Skid steers might be small, but they pack a serious punch. From construction sites to farms and landscaping jobs, these nimble machines handle lifting, grading, digging, and hauling with impressive agility. But when something goes wrong, be it a sluggish attachment, a cranky engine, or jerky steering, the entire operation slows down or stops altogether.
And because skid steers are often used across rugged terrain and demanding conditions and wear and tear are inevitable.
That’s where this guide comes in. Let’s troubleshoot your way back to productivity.
1. Hydraulic System Failures
Hydraulic power is the backbone of a skid steer’s performance. From lifting heavy loads to powering attachments like augers and trenchers, the hydraulic system does it all. When it fails, whether through sluggish movement, strange noises, or visible leaks, it can halt productivity fast.
Common Causes
- Low or Contaminated Hydraulic Fluid
Insufficient fluid levels can lead to cavitation, while dirty or water-contaminated fluid reduces efficiency and can damage internal components. Contaminated fluid often appears cloudy, milky, or dark and should be flushed immediately. - Clogged Filters
Hydraulic filters trap contaminants, but when clogged, they restrict fluid flow. This causes strain on the pump and leads to a sluggish or inconsistent attachment operation. - Leaking Hoses or Seals
Pressurized fluid loss through cracked hoses or worn seals leads to pressure drops, reduced functionality, and even hazardous worksite conditions.
Recommended Repairs
- Regularly Check and Maintain Hydraulic Fluid Levels; Replace Contaminated Fluid
Check hydraulic levels before each use. If the fluid is dark or has visible particulates, flush the system and refill with clean, OEM-approved hydraulic oil. - Replace Clogged Filters
Follow the manufacturer’s service intervals for filter changes, or replace them sooner if you notice performance degradation. Always use the correct filter type for your machine model. - Inspect and Replace Damaged Hoses or Seals
Conduct a visual inspection for fluid around couplers, hoses, and cylinder seals. Replace any components that show signs of wear or leakage to restore full pressure and protect internal systems.
Regular hydraulic checks and prompt attention to performance issues will keep your skid steer running smoothly, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
With a responsive hydraulic system powering your attachments, you’re off to a strong start, but not if the engine refuses to cooperate. Let’s turn to one of the most frustrating issues: getting the machine to actually fire up and stay running.
2. Engine Starting Issues
Once your skid steer’s hydraulics are working smoothly, the next challenge might hit before the job even starts, literally. If the engine won’t start or stalls shortly after ignition, you’re looking at a starting system issue. This is not only frustrating but a serious time-waster on site.
Common Causes
- Fuel System Blockages
Debris or gelling in the fuel lines, especially in cold weather, can prevent fuel from reaching the engine. Clogged fuel filters are a common culprit and can reduce fuel pressure, making ignition difficult. - Faulty Glow Plugs
In diesel-powered skid steers, glow plugs help preheat the combustion chamber. If one or more plugs fail, cold starts become challenging and may lead to incomplete combustion or engine stalling. - Battery Issues
A weak or dead battery won’t provide sufficient cranking power. Corroded terminals or loose connections can also limit current flow, preventing the starter motor from turning over the engine.
Recommended Repairs
- Inspect and Clean Fuel Filters; Ensure Fuel Quality
Check for clogged or dirty fuel filters and replace them if needed. Always use clean, fresh diesel that meets the manufacturer’s recommended grade. In colder climates, use winterized fuel or additives to prevent gelling. - Check and Replace Faulty Glow Plugs
Test each glow plug using a multimeter to ensure proper resistance. Replace any that fall outside the recommended range to ensure quick, reliable cold starts. - Test and Replace the Battery if Necessary
Measure the battery’s voltage (should read ~12.6V when fully charged). Clean terminal corrosion, tighten connections, and replace the battery if it can’t hold a charge.
Keeping your skid steer ready to fire up each morning means paying attention to the simple things: fuel, heat, and power. Take care of those three, and you’re already ahead of most cold starts.
Fuel, glow plugs, and a healthy battery can solve most starting issues, but what about power failures in the controls or lights once you’re running? Next up: tracking down electrical gremlins hiding in the wires and switches.
3. Electrical System Malfunctions
After ensuring your skid steer’s engine starts reliably, it’s crucial to address the electrical system, which powers essential functions like controls, lights, and safety interlocks. Electrical issues can lead to non-responsive controls, malfunctioning lights, or intermittent power, disrupting operations and posing safety risks.
Common Causes
- Loose or Corroded Wiring Connections
Vibrations and environmental exposure can loosen connections or cause corrosion, disrupting electrical flow. This can cause intermittent power loss or non-functional controls. Regular inspection and maintenance of wiring connections are essential to ensure reliable operation. - Faulty Sensors or Switches
Sensors and switches monitor and control various functions in a skid steer. When these components fail, they can cause erratic behavior or complete system shutdowns. Testing and replacing faulty sensors or switches can restore proper functionality.
Recommended Repairs
- Inspect and Secure All Wiring Connections; Clean Corrosion
Regularly check wiring harnesses and connectors for signs of wear, looseness, or corrosion. Clean any corroded terminals and ensure all connections are tight to maintain consistent electrical flow. - Test and Replace Faulty Sensors or Switches
Use diagnostic tools to identify malfunctioning sensors or switches. Replace any components that cannot operate within manufacturer specifications to ensure system reliability.
Proactive electrical system maintenance, including regular inspections and timely repairs, improves skid steer reliability, reduces downtime, and boosts productivity.
A clean electrical bill of health means your controls respond properly, but if the machine moves erratically or groans while driving, the problem likely lies in the transmission or drive system. Let’s dig into those next.
4. Transmission and Drive Issues
With the electrical system functioning properly, attention must turn to the skid steer’s transmission and drive components, which are essential for smooth and responsive movement. Issues in these areas can manifest as jerky movements, loss of drive, or unusual noises, showing underlying problems that require prompt attention.
Common Causes
- Low or Contaminated Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid is vital for lubricating and cooling the transmission components. Low fluid levels or contamination can lead to inadequate lubrication, resulting in jerky movements and potential damage to the transmission system. - Worn Gears or Bearings
Over time, gears and bearings within the transmission can wear out because of regular use or lack of maintenance. This wear can cause unusual noises, reduced efficiency, and eventual loss of drive if not addressed promptly.
Recommended Repairs
- Check and Maintain Proper Transmission Fluid Levels
Regularly inspect the transmission fluid level and quality. If the fluid appears dirty or has a burnt smell, it should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Ensuring the correct fluid level helps maintain optimal transmission performance. - Inspect and Replace Worn Gears or Bearings
If unusual noises or jerky movements persist, inspect the transmission for worn gears or bearings. Replacing these components as needed will restore smooth operation and prevent further damage to the transmission system.
Prompt attention to transmission and drive system issues, via regular maintenance and timely repairs, ensures reliable and productive skid steer operation, minimizing downtime.
Once your skid steer’s drive system is in sync, its grip on the ground matters just as much. Tires and tracks take a daily beating, and if they’re worn or poorly adjusted, performance suffers. Here’s what to check and fix.
5. Tire or Track Wear
Once the transmission and drive systems are operating smoothly, it’s essential to focus on the skid steer’s tires or tracks, as they are critical for maintaining traction and stability. Wear in these components can lead to reduced performance and increased operational costs.
Common Causes
- Improper Inflation (for Tires)
Incorrect tire pressure can lead to uneven wear patterns. Underinflation causes excessive flexing, leading to sidewall damage and increased rolling resistance, while overinflation can result in reduced traction and a harsher ride. - Incorrect Track Tension (for Tracks)
Tracks that are too loose can derail or cause the machine to become unstable, while overly tight tracks can lead to premature wear of the undercarriage components and the tracks themselves.
Recommended Repairs
- Regularly Check and Adjust Tire Pressure or Track Tension
For tires, use a reliable pressure gauge to ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. For tracks, refer to the operator’s manual for proper tension specifications and adjust accordingly to prevent derailment or excessive wear. - Inspect for Damage and Replace Worn Tires or Tracks
Regularly examine tires for signs of wear, such as cracks, cuts, or bald spots, and replace them when necessary. Similarly, inspect tracks for damage or excessive wear and replace them to maintain optimal performance and safety.
To maximize skid steer uptime and component life, operators should maintain correct tire pressure and track tension, and address any damage immediately.
Whether you’re riding on tires or tracks, maintaining traction and balance is critical, but it’s just one part of the bigger picture. Let’s zoom out and talk about how daily, weekly, and seasonal maintenance can prevent all these problems from showing up in the first place.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
After addressing common skid steer problems, the best strategy is to avoid them altogether. Implementing a solid preventive maintenance routine not only reduces the risk of downtime, but also maximizes machine performance and longevity. Here’s how to keep your skid steer in peak condition with daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal checks.
Daily Checks
- Inspect Fluid Levels
Check engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant before starting operations. Low fluid levels can quickly escalate into serious mechanical issues. - Examine Tires or Tracks
Look for signs of wear, damage, or improper inflation/tension. Addressing this early helps avoid traction loss or drive problems. - Check for Leaks or Loose Fittings
Walk around the machine and inspect hydraulic lines, fuel lines, and connectors. Tighten or repair anything that looks suspect. - Clean Debris
Remove dirt and buildup, especially around the engine bay, radiator, and air intakes. This prevents overheating and airflow restriction.
Weekly Maintenance
- Lubricate Moving Parts
Grease all pivot points and joints to reduce friction and wear. - Inspect and Clean Air Filters
Remove the air filter, tap out dust, or replace it if visibly dirty. A clogged filter reduces engine performance and efficiency. - Check Battery Terminals
Look for corrosion, ensure tight connections, and clean terminals with a wire brush if needed.
Monthly Maintenance
- Change Engine Oil and Filters
Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval, or sooner in dusty or heavy-use environments. - Inspect and Replace Belts or Hoses
Look for cracks, fraying, or softness. These components are small but critical, and failure can stop your machine cold. - Test Safety Features and Controls
Make sure seat belts, backup alarms, control interlocks, and lights are all fully operational.
Seasonal Tips
- Cold Weather
Use proper antifreeze mixtures and consider an engine block heater for cold starts. Let the machine warm up fully before heavy use. - Hot Weather
Keep an eye on coolant levels and clean radiators and cooling fins frequently to avoid overheating in high temperatures.
With a regular maintenance schedule tailored to your skid steer’s needs and your working environment, you’ll reduce breakdowns, cut repair costs, and get more productive hours out of every day on site.
Keep Your Skid Steer Ready for Anything
Skid steers are built to tackle tough jobs, but they’re not invincible. From finicky hydraulics and stubborn engines to worn tracks and electrical gremlins, problems can (and will) arise. The good news? Most issues are easy to catch and fix if you know what to look for, and better yet, many are entirely preventable with the right maintenance habits.
By understanding how to diagnose common failures and taking the time to perform regular checks, you’ll keep your machine running smoothly and your job sites running on schedule. And with tools like FieldEx to track performance and flag issues early, you can stay one step ahead of wear, tear, and unexpected downtime.
In short: maintain it, respect it, and your skid steer will return the favor, day in, day out.
*This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a sole reference for diagnosing or repairing backhoe loaders. Always consult your equipment’s official manual or a qualified technician for accurate guidance. Performing maintenance or repairs on heavy machinery carries risks, ensure all safety procedures are followed. The authors and publisher disclaim any liability for damages, losses, or injuries resulting from the use of the information provided.
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