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4 Ways To Protect Your Skid Steer Attachments

11 December 2018 by Dan Adams

Whether you need a skid steer attachment for moving hay, moving earth, or transporting a heavy object, more than anything you need dependability. While the attachment you use plays a role in the equation, how you handle the attachment is also of importance. Learn some handling techniques that can help you get the most out of your attachments and improve your work efficiency.

1. One at a Time Rule

Always exercise the one at a time rule when moving your loads. Don't get too anxious and try to move too much material at one time. For example, if you're moving soil, don't try to pick up too large of a pile at one time. Too much soil will increase the amount of weight on the attachment. Too much weight can cause damage to the attachment, but it can also cause an imbalance that causes the skid steer to topple over. 

2. Ground Preparation

Ensure the ground where you plan to operate the skid steer with the attachment is prepared. While the tracks on the skid steer are versatile and able to handle all sorts of terrain, the attachment is a different story. Consider a bay hale squeezer attachment, for instance. This attachment typically sits low to the ground. So, if the ground is uneven, it's likely that the base of the attachment will scrap across the ground, which could lead to damage. Ideally, you want to ensure the ground is level. 

3. Moving with Purpose

You can protect your skid steer and its attachments by moving with a purpose. You should avoid sudden turns and jerks when possible. The best way to move with a purpose is to sit back and analyze what it is you're doing before you actually execute. Hard movements can impact the skid steer, but they can also cause damage to the attachment connection, because each time the attachment jerks or shakes, it puts pressure on the fasteners and can cause them to weaken over time.

4. Speed Control

Slow and steady always wins the race. The main reason why it's important to control your speed when operating your skid steer is that you're more likely to make a mistake when you're rushing. If the speed on the machine is not balanced, you might start to experience issues with the hydraulic system. A hydraulic issue will quickly slow you down and limit the overall function of the machine. Plan ahead so that you don't feel like you have to rush when completing your projects. 

Follow these tips to protect your attachments and your skid steer unit. The more you protect your system, the more use you can expect to gain from it. 

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