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TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT For batteries that need to be charged, a trickle charger can be connected to help build the voltage at a slower rate, improving the battery life. "If a loader has been parked during the off-season or even used for intermittent duties during winter, such as snow removal, the first step should be to make sure the battery is charged and the battery connections are clean," said Fitzgerald. "Corroded termi- nals can cause hard starting and charging issues." 2. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE AND TRACK WEAR Checking tire pressure is another crucial step, saving you time and money down the road. "Making sure the tire pressure is at the manufacturer's recom- mended level is a simple thing to check," said Fitzgerald. "If the skid-steer loader sits idle for months, air slowly permeates through the rubber tires, causing the tires to lose air pressure. Be sure to in- flate the tires to the proper inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of the tire. This can save you significant money by reducing down- time, which then improves your productivity and profitability". For compact track loaders and mini track loaders, inspect the tracks to make sure they have proper tension. Remove any dirt and debris from undercarriage components that weren't cleaned before winter. Refer to your owner's manual for proper track tension. 3. INSPECT FLUID LEVELS AND FILTERS Matching loader fluids to the proper ambient temperatures and following the manufacturer's recommendations are important to minimizing downtime. According to Fitzgerald, fuel grade must be matched to outside temperature. For example, No. 2 grade fu- els should be used at temperatures above 15 degrees Fahrenheit; however, it is recommended to use a blended or No. 1 diesel fuel and/or anti-gel additives when temperatures drop below 15 de- grees Fahrenheit. "Machines that have been operating in colder temperatures may have been using lower viscosity or multi-grade engine oils," said Fitzgerald. "You don't necessarily have to drain oil that was used during winter months as long as you make sure the viscosity meets the requirements for the current and future temperatures you will be working in." Filters in skid-steer and compact track loaders should also be changed annually or sooner, depending on how many hours the machine is in use. It may also depend on the conditions where you're operating the loader; dirtier and dustier conditions may require filters be changed more frequently. Regular inspections will help you identify when to change filters and minimize unex- pected downtime. For the proper fluid and filter increments, you should refer to your owner's manual. 4. PREPARE ATTACHMENTS A wide variety of attachments is available for use on compact equipment. These attachments require the same attention to maintenance as the loader itself. Visual checks of the hoses, cylin- ders and guards on the attachment can help determine if damage or wear has occurred. "Everything that engages with the ground from bucket cut- ting edges to planer and trencher teeth should be looked at for wear and damage," said Fitzgerald. "If a component needs to be replaced, now would be the time to replace it." By connecting the attachment and operating it briefly, you can make sure the attachment will be working properly when you need to use it. Checking "attachment-specific" fluid levels and changing them as needed is also recommended before starting your busy work season. "Don't forget to check comfort features such as heating and air conditioning systems, radios, windshield wiper blades, etc." Fitzgerald added. "These items may not cause you downtime, but they do improve operator productivity, and should be part of normal maintenance." Another helpful suggestion is to create a checklist for opera- tors to remind them of the importance of daily maintenance checks. This checklist can be stored in the loader and referenced later by the owner or service department if there is an issue with the machine. Allison McNeal is a writer with Two Rivers Marketing, Des Moines, Iowa Article provided by Bobcat Company, West Fargo, N.D. www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation May/June 2015 29 LI