Enhance Mini Skid Steer Performance With Routine Attachment and Hydraulic Maintenance

Featured in: Compact Equipment

By Chris Thompson, Ditch Witch Compact Equipment Product Manager

From compact landscaping projects to large-scale drilling projects, mini skid steers are responsible for increasing ROI on a variety of jobsites. Regardless of size or job type, the effectiveness of these machines depends on their being in the best working order.

Ditch Witch mini skid steers are designed for reliable, low-maintenance operation. Practicing regular maintenance should help further extend their productivity. It’s also key to extending the useful life of the machine. One critical aspect of a mini skid steer maintenance routine goes beyond the machine itself and includes the upkeep of attachments and hydraulics.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Maintenance

Outlining the basic design of a mini skid steer helps explain the routine maintenance that keeps the machine running efficiently. Most important to note is that all mini skid steer attachments and tracks are in part powered by the hydraulic system. Issues with the hydraulic system can cause major complications with attachments and general machine operation.

One recommendation to keep in mind: Before a project even begins, match the flow rate of the hydraulic system with what is needed to operate the attachment. An incorrect match can reduce the efficiency of the attachment by decreasing how quickly the machine operates or how well the attachment works.

This mismatch goes beyond a hit to productivity, as the attachment will consistently not operate as designed, decreasing the hydraulic efficiency of the attachment. Issues with the compatibility of an attachment and a mini skid steer can also cause immediate downtime. For example, if a low-flow attachment is put on a high-flow hydraulic system, the machine’s system can overpower the attachment, causing motor seal failure and immediately stopping operation. Once the attachment or mini skid steer is damaged, productivity and project failure are not far off.

Routine Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Beyond best practices for attachment operation, mini skid steer operators should follow routine-maintenance best practices for attachments to improve efficiency and longevity. A general best practice for keeping attachments operating effectively is greasing them daily. Each day as the attachment is used, an operator should use a grease gun to pump grease into the attachment until excess is visible. To simplify maintenance routines, some Ditch Witch attachments are grease free.

Each attachment available for the Ditch Witch line of mini skid steers have their own maintenance routines. A good place to start is the operator’s manual, which details the regular maintenance that optimizes performance. The most common attachments and their recommended maintenance include:

  • Pallet forks: Inspect forks before each use for damage or wear that require immediate attention
  • Plows: Inspect for loose hose or fittings, and check the blade for wear or cracks
  • Tillers: Lubricate the bearings and inspect tines for damage
  • Trenchers: Check for worn teeth and proper chain tension in order to reduce the amount of binding

While mini skid steers are designed for longevity, there are rare cases when the loader arms will require maintenance. For a mini skid steer that is used regularly, checking the loader arms every few months for cracks and wear will keep the machine in proper working order.

Attachment lock pins for the loader arms should be checked whenever an attachment is installed. These pins are responsible for engaging the attachment. Operators can ensure a proper installation by checking whether the bottoms of lock pins are visible under the attachment receiver plate.

In addition, operators should examine where the hoses couple to the machine for dirt or debris. Contaminated quick couplers can lead to hydraulic system failure even for machines designed to filter the fluid coming from the attachment.

Don’t Overlook Hydraulics

Keeping hydraulic fluids at a recommended level requires a regular maintenance schedule. Each day, operators are encouraged to check the fluid level. When low, enough fluid might not be available to power equipment, causing the fluid to overheat. Low fluid levels might also indicate a leak.

Another daily maintenance recommendation: Check the hydraulic hose for leaks that cause low fluid levels. Before powering the machine, operators should visually inspect the hose for frays. After a visual inspection, the machine should be powered to visually inspect the hose again. If an operator thinks there is a leak, they should not test the hose with their hand, which can cause a hydraulic cut. A piece of cardboard or other surface can reveal whether the hose is releasing fluid. If there is a leak, the hose should be replaced before use.

A regular maintenance schedule also helps to reduce contamination in the hydraulic system. When a mini skid steer is used for the first time, the hydraulic filter should be changed after 50 hours of use. The first 50 hours are the breaking-in period for machines, which causes initial contamination buildup. A new filter removes the contamination and allows the mini skid steer to function normally.

After the first change, hydraulic filters should be changed every 250 hours. Prior to 250 hours, buildup on the filter won’t greatly affect performance. Fluid will bypass the filter once it’s full, which adds contamination.

Hydraulic fluid should be replaced in 500-hour increments The quality of fluid can deteriorate from being heated and cooled during normal operation, decreasing its ability to flow properly. As fluid continues to deteriorate, operators will notice decreased efficiency from the attachment and tracks.

Outstanding Performance Made Easy

Keeping attachments in working order and maintaining a regular maintenance schedule for hydraulic systems directly impacts the productivity of a mini skid steer. When operating properly, the mini skid steer delivers exceptional performance and productivity for a wide variety of jobsites – from compact landscaping to larger underground construction jobs.

For more information, visit SK Attachments | Ditch Witch – Directional Drills, Trenchers, Vacs, & Skid Steers

HYDRAULIC BREAKER
Used for construction and demolition, our breakers can be used to break up asphalt, concrete or even clay. The hydraulic hammer is perfect for any small or medium job you might have. More up-time in the field is always the goal, and with only two moving parts and a few seals, there’s no reason for down-time.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

ROCK SAW

Best suited for irrigation and fiber installation, the Rock Saw attachment can effortlessly cut through rock, concrete, and other tough materials with unmatched precision. 

Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BACKHOE
Easily move materials for rebuilds, new construction, footings, utility repairs and more with this compact and versatile attachment.
Compatible Models

SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

STUMP GRINDERS
Featuring a heavy-duty boom design, powerful stump grinding attachments quickly shred stumps down to nothing. Easy maneuvering from stump to stump and increased visibility turns more ground stumps into more profit.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MULTITASK TOOL
Your multipurpose tool for the ultimate multi-tasker is here. Engineered to grab tight to heavy materials and move them with ease and precision, the multi-task tool is your go-to for heavy applications. Easy to operate with convenient, functional levers.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CORE DRILL
With the MC-450 coring attachment, utility maintenance is simple and less disruptive. Featuring intuitive controls and an integrated water tank, the MC-450 is the perfect choice for quick cuts and a more productive coring process. A fully adjustable 0 to 280 rpm speed allows for enhanced control and greater productivity.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

SOIL CULTIVATOR
Prepare food plots, gardens, and landscaping projects with a soil cultivator. It gets land ready by stirring organic material back in the soil for a healthier, more stable lawn. Buries the biggest of rocks for a looser topsoil.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BLADES
Whether you’re looking to increase dump height or digging depth, attaching a backfill blade is an easy way to save manpower on your jobsite while working with precision and timeliness. Available in various widths.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

AUGER DRIVER
Ideal for landscaping and tree care, an auger attachment will expedite hole creation and allow operators to quickly plant trees or install fence posts than if they were hand-digging or relying on a hand-held auger. Available in 6" to 30" diameters.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

TILLER
Tough and effective tillers prepare your garden by breaking up tough soil and removing unwanted weeds. Available in 4' width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

GRAPPLES
Tree grapples come with 48" or 57" openings to efficiently remove logs and debris from the jobsite. It has an excavator style boom design with a powder coat finish and a cylinder lock for increased safety. Brush grapples available with a gap opening of 29" and widths of 42" or 54".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

CARRY ALL LEVELER
One of our most simple yet versatile attachments, the Carry-All Leveler is perfect for carrying bulky material, leveling soil and adding a flat, smooth finish to your project. Available in 49" width.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

BUCKETS
Turn one machine into a multi-functional workhorse with versatile Ditch Witch® SK attachments. From landscaping and hardscapes to tree care and construction-grade tasks, your stand-on skid steer can take on more than you think. We've got you covered with a variety buckets from 4-in-1 to heavy and light material buckets. Widths range from 34" to 66".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

PALLET FORKS
Take on your heaviest loads with precision and dependability with Ditch Witch pallet forks. They easily attach to any of our skid steers and can easily accessorize with hay spikes, brick guards, and much more to add even more ROI. Available in widths ranging from 36-48.75" and lengths from 36-48".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

MICROTRENCHER
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOW
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

POWER RAKE
Clean, level and prep jobsites or smooth and loosen soil for sodding with a rake attachment. Most rake attachments require 10 to 14 gpm, but the higher horsepower creates even more drum torque to tear through the most demanding soil types. Width measures 4'.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

MICROTRENCHERS
Fiber installation and other street-located work is rapidly growing. A microtrenching attachment is key for operators looking to get into fiber installation at the street level. They cut both concrete and asphalt in controlled increments so contractors don't need to stop traffic. Maximum width options are 0.5-1.5” or 2” with maximum depths of 12” or 16”.
Compatible Models

SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

ROTO WITCH®
The Ditch Witch Roto Witch® attachment is used for short bores underneath sidewalks, driveways and other obstacles. It offers great digging performance while minimizing jobsite restoration. Compatible with numerous Ditch Witch stand-on skid steers, the Roto Witch attachment can bore and backream up to 12" (300 mm) in diameter.
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750

PLOWS
Install fiber and other utilities quickly with a vibratory plow attachment for your skid steer. It creates less ground disruption and cleanup than traditional trenching to get the job done faster. Available in maximum depths of 14" and 24".
Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000

TRENCHER

Stay efficient on large jobsites with a trencher attachment for your skid steer. It’s a smart alternative to large, specialized equipment for utility installation and landscaping jobs. Available in standard 6”, 8” and 12” maximum widths with maximum depths of 36", 38", 48” and 55.5”.

Compatible Models

SK600, SK800, SK900, SK1050, SK1550, SK1750, SK3000