5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your John Deere Skid Steer
John Deere Skid Steers are famous for their versatility and reliability on the job. Whether you’re moving heavy loads, clearing land, or tackling construction projects, these machines are built to perform at the highest level. However, Mississippi’s hot summers and high humidity can create unique challenges on the job site. Here are our top five tips to keep your John Deere Skid Steer running with minimum downtime.
1. Stay On Top of Maintenance
High dust, mud, and heat are all significant wear factors on Mississippi equipment. Engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and air filters should be checked regularly to maintain efficiency and minimize mechanical failure.
- Refer to your Operator’s Manual for recommendations on a service schedule.
- Keep an eye on fluid levels and be sure to use recommended oils and lubricants.
- Inspect and clean air filters regularly to prevent unnecessary strain on your engine.
- Grease pivot points to reduce wear and tear.
Routine maintenance is the key to improving performance, maximizing uptime, and keeping costly repairs to a minimum.
2. Choose the Best Attachments
One of the features that sets John Deere Skid Steers apart from the competition is their ability to quickly switch between a variety of attachments, making it a versatile machine for farmers, landscapers, homeowners, and contractors. Using the best implements for your needs will boost working your machine’s working efficiency.
- For heavy, clay soil, high-torque augurs and heavy-duty buckets are best for digging.
- Mulchers and brush cutters are ideal for land clearance.
- Pallet forks are a simple tool to utilize when handling materials on a construction site.
- Snow blades and brooms can be utilized to clear debris when necessary.
Selecting the best attachments for your needs, and knowing all of the ways they can be put to use, will help to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your equipment.
3. Monitor Tire or Track Wear
When choosing tires or tracks, it’s important to consider what kind of terrain you’re working on. Mississippi’s soft, muddy soil and heavy rain can be a challenge for tires.
- Tracks: Provide better traction in muddy or wet conditions, reducing slippage and improving stability.
- Tires: Offer better speed and maneuverability on solid ground, making them ideal for construction and paved sites.
Whether you’re working with tires or tracks, it’s important to check them regularly for wear and tear. Proper tire pressure will increase working efficiency. Tires and tracks should be replaced before their tread is worn to 20% of its original depth.
4. Keep an Eye on Cooling Systems
We’ve already said it: Mississippi summers can be brutal. Overheating is a real concern when operating heavy equipment. A clogged radiator or low coolant levels will lead to engine failure.
- Clean radiator regularly to prevent debris and buildup.
- Inspect coolant levels and top off when necessary.
- Regularly check fan belts and hoses for wear or leaks.
If your skid steer starts running hot, shut it down and immediately investigate before it leads to bigger and more expensive problems.
5. Utilize Technology
John Deere is one of the industry leaders when it comes to equipment technology. These technologies are designed to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. Take advantage of these features to monitor machine performance, schedule maintenance, and optimize fuel usage.
- JDLink: A telematics system providing real-time data on engine performance, fuel consumption and other maintenance alerts.
- Electro-Hydraulic Controls: Customizable controls that allow operators to adjust responsiveness based on specific job requirements.
- Auto-Idle and Auto-Shutdown: Helps to conserve fuel and reduce unnecessary engine wear.
By utilizing John Deere’s technology, you can make informed decisions about maintenance and operation, saving you time and money in the long run.
Nothing Runs Like a Deere
John Deere’s skid steers are built to the same rigorous standards that we’ve come to expect from them. That means that, when properly cared for, the Mississippi heat and humidity are no trouble for these machines. Take these five tips into account when you’re planning your workload, and your skid steer will be a reliable workhorse for years to come. Reach out to your local WADE, Inc. for more tips for your John Deere.