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]
[Links to Equipment Type Video]
Common Skid Loader Equipment Manufacturers
ASV
|
BOBCAT
|
BOXER
|
CAMS GROUP
|
CASE
|
CAT
|
COMMANDER
|
CORMIDI
|
COUGAR
|
DAEWOO
|
DEERE
|
DINGO
|
DITCH WITCH
|
DOOSAN
|
DOOSAN DAEWOO
|
FARM PRO
|
FERMEC
|
FIAT HITACHI
|
FINN
|
FORD
|
GEHL
|
HYDRA-MAC
|
HYSOON
|
IHI
|
JCB
|
KOMATSU
|
KUBOTA
|
LIUGONG
|
LONKING
|
MASSEY FERGUSON
|
MCLOUGHLIN
|
MUSTANG
|
NEW HOLLAND
|
OWATONNA
|
POLARIS
|
RAMROD
|
RHINO
|
ROUNDER
|
SCATTRCK
|
SUNWARD
|
SUPERTRAK
|
TAKEUCHI
|
TEREX
|
THOMAS
|
TORA
|
TOYOTA
|
VERMEER
|
VOLVO
|
WACKER NEUSON
|
YANMAR
|