Your skid loader is the workhorse you rely on for everything from landscaping, barn-cleaning, corral-grading, to lane-maintenance. Anytime you need to push, blow, sweep or move, you’re turning to this must-have piece of equipment.  Not only are the attachments handy, but the steering system is critical for maneuverability in tight spaces.

Skid Loader Attachments

-          Angle Broom- a cylinder shape, heavy-duty sweeper that picks up dirt, gravel, leaves and snow on a variety of surfaces, wet or dry.

-          Augers- drills clean holes through a variety of materials.

-          Backhoes- a smaller version of the skid steer that is more compressed and maneuverable.

-          Bale Carriage and Bale Handlers- clamps and transports bales of hay.

-          Grader rake- rapidly grades, rakes, and levels a variety of terrain.

-          Grapples, a grapple bucket with Manure Forks, great for scooping up larger, loose materials during farming or landscaping.

-          Multi-purpose or 4-in-1 bucket- safely transports large rocks, loose soil or other debris.

-          Pallet Forks- turns the loader into a fork lift.

-          Other

Winter Inspection Tips

-          Flush radiator and refill to proper freeze point

-          Inspect radiator hoses

-          Check for water: chain cases, final drives, swing gear baths, & gear boxes

-          Add proper fuel conditioner additive for winter

-          Check fuel filter & water separator for service

-          Verify proper operation of cold start aids

-          Assess condition of block heater if equipped

-          Inspect lights and wipers

-          Load test battery & clean battery terminals

-          Examine heater hoses & heater core

-          Inspect defrosters, cab air flow, & cab air filters

-          Recommend proper grade lubricants for winter

-          Inspect cutting edges and teeth

-          Check tension and belt wear

-          Inspect air pre-cleaners

-          Test backup alarms

-          Check tires

Equipment Maintenance Tips

The skid loader is one of your most frequently used pieces of equipment, with a wide variety of uses. For that reason, it is recommended that you perform maintenance regularly to prevent excessive wear and damage.

-          Check the engine oil level and hydraulic/hydrostatic fluid levels before and after operation, being sure not to overfill oil and fluids.

-          Inspect the engine air filter to reduce the risk of clogged and damaged air filters, as they will affect horsepower and efficiency.

-          Regularly check the coolant system to prevent overheating and damage to the engine.

-          Lubricate lift arms, cylinders and pivot pins after every use.

-          Be sure tires are checked regularly for wear, damage and pressure. Tires should be inflated to the maximum pressure to reduce wear.

-          Rotate tires intermittently.

-          Engine valves should be adjusted every 1800-2000 hours.

-          Visually check attachment components (hoses, cylinders, auger flighting and teeth, cutting blades and edges) for wear damage, fluid levels and lubrication.

[Links to Equipment Type Guides/Manuals]

• http://www.gehl.com/docs/default-source/skid-loader-documents/r-series/r150-operator's-manual.pdf?sfvrsn=0

• https://www.deere.com/en_US/docs/construction/non_current_products/skid_steers/60_90_125.pdf

• http://mustangmfg.com/Libraries/Skid_Loader_Literature_2013/Literature_Mustang_2700V_NXT2_and_3300V_NXT2Vertical_Lift_Skid_Steer_Loaders.sflb.ashx

[Links to Equipment Type Video]

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhZIq6UW548

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDOP817ad-A

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2miSiOGMcJM

Common Skid Loader Equipment Manufacturers