How to properly maintain a skid steer loader in winter

With the coming of winter, the temperature gradually drops. For skid loaders, correct maintenance measures are particularly critical. Proper winter maintenance can not only ensure the normal operation of the equipment in a cold environment, but also extend its service life and reduce the probability of failure.

I. Engine maintenance​

(I) Use appropriate engine oil​

The temperature is low in winter, the viscosity of the engine oil will increase, and the fluidity will deteriorate. Therefore, it is necessary to replace it with a low-viscosity engine oil suitable for winter use, such as 0W-30 or 5W-30. The long-tail keyword "low-viscosity engine oil suitable for winter" emphasizes the seasonal characteristics of engine oil selection. This engine oil can quickly reach all lubrication parts of the engine at low temperatures, reduce wear during startup, and improve the engine's starting performance. At the same time, pay attention to the quality of the engine oil and choose regular brands and engine oil products that meet the requirements of the equipment. ​

(II) Check the antifreeze​

Antifreeze plays a vital role in winter. It can prevent the water in the engine cooling system from freezing and avoid damage to components such as the water tank and cylinder body due to expansion caused by freezing. To check whether the antifreeze level is within the normal range, the general level should be between the upper and lower limit marks of the water tank. At the same time, use an antifreeze tester to detect the freezing point of the antifreeze to ensure that its freezing point is about 10℃ lower than the local minimum winter temperature. For example, if the local minimum winter temperature is -20℃, the freezing point of the antifreeze should reach -30℃. Long-tail keywords such as "antifreeze level check" and "antifreeze freezing point test" clarify the specific operation content of checking the antifreeze. If it is found that the antifreeze is insufficient or the freezing point does not meet the requirements, it should be added or replaced in time. ​

(III) Preheating the engine​

Before starting the skid loader in winter, be sure to preheat the engine. Now many skid loaders are equipped with a preheating device. After pressing the preheating button, the preheating indicator light will light up. Wait until the indicator light goes out before starting the engine. The general preheating time is about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The specific time can be referred to the equipment instruction manual. Preheating can make the engine oil and parts inside the engine reach a certain temperature, reduce starting resistance, and reduce engine wear. The long-tail keyword "skid loader engine preheating operation" accurately describes the important steps before starting the engine in winter. ​

II. Hydraulic system maintenance​

(I) Replacement of hydraulic oil​

The performance of hydraulic oil at low temperatures will also be affected. In order to ensure the normal operation of the hydraulic system, the hydraulic oil used in summer needs to be replaced with winter-specific hydraulic oil. Winter-specific hydraulic oil has better low-temperature fluidity and wear resistance, which can ensure the stable operation of hydraulic pumps, cylinders and other components in cold environments. The long-tail keyword "winter-specific hydraulic oil replacement" highlights the seasonal demand for hydraulic oil replacement. At the same time, when replacing hydraulic oil, pay attention to cleaning the hydraulic oil tank and filter to prevent impurities from mixing into the new hydraulic oil. ​

(II) Check the hydraulic pipeline​

The temperature is low in winter, and hydraulic pipelines are prone to hardening, brittle cracking and other problems. Carefully check whether the hydraulic pipeline is aging, damaged, leaking, etc., especially at the connection of the pipeline. For any problems found, the damaged pipeline or seal should be replaced in time. Soapy water can be applied to the pipeline connection to observe whether bubbles are generated to determine whether there is leakage. The long-tail keyword "Key points for winter inspection of hydraulic pipelines" emphasizes the necessity and key focus of winter inspection of hydraulic pipelines. ​

III. Electrical system maintenance​

(I) Check the battery​

The performance of the battery will decline in low temperature environments, and its capacity and starting ability will be affected. First, check the electrolyte level of the battery, which should be 10-15 mm above the plate. If the level is too low, add distilled water or a dedicated battery replenisher. At the same time, use a battery tester to test the voltage and capacity of the battery. Generally, the voltage of a 12V battery should be above 12.4V, and the capacity should meet the equipment requirements. Long-tail keywords such as "winter battery level check" and "winter battery performance test" clarify the key operations for battery maintenance in winter. In addition, keep the battery surface clean to prevent electrolyte leakage and corrosion of the poles. Wipe the battery surface with a damp cloth regularly.​

(II) Check the electrical circuits​

Low temperature may cause the insulation performance of electrical circuits to decline, and short circuits, open circuits and other faults may occur easily. Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the electrical circuits to check whether the circuits are damaged, aged, loose, etc. For loose terminals, tighten them in time; for damaged circuits, use insulating tape to wrap them or replace them with new ones. The long-tail keyword "winter electrical circuit inspection and maintenance" covers the main work content of winter electrical circuit maintenance. ​

IV. Other maintenance points​

(I) Cleaning equipment​

The winter working environment is often harsh, and dust, dirt, ice and snow and other debris are easily attached to the surface of the equipment. These debris will not only affect the appearance of the equipment, but may also corrode the metal parts of the equipment. Therefore, the skid loader should be cleaned regularly, and the dirt on the surface of the equipment should be removed with a high-pressure water gun or a special cleaning tool. At the same time, pay attention to cleaning the heat sink of the equipment to ensure good heat dissipation. The long-tail keyword "winter skid loader equipment cleaning method" provides targeted search guidance for winter equipment cleaning.​

(II) Parking precautions​

When parking a skid loader in winter, choose a dry, flat, and windproof place. If it is parked for a long time, it is best to park the equipment indoors or cover it with canvas or other coverings to prevent the equipment from being eroded by wind and snow. In addition, the fuel tank of the equipment should be filled to prevent condensation in the tank. The long-tail keyword "skid loader parking requirements in winter" clarifies the key points of equipment parking in winter. ​

In short, the maintenance of skid loaders in winter needs to start from multiple aspects such as the engine, hydraulic system, and electrical system, pay attention to every detail, and operate strictly in accordance with the equipment manual and relevant maintenance specifications. By doing a good job of winter maintenance, the skid loader can maintain a good working condition in the cold winter, providing a strong guarantee for the smooth progress of engineering construction. ​

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