Ensuring Optimum CUL Performance

Regular preventative maintenance — performing basic maintenance tasks on your compact utility loader routinely — helps you maintain peak performance. “It’s much easier to keep engine parts clean and fluid levels maintained, than to overhaul an engine,” says Phil Holcomb, service support specialist at Vermeer Mfg. Co.

When preventative maintenance isn’t a priority, the result can be increased cost of operation. “If pin and cylinder lubrication is decreased, then the life of that component is also reduced,” says Holcomb. “If the radiator isn’t cleaned, the engine may overheat or suffer other serious damage. Every component has a lifespan that is reduced without adequate attention.”

The secret to maintaining your investment is discipline. By following a set routine before and after every use and performing regularly scheduled maintenance, good habits can help to reduce the risk of equipment failure. Here’s a quick review of what you should check and how.

Fluids Are the Lifeblood of Your Loader

It is important to check and maintain fluid levels of your compact utility loader before each use, so your machine is ready for action.

1. Engine Oil — Make sure the engine is off and the machine is level. The oil level should be between the indicator marks on the dipstick. If the level is below the mark, add oil through the filler to the upper mark. Wait five minutes and then re-check the level. If the level is above the upper mark, drain the excess according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Engine Coolant — Make sure the engine is off and cold. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first detent and wait for any pressure to escape. Depress the cap slightly and slowly continue to turn until any remaining pressure is released. If the coolant is within half of an inch of the bottom of the filler neck, the level is correct. If the level is lower than half of an inch, add coolant. Do not add pure antifreeze to a cooling system. Instead, add a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.

3. Hydraulic Oil — To obtain an accurate measurement, make sure the machine is on level ground and the cylinders are fully extended. Check the level with either a dipstick or sight glass. If you need to add hydraulic oil, clean the area around the filler before removing the cap. Add hydraulic oil according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Inspect the Following Components

1. Hydraulic Oil Cooler — Use compressed air to clear debris accumulated in the cores and repair damage if necessary.

2. Hinge and Cylinder Pins — Check for tightness and lubricate daily or more often in extremely dusty
conditions. Apply multi-purpose grease to the grease points until it is visible on all sides of the pin then wipe the excess off with a cloth.

3. Tires and Tracks — For tracks, check for excessive wear, tears and missing tread. Adjust the track tension, so the track does not come off during turning or so that the drive sprocket does not slip in the track during hard usage. Refer to the manufacturer’s maintenance manual when an adjustment is required. For tires, check the tire condition and maintain correct tire inflation pressure, as shown on its sidewall. Check for loose or missing lug nuts as well.

4. Air Filter Housing, Intake Piping, Exhaust Piping and Muffler — Inspect for cracked hoses or pipes, loose or missing clamps, corrosion or punctures and cracked or broken mounting brackets. Tighten or replace parts as necessary to prevent intake and exhaust system leakage.

5. Radiator — On liquid cooled models, look for damage and use compressed air to clear debris
accumulated in the cores.

6. Fan/Alternator Belt Tension — Turn off the engine and check the alternator/fan and accessory drive belt(s) for excessive wear, cracking, glazing or fraying. Check the belt tension by applying a 22-lb force midway between the longest distance of the pulleys. The belt should deflect 1/4 to 3/8 in. If the belt tension is not correct, refer to the machine’s maintenance manual for the proper tightening procedure.

7. Engine Cooling Fan — On air-cooled models, examine the cooling fan and surrounding area and use compressed air to clear debris that may have accumulated in the fins and fan.

Preventative Maintenance

Daily maintenance allows you to notice and correct items before they may become a major repair and expense. Preventative maintenance also helps to extend the life of the compact utility loader. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in the unit’s maintenance manual to determine how often to perform preventative maintenance checks, Holcomb says.

“In these days of rising costs, one of the most critical maintenance checks you can perform is proper air filter maintenance. The air filter removes dust from the air and with use, slowly becomes restricted. When the air filter is not replaced routinely, it causes more fuel to be consumed to overcome the restricted air filter element.”

Manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter element when the air restriction indicator shows it needs replacement. “Do not wash or use compressed air to blow out the element. This will damage the paper media causing unfiltered air to enter the engine, premature wear to the cylinders and eventual engine failure,” notes Holcomb.

Battery terminal condition and electrolyte level should also be checked frequently. If your machine has a battery disconnect switch, turn it to disconnect the battery ground. Access the battery and inspect it

for signs of damage and loose or corroded cables. If a terminal is loose, tighten as required and apply a light coating of grease or petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion. For terminals that may be corroded, wash the terminal and battery with a solution of one part baking soda and four parts water. Rinse all parts and painted surfaces thoroughly with clear water. Apply a light coating of grease or petroleum jelly to prevent further corrosion. If equipped, remove the cell caps to check the battery’s electrolyte level. The level should be approximately one-half inch above the top of the plates. If the electrolyte level is low and the top of the plates are exposed in any cell, add only distilled or de-ionized water to restore the proper level. If the

electrolyte level is low, the electrolyte will be too concentrated, causing the plates to deteriorate more rapidly.

Preventive Operation

“Along with preventative maintenance, how the equipment is operated makes a big difference in minimizing damage and extending the life of the compact utility loader and attachments,” Holcomb says.

One way to prevent premature track or tire wear is to limit counter rotating the unit on asphalt or concrete. If you can’t avoid these abrasive surfaces, put dirt down to reduce the wear factor when turning. Remember, with any type of cutting attachment, make sure the blades, teeth or bits are in good condition. If not, replace or sharpen as necessary to minimize undue stress on the attachment driveline.

If you repair equipment yourself, remember to follow all the safety practices specified by the equipment manufacturer’s manuals such as wearing proper protective equipment and using the proper tools. Be careful around the compact utility loader’s hydraulic system, as these machines can build in excess of 3,000 psi of pressure in their systems, which can puncture skin.

By developing good daily equipment inspection habits and following preventative maintenance procedures, you can help to extend the life of your machine and minimize operating costs.

Karen Swanson is a technical writer for Two Rivers Marketing, Des Moines, Iowa.