Maintenance Series 3 - Skid Steer Attachment Maintenance
Now for the business end of the machine. The end that determines ROI. It’s no longer just a bucket. There is such a wide ranging choice of skid steer attachments for almost every outdoor application you can think of . This includes farming, Landscaping, Construction, Snow removal, Forestry, Demolition, Recycling. And conservation. Did I miss anything? These attachments are built for every type of loader including the newer Mini Skid Steer Attachments.
Taking care of these attachments is like watching your bank account to make sure it stays healthy. Below are some bullet points in making sure your account stays healthy. I recruited some help from the engineers at Blue Diamond Attachments to make sure we got it right. Nothing like having a good accountant.
Cleaning
Important to clean mud and grass of your attachment when finished using so it can be inspected properly prior to next use
Packed grass and debris around motors can affect cooling and over heat motors or hydraulic components
Cleaning couplers prior to hooking them up will keep from introducing debris into your hydraulic system
Cleaning the quick attach area can prevent from your lock pins coming loose and having you attachment come off
Hydraulic system
Be sure your machine is topped up with oil to prevent cavitation in motors
When finished using a hydraulic attachment such as a skid steer brush cutter, click the male and female couplers together to keep them clean and prevent a buildup of pressure in the lines
Keep hoses routed where they will not be pinched on rollback
Inspect hoses for cuts and abrasions before starting work, you could save a big mess by replacing a line before it breaks
Quick attach area
Routinely inspect how snug it fits and inspect the upper lip and lower catches for any cracks or welds breaking
While on the machine, lift the attachment and tip forward to inspect pin penetration through lower catches. Apply a little pressure forward and backwards on the attachment and watch for any looseness in the pins.
Following these simple procedures should be a part of your routine, and will ensure that your attachment will give you years of service.