A good wheel loader service routine is all about catching wear early—before it drags down cycle times, leaves the bucket feeling weak, or puts the machine in the shop. In this guide, we’ll run through the usual trouble spots: bucket teeth, cutting edges, pins and bushings, tires, brakes, articulation joints, and hydraulic hoses. And we’ll point out what to watch for—teeth worn down to nubs, a bucket that fits loose, knocking from the linkage, drifting cylinders, or a whine from the hydraulics. Get into the habit of a daily pre-shift walk-around—check teeth, look for leaks, inspect hoses and tires, and cycle the articulation—and spotting wear becomes routine. Swap parts before they take out something else further down the line. Stick to your schedule, but don’t ignore the unexpected—if you hear metal knocking or feel the brakes getting soft, stop and inspect right away.