It’s no secret that investing in good equipment comes with a hefty price tag, and skid steers are no exception. But, for the amount of work they’re capable of, you’re bound to see results worth your while in no time.

In order to get a return on your investment, it’s important to take care of your skid steer. Like any piece of machinery, it requires routine maintenance to make sure it’s running the way it should. If you want to learn all about proper skid steer maintenance, and how to make your investment lasts for years, keep on reading.

Keep up with Preventative Maintenance

One of the best things you can do for your skid steer is to run preventative maintenance. Letting one or two small things go can lead to larger problems for your machine, so it’s important to make sure you keep up with your equipment from the start. Do a quick visual inspection every day before you start working on a project. Does anything look out of place? When you start it, are there any odd noises, or delays to your machine? If so, make a note and find the source of the problem.

On a weekly basis, check the tire pressure and your tires. It’s important that your tires and tread marks are wearing evenly, so you don’t have to replace anything too soon. Uneven wearing and can lead to unalignment, which means your skid steer isn’t operating smoothly. It’s also a good idea to check all the fluid levels and make sure they’re being replenished, like hydraulic fluids, engine oil, and fuel.

Another good tip: Keep your maintenance guides and manuals handy so you can check to see what the proper fluid and oil levels are. If something isn’t working the way it should, you can check to see where the problem might be located.

Regular Maintenance Tips

Outside of the daily maintenance for your skid steer loader, it’s a good idea to have regular maintenance every few months. It’s important to change the fuel filter and adjust the track tension after 500 hours of use, so you can avoid costly repairs or risks of your skid steer not working at its usual standards.

After over a thousand hours of use, you should change the hydraulic oil and check the radiator coolant levels. This is what keeps your engine running properly, and ensures your skid steer can handle those tough job sites. It’s also important to drain and refill the engine cooling system so it can run at peak performance.

Seasonal Maintenance

A change in season means you’ll have to take additional maintenance measures to make sure everything is up and running for the appropriate season. The best way to combat this is through monitoring fuel levels, and the engine oil, so nothing ever overheats or freezes during extreme temperatures.

Cover and Protect

A large part of season maintenance? Not letting the elements damage your equipment. Store your skid steer and other heavy equipment properly for winter. The last thing anyone wants is rust, ice, snow, or water damage causing unnecessary problems later on.

Clean Your Attachments

Just like your skid steer, it’s important to clean and maintain your attachments, so they stay in great condition. It’s a good idea to wash and clear off excess debris, and inspect your attachments for any missing gears, bolts, or tears. Also, keep all the necessary attachments greased so they can resist rust, water damage, and other things that can prevent strong performance rates.

If you have the right skid steer but are searching for the best attachments that are up for your workload, take a look at Rut’s must-have skid steer attachments. With the proper maintenance, Rut’s skid steer attachments will deliver the results you’ve been looking for.