of those problems are not so big, and you can repair them on your own. But some problems are serious, and you may need a professional repairer to deal with them. So what are those problems, and how can you ensure the wellness of your machine? This is all that you will learn in this article. So let’s start reading the article till the end. Common Problems Every machine we used eventually had a maintenance issue, such as the skid steer loader. To keep the best performance of a skid steer machine, you have to pay attention to its hydraulic system, engine, and control system. Further briefs are given down below. Control System Issues Sometimes joystick controls for the skid steer’s loader and steering are not working correctly. It might be that the loader and connections are loose or disconnected. In this case, you need to reconnect or tighten them. Wires should also be checked appropriately that connect the hydraulic pump and actuator to the joystick as sometimes they are not correctly attached. You may need to replace the entire joystick circuit board if it still needs to be fixed by doing all the abovementioned things. If controls respond slowly, then there is an issue with the control system. It is good practice to inspect the safety features of the skid steer loader. When these features are not working correctly, it can cause issues to the entire—Control system. Inadequate circuits harm your control system, so it is essential to check if there is any drainage of the battery of the skid steer machine. Hydraulic System Issues The hydraulic system is another culprit of skid steer issues. If your skid steer needs to be fixed, there might be something wrong with the hydraulic fluid level. Hydraulic systems perform at their maximum when they have the exact fluid level the supplier recommends. So make sure that the fluid level is well balanced. Another major issue in skid steer performance is a clogged hydraulic fuel filter. For instance, if your loader does not give much as it used to, then there might be a chance that its fuel filter is clogged. A clogged filter does not allow fluid to pass freely, lowering the loader’s power. Skid steer performance is also affected when leaks or loose fittings in hydraulic lines. To check for both factors, ensure that your engine as the pump is running to pressurize the hydraulic system, as it will be easy to detect any leaks in high pressure. Wear goggles and safety gloves to protect yourself from injuries when conducting this test. After inspection of leaks, you should look for seals and fittings on control valves. The hydraulic system’s performance will decrease if seals are broken or the fitting becomes loose. It is mandatory to check the valves so they can be opened and closed quickly. Engine Issues When the engine of your skid steer loader does not work correctly, you check your fuel system, as most common problems start from there. The skid steer fuel system consists of a fuel line, fuel filters, and a tank. If you do not change the fuel filter of your skid steer machine, which runs on diesel, it can cause issues to the machine as they work in dusty areas. Therefore, it is mandatory to change your filters frequently to prevent engine failure. The next thing after checking the fuel filters is the fuel tank inspection. Engine operational ability decreases when fuel does not flow to the fuel injector from the tank. Fuel injectors must not be clogged with materials, or else they will cause damage to the machine. Engine plugs not working correctly is another common problem in skid steer machines. Some plugs are specially used in winter in cold environments to warm the combustion chambers. After some time these plugs become loose which as result engine is not warm to work correctly. It is mandatory to locate and tighten the attached plugs. How Do You Maintain a Skid Steer? Fluid Upkeep Skis steer loader runs smoothly if its fuel levels are correctly maintained. Hydraulic oil, coolant, and engine oil should be maintained according to the manual to prevent wear and heat damage. These oils are changed at regular intervals to keep the machine working correctly. If you notice a loss of fluids in the meter, there is a leak that should be fixed at the moment. Loader arms should be down when checking the fluids, so oil flows back into the tank to get an accurate reading. Daily Maintenance Daily maintenance is essential for any machine to keep up your device’s health. Before turning your skid steer loader ignition, look around it to check for any wear or damage. A simple walk around your work helps you plan for obstacles in your intended path. The front end of your skid steer loader should be examined. Remove debris from the skid steer loader or attachment and ensure that tubing and hoses are leak-free and secured. Ideally, your skid steer loader pivot point and arms should be thoroughly greased. Your skid steer loader should be oiled after every use. The