How to Care for and Maintain Your New Compact Track Loader

Investing in new equipment is an excellent way to expand your business offerings, increase efficiency and ensure you work with the latest technologies and products to remain competitive in your industry. New equipment can require a significant upfront cost, so it’s essential to understand the care each piece requires to ensure you can get the most life from your equipment. 

Compact track loaders (CTLs) are incredibly versatile machines, capable of completing a variety of construction tasks such as road maintenance, digging, landscaping and more. Here, you can learn more about compact track loader upkeep, including the importance of maintenance, storage considerations and how to troubleshoot issues when they arise.

The Importance of Compact Track Loader Maintenance

Maintenance can significantly impact equipment life spans. Damage can cause operational issues that threaten worker safety and project integrity. Additionally, worn, broken or old components can place unnecessary stress on other working components, potentially resulting in costly system repairs or equipment failure. Proper maintenance allows you to enjoy:

• Equipment longevity: Promptly addressing minor issues allows you to prevent small problems from becoming large ones. By having a preventive maintenance schedule, you can keep track of your compact track loader’s condition and note any maintenance problems. This level of care and attention can keep your machine in working order for longer.
• Increased safety: Worn or damaged components can be a safety hazard for operators, especially if they’re unaware of the issue. Inadequate maintenance can lead to system failures at any time, potentially causing serious or deadly accidents or health complications. Prioritizing CTL maintenance is a crucial part of keeping the equipment safe to operate throughout its life span.
• Lowered operating costs: Proper maintenance practices, such as lubricating components, administering inspections, cleaning equipment and similar tasks, empower you to maintain efficiency and lower operational costs. As components wear, they often become less efficient, placing stress on other components or requiring more resources to administer the same amount of work. Further, you can avoid unnecessary repairs and replacement expenses by administering proper maintenance and catching potential issues early, saving you money on operational costs over time.

Common Compact Track Loader Maintenance Issues

While every piece of equipment eventually needs some kind of repairs or maintenance, there are some common problems you can watch out for to prevent unnecessary downtime and extend equipment life. As a general rule, anytime you hear, see or feel anything unusual, it’s best to avoid using the equipment until you can inspect and address the problem. 

Some common issues with compact track loaders include:

• Corrosion: Rust can build on compact track loaders and damage essential components like hoses, rubber seals and the engine. 
• Overheating: Always monitor coolant levels and other fluids to prevent the engine from overheating. 
• Track issues: Sharply turning or skidding can cause tracks to loosen or break. Additionally, poor ground conditions can impact the tracks. Always monitor the track quality and administer maintenance or replacements based on manufacturer recommendations. 
• Hydraulic system problems: Low hydraulic fluids can impact the hydraulic system in a CTL and cause increased wear. Leaks can also occur within the system, and belts can become loose or worn.

Daily Compact Track Loader Inspection Checklist

While some elements of compact track loader care will be necessary on a weekly, monthly or even annual basis, daily inspection before operation is vital to ensure the CTL is in useable condition. This process also helps you catch small issues early so you can address them promptly.

Here are several steps you should take before operating your CTL every day:

• Evaluate the number of service hours and meter reading.
• Check oil and fluid levels.
• Inspect the display or conditions indicator for the engine air filter.
• Monitor or adjust coolant levels.
• Verify the function of safety features such as control interlocks, seat bars and seat belts.
• Ensure the proper function of backup alarms and front horns.
• Lubricate components such as cylinders, lift arms and lift links.
• Check tire condition and air pressure.
• Look for any leaks or any causes for excess moisture or liquid.
• Inspect the exterior for loose or broken components.
• Assess the condition of attachment blades and buckets.
• Remove trapped water from fuel filters,
• Assess the tracks for correct tension, wear and damage.

Considerations for Storing Your Compact Track Loader

If you want to extend the life of your compact track loader equipment, it’s also critical to consider necessary care when the equipment is in storage. Keep these points in mind when your machine is in storage:

1. Continuing with regular inspections: First, it’s essential to conduct regular checks regardless of how often you use your equipment when storing it. Evaluate the tracks, external signs of damage and internal components to ensure the machine remains free of moisture, buildup and other elements that could impact equipment life.
2. Adjusting operator behavior: If you don’t use your CTL at specific times throughout the year, you should be aware of operational differences. For instance, you may store your compact track loader for most of the winter, using it only a few times during the colder months. In these cases, the rubber tracks can become more brittle or rigid, posing a threat to operator safety and machine components. You may need to train yourself and your team on proper usage during these times and look for more ideal storage options to protect your machine when it’s not in use.
3. Ensuring the proper conditions: If you’re storing the equipment for an extended period of time, cover it in an enclosed facility. Proper protection from the elements can prevent moisture, debris and small animals from getting inside your equipment and damaging components. Constant changes in temperature can impact your CTL’s parts, so it’s also best to find a location with consistent, controllable temperatures. Additionally, assess the ground and surrounding area if you must park your equipment outdoors. For instance, muddy spots can freeze overnight in cold temperatures, potentially locking your machine in place and causing excess track wear or damage.

Browse Compact Track Loaders From Gregory Poole Equipment Company

When it’s time to invest in new equipment, you want a reliable provider with a comprehensive sales and product support team. At Gregory Poole, choosing the right compact track loader can be easy. Our machines feature the latest technology and the performance and power you need to excel at any task.

With more than 60 years of industry experience and partnerships with leading manufacturers like Cat®, you can feel confident in our ability to find the most suitable equipment for your project needs. Browse our extensive range of compact track loaders to find the right equipment to enhance your fleet.