Skid Steer Loader Maintenance Tips
Skid steer loaders, the workhorse on every construction site, see hours of use each day. Their compact size and versatility make them a perfect choice in a variety of digging, dumping, or grading applications.
The skid steer’s method of movement and steering puts a tremendous amount of strain on the track and tires of a skid loader. Turning a skid loader involves stopping the tires or tracks on one side of the vehicle while the other side moves freely. The stationary side skids as it the loader pivots. This constant friction wears down rubber tires quickly. Even steel tracks are not immune to these destructive forces. Even though replacement of skid loader tires and tracks is inevitable, there are things owners can do to extend the life of these components.
The most obvious way to increase the longevity of tires is to avoid sharp objects on the job site. Easy to do if the typical job site is soil, grass, or sand. If the working environment is filled with sharp rocks and debris, consider upgrading the skid steer loader tires.
Standard pneumatic skid loader tires have improved over the years. Typical tire life has been extended thanks to thicker plys and carcass. Switching to an alternative designed tire can provide longer tire life and less downtime. These heavy-duty skid steer tires include gel-filled, foam filled, or even solid rubber tires. Naturally these special skid loader tires cost more than standard tires.
If you decide on using standard tires there are two steps than can be taken to extend tire longevity. The most important step is to monitor the tire pressure of all four tires. Since a skid-steer loader skids its tires left and right continuously, improper air pressure will make the loader operate unevenly. The recommended air pressure can be found in the owner’s manual.
In the event of a tire failure, repair the tire promptly. When the tire is being repaired, inspect the rim for damage or excessive wear. Replacing a worn out rim at the same time that the tire is being replaced is insurance against any additional downtime.
There is a direct connection between skid steer maintenance and downtime. A improperly maintained loader can cost thousands of dollars in repair and downtime. These expenses can easily be reduced or eliminated by following a regular maintenance schedule. A schedule that includes daily grease and fluid checks and a periodic inspection of the drive chain. Daily checks can spot problems before they become catastrophic failures.
The regular maintenance schedule needs to be adjusted if the skid steer is used in severe applications where dirt and dust can jam filters and attachments can wear out faster. Temperature extremes, below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and above 100 degrees Fahrenheit can also negatively effect skid-steer loader performance.
Choosing the best tire for the application and performing regular preventative maintenance will provide lower operating costs and more profit at the end of the job.
The Used Skid Steer Store is a source for tires and parts, including skid steer tires and skid steer tracks.
