Skid-Steer Loader Maintenance

Since you perform most of your own skid-steer loader maintenance, it's important to take time for daily visual inspections of the machine and its components and to complete basic procedures. In fact, daily maintenance is the single most important aspect for overall longevity of a loader. When d...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Beef 2012-07
Main Author: Fitzgerald, Mike
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Engines
Farm machinery
Fluids
Maintenance management
Temperature
Trailer equipment
Viscosity
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Since you perform most of your own skid-steer loader maintenance, it's important to take time for daily visual inspections of the machine and its components and to complete basic procedures. In fact, daily maintenance is the single most important aspect for overall longevity of a loader. When done properly, it can prevent the majority of issues. Most manufacturers' operation and maintenance manuals and some engine compartment decals provide instruction on daily fluid-level checks, such as engine oil, hydraulic oil and coolants. Today's skid-steer engines burn cleaner and run hotter. As the EPA's engine emissions standards are taking effect in the compact equipment industry, equipment owners must be more knowledgeable about fuel and oil selection to prevent downtime issues. Interim Tier 4 and Tier 4 engines require ultra-low sulfur diesel that burns cleaner in the new exhaust treatment devices and systems designed to lower engine emissions. CJ-4 oil is required for these engines as it is formulated to reduce ash. Additional filters on storage and transfer tanks will also help ensure clean fluids are used to minimize downtime. Even if it's not always convenient to make time for routine skid-steer loader maintenance, it's worth every minute. You can speed up the process on machines that provide quick access to daily engine checkpoints. Items like easily visible hydraulic sight gauges and reachable grease zerk locations on critical pivot points make it simpler to perform greasing procedures. Removable screens and tip-up components also simplify oil cooler and radiator cleaning.
ISSN:0005-7738