Backhoe Loader Maintenance

If the Farmer’s Almanac and trusted meteorologists’ predictions hold
true, the impending winter promises to be longer and colder than
average. Taking proactive measures now to protect your backhoe loader
investment from the harsh arrival of Old Man Winter later will help
ensure your machines will remain in tiptop shape — fully prepared to
withstand cooler temperatures and kick off a productive season come
spring. Typically, winterizing machinery includes a multi-point
inspection of your equipment. From there, you’ll need to: lubricate
and/or replace parts; drain and/or change fluids, oil and oil filter;
check tires; and inspect brakes, steering and gear boxes. Follow the
winterization steps below to enhance the lifetime and productivity of
your backhoe loader.

Coolant

Ironically, the coolant system is likely the most vulnerable to the
adverse effects of prolonged periods of winter chill. If you’ve been
running straight water in the backhoe loader radiator during the spring,
summer and fall operating seasons, drain the radiator and block if
temperatures in your area often plunge below freezing. If the machine
will be stored outdoors and will not be started or operated during the
winter, secure the exhaust and cover the pre-cleaner. If you plan to
start and/or operate the backhoe loader on occasion over the winter
months, replace water in the radiator with a water/antifreeze coolant
mix in accordance with the prescribed recommendations for the type/brand
of antifreeze tailored for use in the possible maximum subzero
temperatures for your region.

 

Fuel System

Despite subzero temperatures, winter is the time of year when fuel lines
are most apt to take on moisture. Keep in mind that fuel exposed to
winter elements can clog fuel lines, carburetors and injectors. A fuel
conditioner should be added to help keep the fuel from gelling and
dispersing water. Change the fuel filter and remove any excess moisture
from areas that are prone to trap water. After adding the conditioner,
top off the fuel tank and run the machine for 30 minutes so the treated
fuel has the opportunity to fully circulate through the system and into
the fuel filter and pumps. It’s also a good idea to change the engine
oil and allow the new oil to circulate through the engine. The higher
viscosity of new versus used oil will serve to better protect internal
engine parts during the cold winter months. Refer to the operator’s
manual for the make and model of your backhoe loader for proper engine
oil and hydraulic oil recommendations. On the first cool morning of the
cold season, start the backhoe loader again for one final complete
circulation of fluids before retiring the workhorse for the long
winter.

Battery, Alternator and Electrical System

Start by removing battery cables, clean posts and/or connections with a
wire brush or comparable cleaning utensil. Inspect the overall
appearance and condition of the battery and check records to get a more
accurate handle on age. Depending on how severe the cold can get in the
region where you work and the amount of equipment usage, batteries
should typically be replaced within three years of service. If your
backhoe loader is equipped with a block heater, double check to make
sure it’s in good working condition prior to the first subzero plunge.
Test alternator output to make sure the battery is not charging or
discharging too much; if so, consider replacing the battery or removing
it if the backhoe loader will not be started during the winter. You may
also want to test the condition of the alternator to make sure it’s
operating properly.

Winterizing equipment should be considered an extension of an overall
maintenance program. Following these winterization steps as the
temperatures begin to fall will ensure that come spring, your backhoe
loader will hit the dirt running.

Randy Happel is a features writer with Two Rivers Marketing, based Des Moines, Iowa.