August 5, 2024
Get into gear
Prepare your skid-steer loader for winter
BY MIKE FITZGERALD
Your skid-steer loaders are versatile, productive tools that can tackle tough jobs — including winter and snow tasks. With adequate preparation, your skid-steer loader and attachment lineup can help keep your operation productive throughout the winter.
Before tackling snow-covered parking lots and walkways, consider these tips to winterize your skid-steer loader.
1. Consult your operation and maintenance manual
While the best practices listed below can guide compact equipment owners regardless of brand, it’s always important to follow the operation and maintenance manual for your specific equipment. These manuals often include recommendations on maintenance intervals, related parts, instructions and diagrams that take the guesswork out of upkeep.
2. Check fluids, oils and fuels
Check fluids and refer to the operation and maintenance manual for instructions on filling your machine with the correct fluid to meet expected weather conditions. When the temperature drops, it’s important to have an engine oil viscosity that matches the outside operating temperatures and a low-temperature grease for proper lubrication on pivot points.
Engine coolant — or antifreeze — is also an important fluid that should be tested according to manufacturer specifications before the weather turns cold.
Change the hydraulic oil filter, which may have collected water and debris over the warmer months, to help reduce future maintenance problems.
In cold weather conditions, diesel fuel can gel, so operators will want to consider an alternative diesel fuel (No.1 grade or blended depending on temperature) or anti-gel additives.
3. Keep tires properly inflated
One of the first physical signs of cold weather may be sagging tires on your skid-steer loader. Low tire pressure can translate into lower lift and push capabilities. Check the operation and maintenance manual for the proper psi and inflate tires accordingly.
4. Test the battery
Downtime is unavoidable if you have a bad battery. Take time for a load test on your batteries before the first snowfall. Check battery cables and connections for any wear or corrosion — these defects could result in loss of available cranking power. Keep the battery at full charge with a battery extender charger.
5. Inspect attachments
Attachments such as snow blades, snowblowers, angle brooms and spreaders are some of the most popular and hardest-working tools in the winter months and deserve the same attention as the machine itself. Visual checks of attachment components such as hoses, cylinders, guards, cutting blades and edges can help determine if wear is developing or damage has occurred. Everything that engages with the ground should be looked at before operating. Some attachments also require fluid-level checks and lubrication.
6. Stay warm and comfortable
Popular features for skid-steer loaders in colder temperatures include heating and defrosting systems. To keep your cab comfortable and your time productive, inspect each system and perform routine maintenance as specified in the operation and maintenance manual.
Mike Fitzgerald is a Marketing Manager at Bobcat Company. He believes that with a little prep work each fall, you can keep your skidsteer loader running strong all winter long.