Skid Steer Loader Engine Maintenance Guide: Ensuring Efficiency and Longevity

These days, skid steer loaders are everywhere in engineering work—construction, municipal projects, you name it. With so much use, keeping their engines in good shape matters a lot for operators. After all, the engine’s the machine’s heart; if it fails, projects get delayed. So to keep your loader running smoothly and make it last longer, here are simple maintenance steps:

 1. Regular Oil and Oil Filter Changes   

Engine oil’s your skid steer’s "lifeblood"—it greases up moving parts and clears out grime. It breaks down the more you use it, so stick to what  the manufacturer says for oil changes. And if you’re running the loader in tough spots—dust, heavy hauls, that kinda thing—chop those intervals shorter. Don’t forget to swap the oil filter too! It catches dirt so it doesn’t end up back in the engine. 

 2. Inspect and Replace the Air Filter   

Dust is total bad news for engines, y’know? And the air filter’s job is to block all those tiny particles. But if the filter gets clogged up? It chokes the airflow, makes the engine less efficient, and can even make it overheat. Just check it every two weeks—if it’s all dusty, swap it out. 

 3. Maintain the Fuel Filter  

Clean fuel is a must— the fuel filter takes dirt and water out of the fuel. If it clogs up, the engine might idle roughly or lose power. Check it on a regular basis, replace it when it’s dirty, and follow the manufacturer’s schedule. 

 4. Check and Adjust Belts/Chains   

Belts and chains power key parts (like the water pump and alternator). If they’re too loose, too tight, or worn out, the machine might break down. Inspect them once a month: look for cracks on belts, or slack and rust on chains. Adjust or replace them if needed. 

 5. Monitor Coolant   

Coolant stops the engine from overheating or freezing. Check its level every time you refuel—keep it between the “min” and “max” marks. Test how strong it is once a year; if it’s too weak or dirty, replace it with the coolant the manufacturer recommends. 

 6. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines   

Different brands have their own rules (like how often to change oil). Skipping checks or using the wrong parts can damage the engine. Use the maintenance manual as your guide. 

Why Maintenance Matters   

Taking good care of the engine makes it last longer, cuts down on breakdowns (which means less time wasted), and helps it use fuel better—saving you both time and money. 

About TEVIS  

TEVIS has you covered—beyond skid steer loaders, we offer all-terrain wheel loaders, telescopic handlers, custom attachments, remanufactured gear, and spare parts. They’re all fit for construction, mining, port logistics, and municipal work.   

Our 53,333-square-meter facility (that’s over 8 football fields) has advanced production lines, with strict quality control from parts production to delivery. Our team of more than 500 people handles orders efficiently.   We focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, building efficient, eco-friendly solutions. Choose TEVIS, and choose success for your projects.   

TEVIS—Making Construction Simpler.