Whether you own a skid steer, compact track loader, or excavator, preventative maintenance is one of the smartest investments you can make. Regular inspections and scheduled service help reduce downtime, prevent costly repairs, improve resale value, and keep your equipment performing at its best.
Many equipment owners ask, “Should I be doing preventative maintenance on my compact track loader?” or “Is there a standard preventative maintenance schedule I should be following?” The answer is absolutely yes. While every machine has specific maintenance intervals outlined by the manufacturer, following a consistent preventative maintenance routine can significantly extend the life of your equipment.
Daily Maintenance Checks
Before starting work each day, perform a quick walk-around inspection. These checks only take a few minutes and can help catch small issues before they become major repairs.
Skid Steers
Whether you’re operating a compact machine like the Bobcat S70 Skid-Steer Loader or a larger machine such as the Bobcat S86 Skid-Steer Loader, check the following daily:
- Engine oil level
- Coolant level
- Hydraulic fluid level
- Air filter restriction indicator
- Hydraulic hoses and fittings
- Tire condition and inflation
- Bucket cutting edge and attachment mounting system
- Warning lights and gauges
Also take a moment to look underneath the machine for signs of fluid leaks.
Compact Track Loaders
Compact track loaders often operate in muddy, sandy, and uneven conditions, making daily inspections even more important. Machines like the Bobcat T66 Compact Track Loader and Bobcat T76 Compact Track Loader should be checked for:
- Track condition
- Proper track tension
- Debris buildup in the undercarriage
- Hydraulic leaks
- Roller and idler condition
- Cooling package cleanliness
One of the most overlooked maintenance items on track machines is cleaning mud and debris from the undercarriage. Excessive buildup can accelerate wear on tracks, rollers, and sprockets.
Excavators
For excavators such as the Bobcat E50 Compact Excavator or Bobcat E88 Compact Excavator, inspect:
- Engine oil and coolant levels
- Hydraulic hoses and cylinders
- Bucket teeth and cutting edges
- Track condition and tension
- Swing bearing area
- Pins and bushings
Pay special attention to hydraulic cylinders, as even small leaks can become expensive repairs if left unaddressed.
Weekly Maintenance Checks
Every week, perform a more detailed inspection.
Skid Steers and Compact Track Loaders
- Grease all pivot points
- Inspect belts and hoses
- Check battery terminals
- Inspect attachment couplers
- Verify proper tire or track wear
- Check for loose hardware
Machines such as the Bobcat S76 Skid-Steer Loader and Bobcat T66 Compact Track Loader rely heavily on hydraulic performance, making routine hose and fitting inspections especially important.
Excavators
- Grease boom, arm, and bucket pins
- Inspect swing bearing lubrication
- Check track rollers and idlers
- Examine bucket linkage components
- Inspect hydraulic cylinder pins and retainers
Every 250 Hours
Most Bobcat equipment has important service intervals at approximately 250 operating hours.
Recommended maintenance often includes:
- Change engine oil
- Replace engine oil filter
- Inspect fuel system components
- Inspect cooling system
- Check drive components
- Inspect hydraulic system connections
Machines working in dusty conditions may require more frequent air filter service.
Every 500 Hours
At 500-hour service intervals, more comprehensive maintenance should be performed.
Common items include:
- Replace fuel filters
- Replace hydraulic filters
- Inspect hydraulic hoses
- Inspect drive motors
- Check battery condition
- Inspect undercarriage wear components
For compact track loaders such as the Bobcat T76 Compact Track Loader, this is a great time to evaluate overall undercarriage wear and determine whether tracks, rollers, or sprockets may need attention in the near future.
Every 1,000 Hours
The 1,000-hour service interval often includes major preventative maintenance procedures such as:
- Hydraulic fluid replacement
- Cooling system service
- Complete undercarriage inspection
- Engine performance evaluation
- Hydraulic performance testing
- Inspection of major drive components
These services can help identify potential issues before they lead to costly downtime.
Common Causes of Premature Wear
Regardless of the machine model, some of the most common maintenance-related issues include:
- Skipping scheduled fluid changes
- Running with improper track tension
- Neglecting grease points
- Ignoring small hydraulic leaks
- Operating with clogged cooling systems
- Excessive spinning or aggressive operation
A simple maintenance issue can quickly turn into a repair costing thousands of dollars if left unchecked.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Every machine is different. Whether you operate a Bobcat S70 Skid-Steer Loader, Bobcat T66 Compact Track Loader, or Bobcat E50 Compact Excavator, always refer to your operator’s manual for model-specific service intervals and recommendations.
The general rule is simple: inspect daily, grease regularly, change fluids on schedule, and address minor issues before they become major repairs.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Preventative maintenance can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re new to equipment ownership or managing a growing fleet. If you have questions about maintenance intervals, recommended service procedures, track wear, hydraulic systems, or which parts your machine needs, the team at White’s Equipment is here to help.
Our experienced parts and service professionals can help you develop a maintenance plan, identify potential issues before they become expensive repairs, and keep your equipment operating at peak performance.