5 Diesel Engine Maintenance Tips for Compact Earthmoving Equipment

For contractors and landscape professionals, dependable equipment isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Whether you’re running compact loaders or light towers, keeping your small engines in top shape means fewer breakdowns and more productive days. Regular maintenance isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency and a few smart habits. By staying on top of daily upkeep, adapting to jobsite conditions and knowing what to look for, you can keep your machines running longer and avoid costly repairs. Here are five simple but effective maintenance practices to help you get the most out of your equipment.

1. Start Every Day With a Quick Equipment Check

A few minutes of inspection before starting your machine can save you hours of downtime later. Check oil levels — low oil can destroy an engine fast. Take a look at the air filter and clean or replace it if it’s clogged. Also, check coolant and hydraulic fluid levels to keep things running smoothly. Keeping a basic log of these daily checks can help you spot patterns and prevent small issues from turning into big problems. Whether it’s a notepad in the cab or a quick note on your phone, a little record-keeping goes a long way.

2. Keep Maintenance Simple and Straightforward

Not everyone is a mechanic, and that’s okay. But understanding the basics of your machine’s maintenance will make a huge difference. Most manufacturers provide easy-to-follow guides, and many modern machines even have QR codes that link to quick tutorials. If your machine has a diesel particulate filter (DPF), learn how its regen cycle works. Skipping or overriding a regen cycle can put your machine into limp mode, forcing you to stop work and call for service. A little know-how helps you avoid these headaches and keeps your equipment running like it should.

3. Adjust Maintenance for Jobsite Conditions

Where you work affects how often you need to check things. If you’re in a dry, dusty environment — like a construction site in the Southwest — your air filter will clog faster. Keeping it clean is critical to avoiding engine damage. Cold weather also changes things. Use cold-weather oils and winterized fuel additives to keep your machine performing in freezing temps. The key is knowing what your equipment needs based on the conditions you’re working in.

4. Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance

Good habits make all the difference. Keep track of when you last changed the oil, swapped out filters or checked the hydraulic fluid. A maintenance log doesn’t have to be fancy – just a quick record to make sure you’re staying on schedule. It also helps to have a quick-reference checklist in the cab or on the machine. A simple reminder can help keep maintenance top of mind and prevent small oversights that lead to big repairs.

5. Check Your Equipment After Every Job

Before putting your machine away at the end of a project, give it a once-over. Look for any wear and tear, top off fluids, and make sure everything’s in good shape for the next job. Storing your equipment properly is just as important. Keep it clean, covered and protected from the elements when not in use. This helps prevent rust, dirt buildup and unnecessary damage, keeping your machine ready to go when you need it.

Take Control of Your Equipment’s Longevity

For contractors and landscape professionals, a little daily maintenance goes a long way. By making inspections part of your routine, following manufacturer guidelines and adjusting for jobsite conditions, you can avoid breakdowns and keep your equipment running strong. Taking care of your machines means more uptime, fewer repairs and a more profitable business.

Lee Tice is a product manager at JCB.

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