Spring has finally sprung! This means the start of the busiest time of year for those who work in construction, landscaping, farming, and many more outdoor-centric jobs. For all these jobs it is essential that your equipment runs efficiently, including your loader. To make sure your loader is running at peak performance during this busy season we have put together 7 spring maintenance tips to help you prepare.
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1. Thoroughly Clean Your Loader
Cleaning the dust and debris off your loader is a great way to start your spring maintenance. A thorough cleaning can help remove any damaging debris leftover from use during the winter months such as dirt or salt. If your loader was kept in storage over the winter months a thorough cleaning can remove any build-up and get rid of any bugs that may have made their home in the loader.
2. Inspect for Damage
Once your loader is fully cleaned, start inspecting for any signs of damage. This could be cracks or dents in the metal, tears in fabric, or loose wires and parts. The sooner these issues are identified and fixed, the sooner you can get to work with your loader.
3. Check Tire Pressure and Track Wear
If your loader hasn’t been used during the winter months or only runs occasionally then the tires may have lost air pressure and will need to be inspected before use. Check for any air leaks as you refill the air in the tire. Finding and fixing an issue with the tire early can help prevent breakdowns on the job site. While tracks won’t lose air pressure when not in use it is still important to check them for any signs of uneven wear or improper tension.
4. Inspect the Battery
Even if your loader is not in use for an extended period, it is important to check the battery charge levels and look for any damage to the battery. Loaders will still draw power from the battery even when not in use so charging the battery before using the loader can save you time later. Charging the battery also gives you the opportunity to inspect it for any corrosion or damage. The cold winter weather can damage batteries if exposed for a long time.
5. Check Fluids
Checking the fluids in your loader is one of the most important steps to getting it prepared for the busy season. Improper fluid levels and types can lead to major issues or breakdowns. Here are some of the fluids you should be checking during your spring maintenance check and throughout the year:
- Hydraulic Oil
- Engine Oil
- Final Drives
- Swing Drive
- Coolant
- Fuel
6. Inspect Attachments
While you may not think about them until it is time to use them, inspecting your attachments for any signs of damage, while performing your spring maintenance can save you time, hassle, and money.
7. Check/Replace Filters
Just like fluids, filters need to be checked and replaced on a regular basis. Using this yearly maintenance time to replace filters can help you keep track of when they are changed and remember to replace them.
Keep Your Loader Running All Season
These next few months are typically the busiest for loader owners. A down loader can cost companies/owners large amounts of money from both the repairs and loss of business. Following these spring maintenance tips can help you keep your loader running smoothly. If you find a part that needs to be replaced during this maintenance, trust that Loader Parts Source has what you need to get your loader back up and running. Contact us today for help finding the parts that you need.
