For many skid steer owners, summer is one of the busiest seasons. When operating under load on scorching days, it’s likely your skid steer got overheated due to rising temperatures and long hours of operation. What’s the reason behind it? And how to address this problem? This guide will tell you all.
What Causes Skid Steer Overheating?
A skid steer that overheats can affect productivity and even shut down the entire job. It could cause great damage to critical hydraulic components, shorten engine life and lead to expensive repairs. Here are some common causes for your skid steer overheating:
- Clogged radiators or hydraulic oil coolers
- Dirty or contaminated hydraulic oil
- Low coolant levels
- A plugged air filter
- Restricted airflow from dust and debris
- Continuous heavy operation in high temperatures
- Using high-flow hydraulic attachments for extended periods
- Poor preventive maintenance
- Chaff and debris in the engine bay
- A worn belt or weak fan
Is It An Engine Overheating or A Hydraulic Overheating?
Engine overheating and hydraulic overheating are two common types of skid steer overheating. Many skid steer owners may mistake the two, making the repairs more costly and complex. The table below can help you determine where the real problem is.
| Engine Overheating | Hydraulic Overheating |
|---|---|
| Temperature gauge rises | Hydraulic temperature warning appears |
| Coolant may boil over | Attachments become slow or weak |
| Engine power may decrease | Hydraulic functions feel sluggish |
| Steam near the radiator | Hydraulic hoses become unusually hot |
| Often related to radiator or coolant issues | Often caused by heavy hydraulic demand or restricted oil cooling |
Finding the root of the heat can help you better troubleshoot the problem and avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.
What to Check When You Have A Skid Steer Overheating?
If you notice your skid steer begins to overheat, you can follow the steps before it escalates into a bigger mechanical failure.
- Check the temperature gauge to identify whether it’s an engine overheating or a hydraulic temperature warning.
- Inspect coolant levels to see if it’s too low and check for visible leaks before adding more fluid
- Check the radiator and hydraulic oil cooler to see if they’re covered by dust, grass, mulch or wood chips and clean them before restarting
- Inspect the air filter and replace it if it’s severely clogged or damaged
- Review your attachment and allow the machine to cool if you use a high-flow attachment
- Inspect the thermostat, water pump, cooling fan, temperature sensor and the entire hydraulic system if the problem persists
- Turn to a qualified mechanic or technician if you are not sure of the causes
How to Fix A Skid Steer Overheating?
Repairing an overheating skid steer is straightforward if you identify the real causes. The table below shows you how to fix it yourself.
| Causes | Easy Fixes |
|---|---|
| Low or contaminated coolant |
|
| Clogged radiator or cooling fins |
|
| Faulty thermostat or water pump |
|
| Worn or loose belts |
|
| Overworking the Machine |
|
How to Prevent Skid Steer Overheating?
Following the steps and skid steer overheating is no longer a norm in summer.
- Stick to your maintenance schedule to keep your cooling system in good condition
- Keep your engine bay and radiator clean for better airflow and cooling efficiency
- Pay close attention to your temperature gauge and shut down your machine before it gets worse
Wrapping up
Skid steer overheating is very common when operating under load during scorching summer. Only if you identify where the heat comes from can you fix the problem faster with minimal repairs and costs. At FridayParts, we provide an extensive inventory of quality skid steer parts to keep your skid steer running at its optimal performance.
