Parts Connection September 2024 | Page 14

Skid-Steer loader unloading gravel on a jobsite.
in use“ lawn-tractor” type of mower and today’ s zero-turn mower, which was a boon to the landscaping industry when it was first introduced in the mid-1970s. Because of the skid steer’ s versatility, it has become the most common piece of heavy machinery on the job site today and is the workhorse of the construction industry. But, as with all machinery, the skid steer is only as dependable as the maintenance it receives. The top two pieces of advice given on every heavy machinery website and on every“ showroom floor” is to always follow the operating instructions in the owner’ s manual and to always follow the prescribed schedule of regular maintenance. However, just like the human body, skid steers are imperfect, subject to wear and tear, and occasionally suffer breakdowns. Even if you are a religious maintenance zealot, unplanned events still happen, especially as the machine ages.
What we would like to talk about today is what is probably the most common component that is subject to operational issues on the skid loader— the hydraulics system. We will discuss each type of issue, how regular
September 2024 • www. thepartsconnection. org • 13