With their lift arms and ability to pirouette in zero-radius turns, skid loaders are useful for a variety of tasks. An array of attachments facilitates the freedom to use skid loaders for auguring, mowing, sweeping, digging, and much more. As winter fades, skid steer owners will need to transition their machines out of snow removal mode. The Skid Steer talent for lifting and dumping with quick, dexterous movements will come in handy for any number of spring tasks, from seeding to rock removal. First, however, it is important to ensure that your machine is ready by conducting engine maintenance and preparation.
Coming out of Winter: Skid Steer Preparation for Spring Operation
Replace the Fuel. Fresh gas is a must. Gas with ethanol generally has a shelf life of 30 days, so chances are you will need to siphon off and replace old fuel if your skid steer has been sitting idle all winter.
Change the oil and filter, as recommended by the manufacturers. Considering that oil is the lifeblood of engines, it is no surprise that small engine experts generally recommend doing these basic oil maintenance tasks at the beginning of each season.
Prepare/Acquire Spring Attachments. Map out the tasks you hope to accomplish with your skid steer this spring, and then ready/purchase the requisite attachments. For instance, if you hope to avoid removing rocks by hand, you can instead clear a field using a landscape rake attachment. A hopper will collect rocks while the rake churns them up. Land planes (to level fields or prepare space for paving), and seed/fertilizer spreaders are additional attachments you may want to consider.
Inspect Attachments. Minimize downtime by checking your attachments are ready to go this spring. See that teeth are in good shape and wearing properly. Check that blades are sharp. Repair any attachment problems early, before they cause problems to the underlying bucket or other components.
Grease pivot points. Check that pivot points are clear of debris and dirt; then grease them up for smooth operation.
Examine the battery by carrying out a load test and checking connections and wires for corrosion. This will ensure your machine is ready and at full power when you need it most.
Check tire pressure. Skid steers have no suspension; their sole cushioning is through the tires. Winter weather tends to lower tire pressure, so it is wise to check that your tires are inflated to the pressure recommended in your owners manual once warmer weather hits.
On a daily basis, it is smart to check oil levels, oil filters, and coolant systems. General small engine maintenance checks for spark plugs, belts, and air filters also apply to skid steer engines.
From preparing turf to repairing winter-ravaged road surfaces, skid steers cannot be beat. Get ready for a productive spring by guaranteeing your skid steer is in good working order.