Skid Steer Loaders: How to Prepare Yours for Winter Conditions

Skid steer loaders are essential machines on worksites all year round—but winter brings unique challenges that can impact both performance and safety. Preparing your skid steer loader for freezing temperatures, snow, and ice is crucial to maintain efficiency and avoid costly downtime. At Mingyang (Shandong) Heavy Industry Machinery Co., Ltd., we build our skid steer loaders for durability and reliability in tough environments. In this article, we share practical steps to help you winterize your machine and keep it working at its best through the cold season.

1. Inspect and Maintain the Engine and Fluids
Cold weather puts extra stress on your engine. Proper maintenance will keep it running smoothly in low temperatures.

Check engine oil and switch to winter-grade oil if necessary to ensure smoother cold starts.

Test coolant and antifreeze levels to prevent freezing or overheating.

Replace fuel filters and keep your fuel tank full to prevent condensation buildup and fuel line freezing.

Use winter-blend diesel or add fuel conditioner to prevent gelling.

2. Battery Health is Critical
Low temperatures can significantly reduce battery performance.

Inspect the battery for corrosion and clean terminals.

Check voltage and ensure it is fully charged before use.

If your worksite experiences extreme cold, consider using a battery warmer or storing the battery indoors overnight.

3. Tires, Tracks, and Traction
Proper traction is essential for operating safely on snow and ice.

For tire-equipped models, check tire pressure regularly, as it drops in cold temperatures.

Consider adding tire chains for better grip on icy surfaces.

If your skid steer uses rubber tracks, inspect them for cracks or excessive wear and ensure proper tension for optimal performance on snow-covered ground.

4. Hydraulic System Readiness
Hydraulics are sensitive to temperature changes.

Use low-temperature hydraulic fluid recommended by the manufacturer.

Warm up the hydraulic system before operating under full load to avoid damage to seals and hoses.

Inspect hoses for brittleness or cracking caused by cold exposure.

5. Cab Comfort and Visibility
Operator comfort and safety are especially important in winter.

Check and clean heater and defroster systems to maintain clear visibility.

Ensure windshield wipers are working and that washer fluid is rated for low temperatures.

Keep a snow brush and ice scraper in the cab.

6. Attachments and Accessories for Winter Work
Skid steer loaders can take on winter-specific tasks like snow removal and ice control.

Snow blowers, snow blades, angle plows, and salt spreaders are excellent winter attachments.

Before winter, inspect and service all attachments to ensure they’re ready for heavy use.

Grease moving parts and store unused attachments in a dry, sheltered location.

7. Store and Start Smart
When not in use:

Park the machine in a sheltered area or use an engine block heater if stored outside.

Let the machine idle and warm up before heavy operation—avoid cold starts under load.

Always remove snow and ice from the loader and cab before operation to prevent slipping or control issues.

Winter doesn’t have to mean downtime. With the right preparation, your Mingyang skid steer loader can stay productive and efficient, even in freezing conditions. Regular maintenance, fluid checks, winter tires or tracks, and proper cold-weather operation will help extend the life of your machine and keep your work moving forward, no matter the weather.

At Mingyang (Shandong) Heavy Industry Machinery Co., Ltd., we design our skid steer loaders to handle tough climates with confidence. Contact us today to learn more about winter-ready models and attachments for your operation!