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Posted: 01/22/2016

How to Prep Skid-Steer Loaders for Winter Work

Bobcat S570

With just a little easy winterization and some attachments, your skid-steer loader can be transformed into your favorite snow-removal machine.

Step 1: Winterize First

Refer to your owners manual for a complete checklist of seasonal maintenance items. Some of the major areas to check are:

  • Fluids, oils and fuels. Be sure all fluids are filled according to your owners manual recommendations. When the temperature drops, it's especially important to have an engine oil viscosity that matches the outside operating temperatures and a low-temperature grease for proper lubrication on pivot points. Again, consult your manual.
  • Engine coolant/anti-freeze. This important wintertime fluid should be tested according to manufacturer specifications before the weather turns cold.
  • Change the hydraulic oil filter. Water and debris may have collected in the filter over the warmer months. Replacing with a new filter will help reduce future maintenance problems.

A note on oil: Today’s skid-steer engines burn cleaner and run hotter even in cold months. Interim Tier 4 and Tier 4 engines require CJ-4 oil that has less ash content and minimizes issues with exhaust treatment systems.

A note on fuel: Ultra-low-sulfur fuel is also required with iT4 and T4 engines. Additional filters on fuel storage and transfer tanks will help ensure clean fuel is delivered to your machine.

In cold weather conditions, diesel fuel can gel, so operators will want to consider an alternative diesel fuel (No.1 grade) or anti-gel additives. In warm temperatures, No. 2 grade diesel fuel can be used.

  • Keep tires inflated. One of the first physical signs of cold weather will be sagging tires on your skid-steer loader. Low tire pressure can translate into lower lift and push capabilities. Check the owners manual for the proper psi and inflate tires accordingly.
  • Test the battery. Downtime is unavoidable if you have a dead battery. Take time for a load test on your batteries before the first snowfall. Check battery wires 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.

Step 2: 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 and guards, cutting blades and edges can help determine if wear is developing or damage has occurred. Some attachments also require fluid-level checks and lubrication.

Step 3: Ensure you’ll stay warm and productive

Popular features on 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 owners manual.

Also, inspect the cab’s door and window seals to ensure that heat won’t seep out, and install a new windshield blade and fill anti-freezing washer fluid.

With a little prep work each fall, you can keep your skid-steer loader running strong all winter long.

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