Understanding Skid Steer Hours: Importance, Maintenance, and Best Practices for John Deere Skid Steers

[MikePhua]

Skid steers are essential pieces of equipment used in construction, agriculture, and landscaping. Among the various types of machinery, John Deere skid steers are recognized for their versatility and durability. One of the most important aspects of managing a skid steer, especially for fleet owners or operators, is understanding and monitoring the number of operating hours a machine has accumulated. This article dives into the significance of skid steer hours, why they matter, and how to maintain your John Deere skid steer to ensure its longevity.
What Are Skid Steer Hours?
Skid steer hours refer to the total amount of time a machine has been in operation. These hours are typically measured by the engine’s runtime and recorded by the machine's onboard hour meter. The meter tracks the machine's working time, from idle to full load, and provides an indication of wear and tear. Just like the odometer on a car, skid steer hours are a critical metric for assessing the equipment's usage and overall condition.
Why Skid Steer Hours Matter

1. Maintenance Scheduling: Skid steer hours are closely linked to the machine's maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance intervals, such as oil changes, hydraulic fluid checks, and filter replacements, are often recommended based on the number of hours the machine has operated. Ignoring these milestones can result in reduced machine efficiency, increased repair costs, and even premature failure.
   
2. Resale Value: The number of hours on a skid steer directly affects its resale value. Low-hour machines are typically seen as less worn out, making them more valuable in the used equipment market. On the other hand, a machine with high hours may indicate extensive usage, leading to potential concerns about its reliability and condition.
   
3. Operational Costs: Machines with high operating hours may start to require more frequent repairs and maintenance, leading to higher operational costs. Keeping track of hours helps owners anticipate these costs and plan for future maintenance or upgrades.
   
4. Warranty Coverage: For machines still under warranty, the number of hours is often a determining factor for warranty coverage. Exceeding the warranty's hour limit can leave the owner liable for repair costs that would otherwise be covered.
   
5. Machine Lifecycle: Skid steer hours provide a rough estimate of where a machine is in its lifecycle. While it’s not the sole indicator of a machine’s condition, hours provide valuable context. A well-maintained machine with high hours can still be more reliable than a poorly maintained machine with lower hours.
   

How Skid Steer Hours Affect Maintenance
Understanding the importance of hours is critical when maintaining a John Deere skid steer. The manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is often based on hours of operation, and adhering to these guidelines helps to maximize the machine's efficiency and lifespan.

1. Engine Oil and Filter Changes:
   • Recommended Interval: Typically every 250 hours for John Deere skid steers.
     
   • Why It Matters: The engine oil lubricates the engine, preventing excessive wear. Over time, oil degrades, and its effectiveness diminishes. Changing the oil at regular intervals is essential to ensure the engine continues to perform at its best.
     
2. Hydraulic Fluid and Filter Maintenance:
   • Recommended Interval: Around every 500 hours for most skid steers.
     
   • Why It Matters: Hydraulic systems are the heart of skid steer operations, powering lifting arms, attachments, and other critical functions. Hydraulic fluid needs to be kept clean to prevent damage to expensive components, such as pumps and valves.
     
3. Fuel and Air Filter Replacement:
   • Recommended Interval: Every 500 hours or annually, depending on use.
     
   • Why It Matters: Clean air and fuel filters are crucial for the engine's performance. Clogged filters can reduce fuel efficiency, increase emissions, and cause engine damage.
     
4. Tire or Track Inspection:
   • Recommended Interval: Tires should be checked every 100 hours for proper inflation, wear, and damage.
     
   • Why It Matters: Properly inflated tires or tracks ensure optimal traction, reduce fuel consumption, and extend the lifespan of your skid steer.
     
5. Greasing and Lubrication:
   • Recommended Interval: Every 50 to 100 hours, depending on usage.
     
   • Why It Matters: Moving parts such as the loader arms, pins, and joints require proper lubrication to minimize friction and prevent premature wear.
     

Tracking Skid Steer Hours
The most common way to track skid steer hours is through the onboard hour meter, which records the total operating time. Most modern John Deere skid steers come equipped with these meters, and they often provide additional data, such as fuel consumption and maintenance alerts.
It’s also worth noting that there are several ways to monitor and record hours for both individual machines and fleets:

1. Manual Recording: Owners or operators can manually log the hours when the machine is started and stopped, though this method is time-consuming and prone to human error.
   
2. Automated Fleet Management Systems: For larger fleets, fleet management systems that track usage data and maintenance schedules can provide real-time information on the hours of each machine. These systems can be linked with GPS tracking, and some even send alerts when it’s time for maintenance.
   

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Skid Steer Based on Hours
If you want to maximize the lifespan of your John Deere skid steer, understanding how to properly maintain it according to its operating hours is key. Here are some tips to get the most out of your machine:

1. Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals based on hours. This ensures that critical systems such as the engine, hydraulic system, and transmission are kept in optimal condition.
   
2. Perform Regular Inspections: Even if your skid steer has low hours, regular inspections can help detect any potential issues early. This includes checking for leaks, worn-out components, and any unusual sounds or vibrations during operation.
   
3. Track Your Hours: Use the onboard hour meter to track your machine's operating time. If your machine is part of a fleet, consider using fleet management software to automate this process.
   
4. Keep the Machine Clean: Dirt and debris can clog filters, damage components, and reduce the efficiency of your skid steer. Regularly clean the machine, especially around sensitive areas like the cooling system and the engine compartment.
   
5. Monitor Operating Conditions: The type of work and environment your skid steer is used in can impact the rate at which it accumulates hours and wears out. For example, working in harsh conditions like muddy or rocky terrain can put more stress on the machine compared to operating in smoother, well-maintained surfaces.
   

Real-World Example: Impact of Skid Steer Hours
A construction company that frequently uses John Deere skid steers found that monitoring hours was essential for keeping their machines operational. The company kept track of each skid steer's hours using a fleet management system. Over time, they noticed that one of their older machines, which had about 3,000 hours, started experiencing hydraulic issues. By referring to the maintenance log, they realized that the hydraulic fluid had not been changed in over 700 hours, far exceeding the recommended interval. After performing the necessary maintenance, the machine regained its performance, saving the company from costly repairs.
Conclusion
Skid steer hours are a critical measure of your John Deere skid steer's performance and longevity. By tracking and adhering to the recommended maintenance schedules based on operating hours, you can maximize the efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase the lifespan of your machine. Whether you are managing a single machine or an entire fleet, understanding the importance of hours and proper maintenance will ensure your equipment operates at peak performance for years to come. Proper care and attention to detail will help you avoid costly repairs, enhance resale value, and ensure that your John Deere skid steer continues to be a reliable workhorse.