Routine Maintenance Increases Mini Skid Steer ROI

Featured in: ProContractorRentals

By Chris Thompson, Ditch Witch compact equipment product manager

From a compact landscape project to a larger-scale, heavy duty jobsite, mini skid steers provide great value to rental owners – especially when the equipment is at peak performance and reliable. Downtime can hurt the bottom line, so machine effectiveness is dependent upon uptime.

To help rental centers increase ROI and maintain uptime, mini skid steers have been updated and designed for reliable, low-maintenance operation. Even tough equipment, however, can run into an issue when not properly maintained. To get the most of these machines, rental owners should follow best practices and perform regular maintenance.

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 rental owners can follow to keep machines running efficiently. Most important to note: 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 renter leaves with the machine, make sure that the flow rate of the hydraulic system matches 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 a renter’s 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 the unit can also cause immediate downtime, bringing the renter right back to the rental center. 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 matching hydraulic system and the attachment, renters should follow routine-maintenance best practices for attachments to improve efficiency and longevity. The first rule of thumb to ensure safe procedures is to read the operator’s manual, which is loaded with important safety and practical, machine-operation information.

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

  • Pallet forks: Inspect forks before each use for damage or wear that requires 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

In addition to reading the manual, a general best practice for keeping attachments operating effectively is greasing them daily. Each day as the attachment is used, the renter should utilize a grease gun to pump grease into the attachment until excess is visible. To simplify maintenance routines, some Ditch Witch attachments are grease free.

Other important considerations include the attachment lock pins for the loader arms, which should be checked whenever an attachment is installed. These pins are responsible for engaging the attachment. Rental owners and renters can ensure a proper installation by checking whether the bottoms of lock pins are visible under the attachment receiver plate.

In addition, renters 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.

Staying Vigilant When Track Hits the Job

Equipment only remains productive when it’s in good working condition. Rental centers should encourage renters to inspect equipment before the start of each day on a job to make sure it’s working properly.

The Ditch Witch organization has a checklist for inspecting equipment. By checking off the items, such as leaks, loose fittings and hardware, an operator is better prepared to maintain a safe jobsite.

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 Stand On Skid Steers | Ditch Witch – Directional Drills, Trenchers, Vacs, & Skid Steers

Ditch Witch is a trademark of The Charles Machine Works, Inc.

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

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 of 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