Are you looking for ways to maintain and preserve your front end loader machine?
To keep your loader working, you need to know how to care for it and which mistakes to avoid.
Proper maintenance and care help your machine to work better, and it extends the life of your equipment. These five simple tips ensure your loader will serve you well for years to come.
1. Take Time for General Maintenance
Skipping the general maintenance can cause wear and tear on your machine. Taking the time to perform maintenance checks reduces the stress put on high-wear areas.
This preventative maintenance checklist goes over all the parts of your front end loader.
Buckets, in particular, can take a beating over time. Make sure to grease them to prevent damage.
Keep an eye on your wear plates as well. Make sure to replace or turn them if they’re getting worn down or you risk costly repairs.
2. Keep Your Front End Loader Machine Clean
Extend the life of your heavy equipment by keeping it cleaned properly.
Wash your loader equipment down on a regular basis. This helps you detect and remove debris that gets lodged in the wheels, undercarriage, or along the windows.
This is also a good time to check for any hydraulic leaks or damaged parts. Finding and fixing these issues early prevents downtime and hefty repair costs.
If you do need repairs, make sure to have it serviced sooner rather than later.
3. Avoid Overexerting the Brakes
Over-applying the brakes can lead to overheating and excessive wear. Hitting the brakes too often results in them wearing out.
To prevent brake failure, take some precautions:
- Train your operators to go slow
- Avoid sudden and frequent stops
- Never ride the brakes
Allow the machine to slow down on its own before braking. Knowing how to declutch also reduces stress on the brakes.
Practicing these tips and following safety requirements ensures that your equipment lasts longer and creates a safer work environment.
4. Skip the High-Speed Shifts
Operators that switch from one direction to another too quickly without using the brakes are overheating the transmission and torque converter. These high-speed shifts cause unnecessary wear and tear.
This can result in these components wearing out too fast. Make sure your operators aren’t guilty of this bad habit.
If you do notice frequent problems, make sure you’re keeping up with maintenance checks and look for warning lights.
5. Let It Warm Up and Cool Down
When learning how to operate a front end loader, operators should always allow time for warm up and cool down periods.
Stick to the recommended warm-up time in the manufacturer’s guidelines. Letting the system reach the proper temperature ensures optimal performance.
Make sure equipment has enough time to shut down. The machine should idle for roughly two or three minutes before shutting down. This keeps the turbochargers from spinning for too long and the bearings from running dry.
Keep Your Front End Loaders Working Efficiently
Always take good care of your heavy equipment by keeping up with routine maintenance checks and cleaning. Also, remember to get your front end loaders in for service on a regular basis.
Instructing operators of your front end loader machine to follow the manufacturer guidelines prevents components from overheating and breaking down.
If you have a question about a part or need special service, contact us or request a quote.