3 Essential Maintenance Tips to Increaswe Stand-On Skid Steer ROI

3 Essential Maintenance Tips to Increase Stand-On Skid Steer ROI

Stand-on skid steers have been growing in popularity over the years as contractors realize the abundance of benefits that these machines provide — such as versatility, reliability and increased jobsite efficiency.

Two key machine components that make these benefits possible are the attachments and tracks. With a wide variety of attachment options, you need just one machine and multiple attachments to complete almost any task. Additionally, stand-on skid steer tracks improve machine performance on a jobsite, effectively increasing efficiency on your jobsite.

To ensure that a stand-on skid steer is operating efficiently, it is crucial that attachments and tracks are operating correctly, and a regular maintenance schedule is maintained for hydraulic systems. Following best practices and performing proper maintenance will ensure these parts, and in turn, your stand-on skid steer, are operating at peak performance.

Tip 1: Don’t Overlook Attachment Maintenance

Each attachment available for stand-on skid steers has its own maintenance routines. Reading the operator’s manual will help you understand routine maintenance best practices for attachments, enabling you to improve machine efficiency and longevity. 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, you should utilize a grease gun to pump grease into the attachment until excess is visible. It is also important to note that some attachments are grease free to simplify maintenance routines, which will be detailed in the operator’s manual.

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. You can ensure a proper installation by checking whether the bottoms of lock pins are visible under the attachment receiver plate.

You should also 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.

Tip 2: Practice Proper Track Maintenance

A defining feature of stand-on skid steers is their track system. These systems have their own unique maintenance needs, which if properly addressed, can mean the difference between having a machine that’s ready for your next jobsite rather than one that’s out of commission. To help maximize the uptime and readiness of your stand-on skid steer fleet, make sure your track maintenance includes these action items:

  • Confirm proper track tension: Separation of the track rubber from the track system is the most common cause of downtime for stand-on skid steers. On machines that use a grease-based track-tensioning system, you use a special gauge to check track tension. On machines that use a bolt to tension the track rubber, make sure the bolt is screwed in securely to achieve the proper tension.
  • Monitor track rubber condition: Checking the wear on a stand-on skid steer’s track rubber can help you avoid downtime. Watch for exposed cords in the rubber. If you see them, then there are likely broken cords within the rubber, which makes it more difficult to properly tension the track and can lead to the track rubber falling off.
  • Check sprocket wear: If you notice the teeth on the sprockets are becoming smaller, then it’s time to replace them. And while you’ll likely discover this issue with a visual inspection, you can also hear it. Narrow sprocket teeth can cause the track system to make loud clicking noises when the sprockets become misaligned with the track rubber.
  • Check the roller bearing play: If the bearing play on a stand-on skid steer’s rollers becomes loose, dirt and debris can get into the rollers and damage the bearings. To avoid this, lift the machine off the ground and check the rollers after about every 50 hours of machine runtime.
  • Clean the track system: Routine cleaning of your stand-on skid steer’s track systems can help prevent dirt and debris from getting into the rollers and damaging them. To help keep track systems clean and issue-free, wash them with a hose on a weekly basis.


In addition to routine maintenance, proper machine operation will reduce track wear and tear. Stand-on skid steers are best suited for use on soil-based jobsites that have minimal rocks and debris. Operating the machines on concrete or asphalt can accelerate wear on the rubber track. If it’s necessary for a job, make sure you and your crew are familiar with how to run the machines with care on these surfaces, such as by avoiding sharp and quick turns.

Also, avoid driving the machines with their track edges pressed against hard walls or curbs. Similarly, drive over curbs slowly, because driving over curbs at full speed can stress and damage the track system’s rollers. You should also avoid operating the machines on corrosive materials like salt and fertilizer.

Tip 3: Understand Hydraulic System Maintenance

Another important maintenance item to note is that all stand-on skid steer attachments and tracks are, in part, powered by the hydraulic system. Issues with the hydraulic system can cause major complications with attachments, tracks and general machine operation.

One recommendation to keep in mind is to 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.

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 the unit 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 stand-on skid steer is damaged, productivity and project failure are not far off.

An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Maintenance

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

Originally appeared on CompactEquipment.com

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