Like any other machinery, skid loaders work best when they’ve been looked after. This means regular monthly inspections, cleaning, and maintaining every part of the machine. But the big question is, how often do you need to repeat your maintenance checklist in order to get the maximum performance out of your skid loaders. Is it annually? Monthly? Or daily? We talked to a few local mechanics and operators and got our answer – it’s monthly. Let’s find out why.

Benefits of Monthly Maintenance and Inspections

1.     Safety

Creating a safe working environment should be the top priority in any workspace – even more so on a construction site. Even though skid loaders are some of the most versatile and tough heavy machinery out there, maltreating or not doing the required maintenance can make them more dangerous – both for the operators and those working around them. Burnt-out brake pads, dangerously high engine temperatures, and malfunctioning hydraulics are often causes of tragedy – but all of this can be avoided.

Give your operators and mechanics the time and resources to carry out the required maintenance tasks. If you think your operators are not well-versed with best maintenance practices, hold a short training seminar to create awareness.

2.     Preventing Costly Breakdowns

A skid loader that isn’t working is a skid loader that isn’t making money. More downtime means your operators and in many cases, other members of your construction crew cannot go about their work. But it all becomes a lot worse if your skid loader has to be sent to the shop for repairs.

Heavy machinery repair bills can easily reach thousands of dollars at a time. But inspecting and ensuring no undue stress leads to extra wear and tear. Parts in the engine bay are more sensitive to friction and temperatures and a lack of proper fluids can wreak havoc. Regular inspection will ensure that irregularities or even the smallest problems don’t go under the radar and eventually lead to breakdowns.

Avoiding breakdowns also means you won’t miss important deadlines, keep up with your schedule, and not have to pay for skid loaders on hire.

3.     Efficient Performance

When skid loaders are not working at max efficiency, the operating costs will be higher. These costs may increase due to higher lower fuel mileage, having to change oil/hydraulic fluids more frequently, shorter track life, and parts like belts, motors, and fans burning out much quicker. The best way to avoid this? Maintain your skid loader monthly.

When parts like hydraulic pumps are clean and working under optimal conditions, you’ll get higher performance at lower costs.

In a nutshell, monthly maintenance will increase the life of your machine, prevent costly breakdowns and delays, and keep everyone around the skid loader safe. If you don’t have a maintenance checklist, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. 

The Ultimate Monthly Maintenance Checklist

1.     Attachments

Attachments are important parts of your skid loader that add versatility and additional capability to your machine. However, because they change as per the requirements of the job, they are often overlooked and do not get the maintenance they deserve – don’t make this mistake. Inspect all of your attachments every month.

2.     Tracks/Tires

Track tension or tire pressure is one of the most critical aspects of safe operations as improper tensioning can lead to excess wear and tear or worse, causing the skid loader to walk out of the tracks. Wrong tire pressure can also damage the undercarriage and decrease the overall stability of the skid loader.

3.     Fluid Levels and Oils

Oil and hydraulic fluids lubricate the internals of your skid loader and prepare them for the extremes of working under harsh conditions. The operator or mechanic should check fluid levels every month to ensure they are at the right level and top them off if they aren’t. The monthly inspection also means the mechanic will be able to spot and clean grime before it builds up excessively.

4.     Internal Systems

The engine, electronics, hydraulic, and cooling system too requires a monthly inspection to ensure no damage was done to any of these parts. Monthly maintenance also means the mechanic will be able to check the build-up of any contaminants before they can cause any damage. You might also have to change or repair the fans, motors, and belts on a monthly basis.

So there we have it. Monthly – the sweet spot of regular maintenance for your skid loader.

It is extremely important that heavy equipment operators keep their equipment well maintained and in working order at all times, so the equipment can operate reliably when needed on the work site. When maintenance is kept up to date, the operator can keep his equipment in top condition and be able to visually inspect for repairs that need to be made. If done on a regular basis, these inspections and maintenance can keep heavy equipment in top shape and keep them from major costly and time consuming repairs.

Daily heavy equipment maintenance should include a visual inspection, which should be comprised of a walk around the equipment while looking for leaking fluids and worn parts or belts. Fluid levels should also be checked and topped off during this inspection as well as any dry linkage should be greased where necessary. Lastly, the air pressure levels in the equipment’s tires should be checked and filled as necessary.

Quarterly maintenance should be performed every three months or every 500 hours of use. At this inspection, an oil and filter change should be performed, also, the hydraulic oil filter should be changed. Finally, the diesel fuel filter should be replaced at this quarterly maintenance inspection.

Yearly, or at the end of the season, the hydraulic oil and transmission fluids should be completely replaced. A thorough cleaning should also be done at this point, and a close inspection performed to look for any repairs that should be completed. Lastly, the tires should be given a very close inspection to ensure proper tread, and if they are not up to standards, they should be replaced immediately.

As can be seen in the above steps, there is not a whole lot to maintaining a piece of heavy equipment, as long as a maintenance and inspection schedule is maintained. Like any other type of vehicle, the better shape things are kept in the longer they will last. Hours that are needed for costly repairs are also hours that the piece of machinery is not doing its job on the work site. Through maintenance and inspection, heavy equipment can keep getting the job done and money in the operator’s pocket.

Like all heavy equipment operators, backhoe operators have to perform daily maintenance tasks. These tasks are designed to ensure the equipment stays on the job for as many hours as possible. Not only that, if done properly, daily maintenance tasks help to speed up the down time that is required when the backhoe goes into the workshop for major maintenance problems.

Most people assume that a daily maintenance program only involves checking fluid levels. Whilst this is an important part of any maintenance program, backhoe operators need to go beyond that. Checking buckets and scoops for damage, ensuring there is no build up of dirt or mud on any of the moving components, and checking tires for foreign objects all form part of this daily schedule. Of course, checking is only part of the role. Doing something is the real maintenance component.

Tires are a good example. You check the tires and see there is a piece of metal wedged in. What do you do – make a note in your log book, or remove the metal. Common sense suggests you remove the metal and that is what the backhoe operator should do. Many work sites insist on log books and there is a good reason for this as well. Regular workshop maintenance programs are generally undertaken based on hours of operation. Keeping a regular log book shows at a glance how many hours have accumulated since the last service, and how many hours are left before the next service.

Maintenance should be a part of any standard heavy equipment training program. Whether you operate backhoes or any other type of heavy equipment, undertaking a daily maintenance routine means your equipment will stay on the job longer and you will help to extend the life of the backhoe.

Regular care of your heavy equipment and its attachments can prevent the need for costly repairs or replacements down the track. Just as importantly, good maintenance can prevent down time, a factor that not only involves the costs of replacements, but also the loss of income – a double penalty. Who should do the maintenance of heavy equipment attachments?

There are two sides to maintenance. There is the daily inspections and minor tasks such as lubrication that should be undertaken by the operator. The operator is the person who uses the attachments, knows how well they are performing, and is best placed to identify any problems developing. The second side to maintenance may well involve a mechanic who can work on problems identified by the operator – before they become major issues.

The operators daily inspection should cover more than just a walk around wear and tear check. Attachments rely on being connected to the heavy equipment and these connections are often areas of high stress. A daily check should include:

• Checks the attachment’s hoses and fittings for cracks or leaks and ensure all shielding is in place.
• Checking fittings to ensure that they are not loose.
• Checking that hoses and fittings are clean and free of contaminants.
• Ensuring all attachment’s critical points are lubricated and functioning properly.
• Inspecting any locking mechanisms to ensure they are operating properly.

These are not time consuming or onerous tasks. An experienced operator can undertake these checks while they are coupling or uncoupling an attachment. The long term benefits for the organization are immeasurable when a preventative maintenance program is undertaken regularly.

Of course the only way to know whether or not an attachment is in good working condition is through experience and training. ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools includes preventative maintenance in their heavy equipment training programs. You can see the full list of training modules through our website.

If your and owner operator of heavy equipment then you know it’s a seven day a week job. You may not be out on a site but you will probably be working on your equipment doing all the mundane routine jobs that never seem to get to done whilst working Monday-Friday and often on Saturday.

Maintenance is one of the most important parts of owning a piece of heavy equipment. It is also one of the most important aspects of an operators job. Simple things like low oil pressure, or low hydraulic fluids can make a huge impact on a machines performance, and more importantly, its lifespan.

Other areas that require constant attention include the ‘working’ components. For example, an excavater needs to dig so those digging tools need to be examined closely for any damage. Tires or tracks need to be examine for breakages,

To be an effective operator you need the skills and knowledge to not just operate the machine but also to be aware of how the machineis performing. ATS HEavy Equipment Training Schools can provide the training required to get your career started.

I read a report a little while ago that claimed there were three major causes of workplace accidents involving heavy equipment. The first was lack of adequate training, the second was lack of experience and the third was, lack of adequate training. I know, You are going to say I have repeated myself.

That quote is right however. There is operational training and their is safety training. Whilst the two go hand in hand – they are also completely separate. We can train you to operate heavy equipment. You can find employment and get the experience, however with out that added dimension of safety training, you will not know how to avoid potentially dangerous situations. More importantly, you will not know how to remove yourself from that situation.

Workplace health and safety are becoming compulsory in almost every work environment in almost every state in almost every country. You see, there is a worldwide trend to reduce workplace accidents. Employers don’t need them, they slow down production. Employees don’t need them, they have the potential to affect pay packets and lifestyle.

At ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools we acknowledge the need to include safety training as part of your training program so we include accredited safety training. What is the fourth cause of accidents, poor maintenance. Guess what? We include basic preventative maintenance in the training as well.

Heavy equipment operators have a huge responsibility on their shoulders. They are sitting behind the controls of equipment that is often valued at more than half a million dollars. The tires on these vehicles can be valued in the 10’s of thousands of dollars. And that is just the equipment.

Operators of heavy equipment are also responsible for preparing, and often finishing, the roads we drive on, the houses we live in and the buildings we work and play in. If these operators failed in the jobs then there it is possible the buildings would fall down around our ears. Fortunately, heavy equipment operators are well trained and inspection regimes are in place to ensure the job is done properly.

Whilst operating the equipment, operators also have a duty of care to their fellow workers, other equipment and of course other property and buildings. Heavy equipment can often have blind spots that the operator needs to be aware of and take into account whilst working.

The better trained a heavy equipment operator is, the less problems there are when it comes to safety, quality of work and machinery maintenance and life span. Owners of heavy equipment now recognize the need to employ workers who are trained and often work with training organizations to develop minimum training standards.

Training organizations such as ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools gain accreditation to deliver training to these standards. Employers then look to employ those who have been trained within ATS in the knowledge that those who have graduated can work to the minimum standards required.

Gain your training through ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools and you may find you get preferred in the employment application process to those who have not had formal training.

We live in an age where most businesses try to maximize the returns on their investments. With heavy equipment, sometimes the best return on your investment is use the one machine – one operator philosophy. This philosophy includes a rider towards the operator – it the machine isn’t working, neither are you!

This philosophy places the onus of the machines well being fairly and squarely on the operator. Look after the heavy equipment, keep it maintained, don’t push it beyond it’s limits and ensure it has all the right fluids and the machine will run well between major servicing. If you don’t look after it, keep it clean, if you are rough and reckless in it’s operation, and fail to ensure it has all the right lubricants, it is going to be constantly in the repair shop. While it is, your at home not earning.

Is it fair. In the long run, yes. Most of the time you are working away from any supervision. There is no one there to watch you and you know it. If you are rough with the machine and it breaks down, it is your fault. It will cost your employer to not only get the heavy equipment repaired, they may have to source a replacement machine (and operator) to get the job done.

Treat the heavy equipment properly and it wont break down. That will keep you employed and get the job done. This is where good training comes in. Training that not only shows you how to operate the machinery, but also what to look for when you inspect the equipment and what danger signs to look for when operating the equipment.

At ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools we recognize the need for comprehensive training that does more than just teach you which levers to pull and buttons to push. We train you in preventative maintenance, safety and of course how to operate the heavy equipment.