Pro Tips for Keeping Your Skid Steer and Attachments in Peak Condition Year-Round

Whether you operate a single mini skid steer or manage a full fleet of compact equipment, extending the life of your machines is key to reducing downtime and increasing ROI. And it all starts with seasonal equipment service.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most important maintenance tasks to perform after winter and before the spring-summer workload ramps up. Based on our experience at Coastal Machinery & Attachments Inc., we’ll also explain how our machines and parts hold up in harsh conditions—and why smart maintenance now can prevent costly repairs later.

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Why Seasonal Maintenance Matters

Winter can be tough on construction equipment. Salt, moisture, and idle time all contribute to wear and tear that, if ignored, can shorten the lifespan of your machines and skid steer attachments. Performing seasonal maintenance isn’t just preventative—it’s performance insurance.

Benefits of seasonal service:

• Reduce the risk of mid-season breakdowns
• Maintain operator safety and comfort
• Increase fuel efficiency and hydraulic performance
• Extend the lifespan of high-cost components like undercarriages and hydraulics

Post-Winter PM Checklist for Skid Steers and Mini Skid Steers

At Coastal Machinery & Attachments Inc., we recommend using the following preventive maintenance (PM) checklist before putting your equipment back into full use after winter.

Hydraulic System

• Check and change hydraulic oil according to OEM schedule
• Inspect hydraulic hoses for cracking or leaks
• Confirm proper operation of all auxiliary hydraulic functions (especially if using powered attachments like breakers or augers)

Pro Tip: Based on manufacturer specs, using high-quality all-season hydraulic fluid helps reduce wear and prevent freezing-related seal damage.

Pins and Bushings

• Grease every pin and bushing connection thoroughly
• Inspect for slop or side play—early wear here leads to expensive arm or boom repairs
• Replace any visibly elongated or damaged bushings

Neglected pins are a common point of failure. Our techs often replace bushings that could have lasted twice as long with regular greasing.

Wear Plates and Cutting Edges

• Check wear plates on buckets and grading attachments
• Flip or replace cutting edges if worn past 50%
• Re-torque any loose bolts on grading blades or auger mounts

Undercarriage and Attachment Inspections

After exposure to snow, ice, and salt, undercarriage components require extra attention. This is especially important for track loaders and mini skid steers used on winter cleanup jobs.

Key Inspection Points:

• Look for excessive mud or salt buildup inside tracks
• Inspect sprockets, rollers, and idlers for corrosion or pitting
• Check track tension and alignment
• Examine coupler latches and pins for sticking or wear

Don’t Overlook Your Attachments

Attachments like grapples, mulchers, and breakers are often stored through winter. A quick visual check isn’t enough.

Attachment Service Tips:

• Test hydraulic couplers and fittings for leaks
• Rotate bearings and inspect moving parts (especially for augers and brooms)
• Grease all pivot points
• Run powered attachments briefly to ensure proper function

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Why Choose Coastal Machinery & Attachments Inc.

As a trusted supplier of mini skid steers and attachments, we don’t just sell equipment—we help you protect your investment. Our machines are chosen for:

• Durability in tough environments
• Field-tested component quality
• Ease of service with widely available parts
• Responsive support when you need guidance

Whether you’re outfitting a new build team or prepping your existing fleet for summer, our team is ready to support your seasonal maintenance goals.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Fleet Before It Costs You

Seasonal equipment service isn’t just about compliance—it’s about keeping your business running smoothly, job after job. Take the time now to inspect, service, and replace key components, and you’ll avoid costly repairs and lost time when workloads peak.

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