Skid Steer Maintenance Checklist
Skid-steer loader is a rigid frame, engine-powered machine with lift arms used to attach a wide variety of labor-saving tools or attachments. Skid steers are used for multiple purposes like for cleaning narrow streets, trenching in various terrains, for digging holes, for lifting goods and other material, for cleaning of drainage, etc.
Skid steer is a very tough machine. In order to perform all the operations smoothly, your machine has to be equally fit. When one part fails, it can have an adverse effect on the rest of the machine. All these above-mentioned jobs cannot be done if your machine is not well maintained. A skid steer maintenance is mostly based on how many hours the machine is working. Mostly we break the working hours into slots like 50 hours, 250 hours, 500 hours, 1000 hours and 2000 hours. Usually, for any machine, you should make a daily round of inspection for any local wear and tear.
Gamzen have put across a bunch of checklist to keep your machine well maintained. Please go through the below tips and use it to its fullest. Not maintaining the machine on time will increase your overall expenditure in the long run. Gamzen always keep its skid steers strong going with efficient maintenance practices.
Here’s our quick skid steer maintenance checklist:
The following checklist is an important reminder of valuable information and inspections. Check off each component after prescribed action is taken.
Check that :
- The unit has not been damaged in shipment. Check for such things as dents and loose or missing parts correct or replace components as required.
- Battery is securely mounted and not cracked. Cable connections are tight and the electrolyte is at a proper level and strength. (Batteries for domestic sales are filled at the factory)
- Lift and tilt cylinder, hoses and fittings are not damaged, leaking or loosely connected.
- Radiator hoses and fittings are not damaged, leaking or loosely connected.
- Filters are not damaged, leaking or loosely secured.
- Wheels are properly and securely attached and tyres are properly inflated.
- Skid Loader is properly lubricated and no grease fittings are missing or damaged.
- Hydraulic system reservoir, engine crankcase and drive chain-cases are filled to their proper levels.
- All guards, shields and decals are in place and securely attached.
Start loader engine and test run the unit while checking that proper operation is exhibited by all controls
Check that :
- Steering control lever operates properly and are not damaged or binding.
- Steering control lever properly adjusted for a correct “neutral” position so that loader does not creep.
- The engine will not start unless the operator is sitting on the seat and the safety bar is lowered furthermore, the lift arm will not lower unless the operator is sitting on the seat, the safety bar is lowered and the ignition key switch is in the Run position.
Daily Maintenance
The most important thing you should do every morning is to check tyres for wear and tear. Take one round of inspection, looking for leaks or any damage. Check if anything needed to be greased. Always check if hinge pin bearing and all pivot bearings are properly greased or not. Check any vital filter and check for the water separator and drain it if needed. At the end of the day, clean up the dust using a vacuum or pressure washer. Always have an eye on the engine compartment. failure to keep this area clean may lead to overheating and massive damage.
Conclusion
All the guidelines should be taken seriously in order to prevent any massive expenditure in the future. Prevention is always better than cure. Regular maintenance can save your machine and helps in extending its life expectancy. The skid steer machine is a very versatile machine and can be used for long period of time if properly taken care of.