Four Inspection Tips for Skid Steer Loaders

At V-Bar Equipment Company, your local source for skid steer rentals in Abilene, TX, we know what it takes to make sure that our skid steers are ready to go at a moment’s notice. However, if you are renting a skid steer for a long period of time, have your own or are currently looking to purchase one, there are a few things that you need to know to keep an eye out for. Here are four useful tips you can use when inspecting a skid steer.

Tires

The tires are very important to the performance and safety of your skid steer, and depending on how you use your skid steer, they are often one of the first things to show signs of wear and tear. To make sure that your skid steer is safe to operate and that it is operating efficiently, check the tires to ensure that they are properly inflated. You should also check the tires for signs of leaks or punctures. To check that the tire itself is secure, you should also make sure that all the lug nuts are tight.

Bucket and cylinders

Not all skid steers come with a bucket, but if yours does, this should be second on your inspection list. Check the bucket bottom, side panels and leading edge for signs of wear, welding and any other signs of previous repair work. You should also pay close attention to the thickness of the side panels and the bucket bottom.

From there, move on to the lift cylinders, checking for leaks or cracks. You should move the loader arms and cylinders to ensure that they are functioning properly and to expose any bends or cracks that may be hidden when the arm is at a standstill.

Engine and hydraulics

The heart of a skid steer loader is its engine and hydraulics. Be sure to inspect these carefully. Start by opening the rear engine compartment and check for cracked hoses, leaks and dirt buildup. You should also check the condition of the engine oil, belts and air filter.

When checking the hydraulics, look for signs of excessive moisture on the auxiliary hydraulics. You should also check for signs of wear or previous repairs.

General condition

Last, but not least, check the general condition of the skid steer loader. When stepping up into the machine, check that the handles are secure and make note of the condition of the steps. When fastening yourself in, check the condition of the seatbelt and the safety bar. Once you turn the loader on, watch the exhaust. If the exhaust does not become clear after 10 seconds, this could be a sign of engine problems. Finally, check the horn, lights, gauges and all the switches to make sure everything is in good working order.

If you are looking to rent a skid steer that you can be confident is in good working condition, check out V-Bar Equipment Company, your local source for skid steer rentals in Abilene, TX, today!

Categorised in: Skid Steer Rental

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