Skid steer loader winterizing is underway, now that winter is around the corner. Just because the weather turns cold does not mean work stops for the average skid steer loader owner. In fact, the last thing an operator wants to deal with is the downtime that comes from having a skid loader break down because of a simple problem that could have been avoided with some basic winterizing.

Here are tips to winterize a skid steer loader

1. Tire pressures decrease with falling temperatures, so make sure skid steer tires have the right pressure. Also, slow leaks that are only filled up a couple times a week become fast leaks that are filled up every day. Fix leaks, or replace them with flat-proof tires.

2. A skid steer battery in the winter requires up to twice as much initial cranking power as that same battery in the summer. It gets worse if the machine is left out all night instead of stored in a heated garage or shop overnight. Run a load test on the battery if it is not brand new. Check with a local battery shop, mechanic, or skid steer dealer for a new battery.

3. Just as with a car, all the fluids in a skid steer loader need to be checked and topped off before it gets cold. The skid steer loader owner's manual will list the specs for each particular make and model of skid steer loader. It is usually customary to use lighter weight motor oil, but check with the manual before choosing any weight. Most engine coolants double as anti-freeze fluid as well, so it is crucial that a skid steer loader have its coolants topped off as well.

4. Check the hydraulic fluids. Hydraulic fluids are under a lot of pressure throughout the summer, thanks to longer working hours. Seals and filters undergo a lot of stress, and cold weather can cause higher viscosity. Both of these are a recipe for leaks, so make sure the hydraulic system is intact.

5. Depending how cold the weather gets, a skid loader operator may need to consider mixing normal number 2 diesel fuel with a lighter version that resists gelling, which happens around 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to check with the manufacturer or a local dealer to find the best fuel mixture and additives to use.

6. Check the skid steer loader's heating, defrosting, and defogging equipment. Reduced visibility due to foggy or iced windshields can make for a dangerous ride, resulting in property damage or even personal injury. Make sure the defroster and defogger are in full operational order, and clean the cab windows. One tip is to coat the windows with shaving foam (not gel), and then wipe them down. This is an old trick to keep bathroom mirrors from fogging up after a shower, and it will work on a skid loader too.

7. Consider a new cab heater if the original one is not working properly. Also, check to make sure the cab seals properly, and that there are no air leaks in the cab. Operators can spend as many as 12 hours a day in a skid steer loader, and padded overalls and thermal undies can only keep a person so warm. The only thing worse than a broken down skid loader is spending all day in a freezing cab in an otherwise-perfectly operational machine.

8. Store an emergency kit in the cab or the truck. This is a common piece of advice for winter drivers, and the same is true for winter contractors. Keep a flashlight, jumper cables, a tool kit, blanket, and some food and water, in case there is a problem with the skid loader or personal vehicle.

By following these eight tips, a skid loader operator can have a safe and productive winter, without any downtime or risk of personal injury or property damage.