Maintenance likely isn’t a word that brightens your day. But, in order to keep your equipment running smoothly to maximize productivity, specifically mini skid steers, regular maintenance is key.
Keeping up with the maintenance can seem overwhelming, but knowing what upkeep to do when can help it be manageable over the long run. Whether it’s daily, weekly, monthly or annually, here’s a mini skid steer maintenance checklist to help keep you on track and on schedule. Refer to your machine’s operators and maintenance manual for safety messages and further instructions.
Daily maintenance items (every 10 service hours)
- Check engine (specifically the air intake and cooling areas)
- Check engine oil
- Check engine coolant level
- Fill fuel tanks
- Check hydraulic fluid
- Check air cleaner
- Grease machine (specifically the boom pivot and park brake)
- Check condition of tracks
- Check track tension
Weekly maintenance items (every 50 service hours)
- Check engine (specifically the fuel lines and clamp bands)
- Change engine oil and filter
- Check track tension
- Replace fuel filter
- Replace hydraulic filter
Bi-weekly maintenance items (every 100 service hours)
- Check engine (specifically the fuel filter and the fan belt tightness)
- Maintain safety signs on the machine
- Check overall machine
- Check control joystick and levers
- Check neutral control positions
- Check neutral start interlocks
- Check operator presence system
- Check hydraulic system (and relieve the system hydraulic pressure)
- Check the park brake
- Grease the operator platform
Monthly maintenance items (every 200 to 250 service hours)
- Check engine (specifically the radiator hoses and clamp bands)
- Check the hydraulic oil cooling fan
- Replace the hydraulic filter
- Replace the fuel filter
Bi-monthly maintenance items (every 500 service hours)
- Check engine
- Remove fuel tank sediment
- Clean engine cooling system
- Replace fan belt
- Check fuel line
- Check air cleaner restriction indicator
- Replace hydraulic filter
- Change engine oil and filter
- Check battery electrolyte levels
- Clean battery terminals
Yearly maintenance items (every 1,000 service hours)
- Check the engine system (specifically check the fuel lines for leaks, kinked hoses and hoses that are rubbing against another part)
- Change hydraulic fluid
- Service the strainer
- Service the secondary air cleaner
Maintenance items every 2,000 service hours
- Drain and clean the engine cooling system
Even though maintaining a machine can seem daunting, following this list can help extend the life of your mini skid steer and maximize your productivity. Refer to your machine’s maintenance manual and the operator’s manual for more details.
Another option is to purchase the Vermeer Confidence Plus® asset protection program, which lets you pay upfront for covered maintenance expenses. Planned maintenance can help you extend your equipment’s life. Vermeer dealer-certified technicians conduct the required service and maintenance on your Vermeer equipment at recommended intervals and use only genuine Vermeer parts. The program includes the first four service intervals, along with all associated filters and fluids, at no additional charge. You can add the Vermeer Confidence Plus program to your initial purchase finance package or lease, or add it anytime within the standard one-year warranty period.
For more information on mini skid steers, preventative maintenance and the Vermeer Confidence Plus program, contact your local Vermeer dealer.
Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Mini skid steer attachments available from Vermeer dealers may be manufactured by Vermeer Corporation or other attachment manufacturers. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications and attachments.
Vermeer, the Vermeer logo and Vermeer Confidence Plus are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2022 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.