When using a skid steer loader, you will more or less encounter failures. Skid Steer Repair thus becomes crucial to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the equipment. Below, I will take you to understand in detail various common failures and their corresponding repair methods related to Skid Steer Repair. Meanwhile, the tools and equipment required for Skid Steer Repair, as well as safety precautions and other contents will also be introduced.
Common Failures and Repair Methods
Steering System Failures in Skid Steer Repair
Phenomenon: The equipment cannot turn or has difficulty in turning.
Causes: Abnormalities in the hydraulic oil circuit, oil pump, or steering mechanism.
Repair Methods:
Check whether the hydraulic oil circuit is unobstructed, whether the hydraulic oil is sufficient and clean, and whether the oil pipes are leaking. If the oil circuit is found to be blocked, it needs to be cleaned or repaired; if the hydraulic oil is insufficient, it should be replenished to the appropriate level; if the oil pipe is leaking, the oil pipe needs to be replaced.
Check whether the working pressure and flow rate of the oil pump are normal. Professional testing equipment can be used for measurement. If there are abnormalities, the oil pump should be repaired or replaced to ensure that it can provide stable hydraulic power.
Check whether the connecting parts of the steering mechanism are loose or worn. Tighten the loose parts. For severely worn connecting parts, such as ball joints and joint bearings, replace them when necessary to ensure the normal transmission of the steering mechanism.
Traveling Mechanism Failures in Skid Steer Repair
Phenomenon: Unstable walking or inability to walk.
Causes: Severe wear of chains or tires, insufficient tire pressure, failures of other components in the traveling drive system (such as bearings, gears, etc.).
Repair Methods:
Check the wear condition of the chains or tires. Excessive wear of the chains may lead to an increase in pitch and a decrease in strength, and severe wear of tires will affect the grip and driving stability. Replace them when necessary, and choose high-quality chains or tires that match the equipment model.
Adjust the tire pressure to the specified value. Refer to the operation manual of the equipment to determine the standard pressure range, and use a pressure gauge for measurement and adjustment to ensure that the tire pressure is uniform and meets the requirements.
Check whether other components of the traveling drive system are abnormal. Check whether the bearings are loose, stuck, or damaged. If there are problems, replace them in time. Check the meshing condition of the gears to see if there is tooth surface wear, broken teeth, and other situations. If there are abnormalities, repair or replace the relevant gears.
Hydraulic System Failures in Skid Steer Repair
Phenomenon: System oil leakage, unstable pressure, etc.
Causes:Damage or poor sealing of components such as hydraulic pipelines and hydraulic cylinders, clogging of hydraulic filters, failure of hydraulic pumps, etc.
Repair Methods:
Check the sealing condition of the hydraulic pipelines and hydraulic cylinders. Check whether there is hydraulic oil leakage at the pipeline joints and the piston rod seals of the cylinders. If there is leakage, replace the seals. Select suitable specifications and materials for sealing products to ensure good sealing performance.
Clean the hydraulic oil tank and filters. Drain the hydraulic oil in the tank, clean the impurities and sediments inside the tank, and replace the filter elements of the new filters at the same time to ensure the cleanliness of the oil quality and prevent impurities from entering the hydraulic system and causing further damage.
Check whether the working pressure and flow rate of the hydraulic pump are normal. If the pressure is insufficient or the flow rate is unstable, it may be due to internal wear, damage, or air inhalation of the pump. The pump can be disassembled for inspection, and the damaged parts, such as plungers and valve plates, can be repaired or replaced. If air is inhaled, check whether the oil suction pipeline is sealed well and eliminate the air leakage points.
Electric Control System Failures in Skid Steer Repair
Phenomenon: The equipment cannot be started or runs abnormally.
Causes: Short circuit, open circuit or component damage of electrical circuits, abnormal battery voltage, abnormal generator output voltage, failures of the starting coil, ignition system, and the electromagnet of the control valve, etc.
Repair Methods:
Check the connection condition of the electrical circuits. Check whether the circuit joints are loose or detached and whether the wires are damaged, short-circuited, or open-circuited. Repair the problems found to ensure that the circuits are firmly connected without short circuits or open circuits.
Check whether the battery voltage and the generator output voltage are normal. Use a voltmeter for measurement. If the battery voltage is too low, it can be charged or replaced. If the generator output voltage is abnormal, check the components of the generator, such as brushes, rectifiers, and regulators, determine the cause of the failure, and repair or replace them.
Check whether the starting coil, ignition system and the electromagnet of the control valve work normally. The resistance value can be detected, and the power-on test and other methods can be used to judge whether the components are damaged. If there are abnormalities, repair or replace them to ensure that all elements of the electric control system can operate normally and achieve precise control of the equipment.
Tools and Equipment Required for Skid Steer Repair
Basic Hand Tools
A set of wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers are essential tools for disassembling and reassembling parts during Skid Steer Repair. Wrenches and sockets of different specifications can be used to remove various bolts and nuts, and screwdrivers are used to remove and install screws. Pliers play a significant role in handling hoses and other small parts, such as clamping oil pipe joints and removing circlips.
Hydraulic Tools
When performing Skid Steer Repair on the hydraulic system, a hydraulic pressure gauge may be needed to detect the system pressure and accurately judge the working status of components such as hydraulic pumps and cylinders. Special tools for disconnecting and connecting hydraulic hoses are also required, such as oil pipe wrenches and quick-connector disassembly tools, to ensure safety and efficiency when operating hydraulic pipelines and avoid hydraulic oil leakage and pipeline damage.
Jack and Support
When conducting Skid Steer Repair on tires or parts at the bottom of the machine, a heavy-duty jack is needed to safely lift the skid steer loader for maintenance operations. At this time, safety supports must be placed. After the jack lifts the equipment, place the supports in the appropriate positions and adjust the height to make them firmly support the equipment, preventing the equipment from falling due to jack failure and ensuring your personal safety.
Diagnostic Equipment
Some modern skid steer loaders are equipped with computer control systems. Diagnostic scanners are helpful for identifying problems existing in the engine control unit (ECU), sensors, and other electronic components during Skid Steer Repair. By connecting to the diagnostic interface of the equipment, fault codes can be read, the fault points can be quickly located, an accurate basis for maintenance can be provided, and maintenance efficiency can be improved.
Safety Precautions in Skid Steer Repair
Personal Protective Equipment
When carrying out Skid Steer Repair, always wear safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots. Safety glasses can effectively prevent flying debris, dust, etc. from entering the eyes and protect vision. Gloves can prevent the hands from being scratched by sharp objects, scalded, or in contact with corrosive substances. Steel-toed boots can prevent heavy objects from crushing the feet and reduce the risk of physical injury caused by unexpected situations during the repair process.
Machine Stability
When lifting the skid steer loader or working on parts that affect its balance during Skid Steer Repair, it is necessary to ensure that the machine is properly supported and in a stable state. When using jacks and supports, it is essential to operate in strict accordance with the operating procedures, select appropriate support points, place the jacks steadily, and slowly lift the equipment. The lifting height should be moderate to prevent the center of gravity of the equipment from shifting and causing it to tip over. After the equipment is lifted, check the support condition of the supports again to ensure that they are firmly and reliably supported and avoid safety accidents caused by unstable support.
Electrical Safety
If you are going to perform Skid Steer Repair on the electrical system, disconnect the battery before starting any work to avoid electric shock. When operating electrical components, use insulated tools to prevent the tools from conducting electricity and causing short circuits or electric shock accidents. Maintenance personnel should have basic electrical safety knowledge, understand the working principle and safety regulations of the equipment’s electrical system, and avoid electrical failures or personal injuries caused by misoperation.
Skid Steer Repair requires a full understanding of the mechanical structure and systems of the machine, as well as the correct use of tools and strict compliance with safety precautions. For some complex failures or situations where there is a lack of repair experience, it is recommended to seek the help of professional maintenance personnel. In addition, regular maintenance and upkeep of the skid steer loader is also an important measure to prevent failures, which can effectively extend the service life of the equipment, improve work efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs.