The Most Common Maintenance Issues With Skid Steers
Skid steers are amazing pieces of equipment that can handle so many different and difficult tasks. But like all other machines, routine maintenance is the key to making sure they continue to operate at peak efficiency to keep their exemplary performance levels high and to maintain a long and productive life. This is especially the case if you have an equipment remarketing or asset recovery plan where you sell off used machinery at its peak return on investment so you can put your earnings towards newer models.
To help you get the most out of your heavy-duty equipment, we assembled the following list of the most common maintenance issues skid steer owners or operators run into while on the job. This is not to say that skid steers are problematic with constant repairs; rather, this is more of a guide to keep things running smoothly when you depend on your equipment to drive results for work.
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Hydraulics
Skid steers are considered heavy-duty machines for a reason, and the lifeblood of strength that comes from any piece of construction equipment is the hydraulic system. Skid steers often work in very difficult environments that kick up a lot of dust, so a clogged hydraulic filter is one of the primary culprits when it comes to lack of performance. The viscosity of the hydraulic fluid can also be greatly influenced by hours of operation, especially if it’s used under extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, routine maintenance based on a schedule recommended by the machine’s manufacturer should keep the filter and fluid from becoming a problem.
However, even with routine upkeep, there are a few things that can affect the hydraulic system no matter how well you take care of your machinery, including:
- Leaks. Worn hoses, connections that shake loose over time, and incidents where a hydraulic hose becomes compromised can lead to hydraulic fluid leaks. This can result in a loss of power in the hydraulic system, sluggish performance, and potentially a total system failure. Be sure to do a spot check before starting your skid steer to make sure you don’t find any leaks under the equipment before starting each workday.
- Fluid Levels. There are a number of other factors besides leaks that can affect the hydraulic fluid level in your rig. Evaporation can occur in high temperature conditions and contaminants such as air or water in the system can all lead to the hydraulic fluid level being either too high or too low, both of which can affect the total system pressure and efficiency. It’s a good idea to regularly check all of the fluid levels, even outside of recommended maintenance periods, to make sure all is well.
- Pump Problems. When the hydraulic fluid pump starts to have issues or fails completely, the hydraulic system won’t be able to properly maintain the pressure needed to keep your skid steer at full power. While it is difficult to predict when a pump will fail, some signs to watch for are a reduction in lifting power; erratic movements of the machinery when in use; and odd noises such as grinding, screeching, banging, knocking, gurgling, or whirring sounds. If your operator experiences any of these things with the machine, make sure they notify the crew chief, mechanic, or fleet manager immediately so the unit can be inspected.
Other Systems
While the hydraulic system is of utmost importance, there are other areas where you can run into trouble, even when following the operator’s manual recommendations. Pay special attention to:
- Engine. Starting issues could be a sign of fuel system problems due to either the fuel filter, lines, or tank; glow plugs (on diesel machines) that need to be changed out; or potentially a faulty throttle cable. If the engine is overheating, that could indicate a clogged radiator or low coolant levels. Poor fuel efficiency could be caused by clogged fuel or air filters.
- Electrical System. Ignition problems can also be associated with a low or dead battery, or if the battery posts are corroded. Starting issues, a rough-running engine, or component malfunctions (such as a loss of running lights) could be an indication that there are damaged or loose wires.
- Transmission and Drivetrain. When a skid steer is difficult to steer or operate, it could be a sign that the transmission fluid is low or there’s a clogged transmission fluid filter (if applicable). Excessive noises or vibrations that are evident during operation could be a sign of worn gears or bearings.
- Tires/Tracks. Be sure to regularly check the tires on your skid steer for proper air pressure. Also, look for uneven wear or damage that could affect traction and stability of the unit. If your machine has tracks, check for loose or broken tracks that could potentially make it more difficult to move or operate.
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If you’re experiencing any of these common maintenance issues with your machine, follow up with a trusted professional mechanic to pinpoint the problem for a repair or replacement part. Developing a routine for regular checks on your equipment will help promote safety habits and best practices when operating skid steers, boost performance, and maintain the unit’s value if you look to upgrade.
Barrett Baker
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