Completing a comprehensive spring maintenance checklist for your compact track loader is crucial for maximizing productivity and minimizing unexpected downtime. To ensure your machine is fully prepared for the start of the spring working season, consult your operation and maintenance manual for detailed service schedules and preventive maintenance tasks.
Consider the following maintenance recommendations as you make sure your equipment is in top shape for a productive season ahead.
Inspect the Battery
If your loader has been idle or used intermittently for tasks like snow removal, test the battery to make sure it is fully charged and that terminals are clean and corrosion-free. Some batteries may slowly run down, which means they require charging before operation unless you have done regular maintenance or disconnected them during periods of inactivity. Additionally, low batteries can also freeze and expand during colder months, potentially leading to battery cell damage. To avoid these issues, always keep batteries fully charged and clean.
Check Fluid Levels & Filters
Before operating your machine, inspect all fluids, including fuel, engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid and drive motor lubricants, along with greasing all recommended pivot locations. Ensure fluids and lubricants are appropriate for the ambient temperature and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent downtime.
Fuels are also an important consideration as winter shifts to spring. A No. 1 or No. 2 ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel is the most common specification in the industry. No. 2 grades should be used at temperatures above 15 degrees Fahrenheit; however, it is recommended to use a blended or No. 1 diesel fuel and/or anti-gel additives when temperatures drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Inspect filters monthly or at the start of the spring season if the machine has been idle. Filters should be changed at scheduled intervals; however, the number of hours a machine is in use and in what type of environment the work is being done may require more frequent replacement. Dirtier and dustier conditions require more frequent changes of filters, because a dirty or clogged filter can compromise sensitive components and negatively impact your compact track loader’s performance.
To protect today’s advanced components in compact track loaders, it is recommended to choose original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and components when replacements are needed, as they are uniquely built for compatibility and best performance for your specific loader.
Examine Your Tracks & Undercarriage
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t operate your compact track loader without reviewing the condition of your tracks. Inspect your tracks for excessive or uneven wear, and ensure proper tension. Tracks that are too loose can come off. Tracks that are too tight can inhibit power or cause excessive damage to the undercarriage. Properly tensioned tracks ensure top performance of your compact track loader as well as extend the life of your undercarriage.
To get the longest life from your equipment, complete a full undercarriage inspection for excessive or uneven wear on undercarriage parts, and review for damaged or missing components. Inspect the rollers, idlers and drives for oil leakage. Oil leaks could indicate a failed seal, which could lead to a major failure in the rollers, idlers or track drive motors. For ongoing uptime, use shovels and pressure washers to clean remaining debris at the end of each workday.
Prepare Attachments Ahead of Time
Attachments require the same attention to maintenance as the machine itself. Before operation, visually inspect hydraulic hoses, cylinders and guards. Everything that engages with the ground, including cutting edges, blades and trencher/planer teeth, should also be inspected for signs of wear or damage.
Checking attachment performance in the spring will help ensure everything is in top working condition when the busy season is underway. Connecting attachments, testing them and ensuring proper pressure buildup is good practice and an effective way to ensure your attachment hasn’t changed while idle.
Proactively completing your maintenance checklist is a simple and effective way to make sure you and your compact track loader are ready for anything — including a productive spring season. Your local dealer is always ready to assist you when it comes to service and obtaining proper OEM parts.