Bobcat CTL & Skid-Steer Preventative Maintenance | Service Tips & Dealer Support

Bobcat® Compact Track Loaders (CTLs) and Skid-Steer Loaders are built for high-output work in tough conditions—but uptime still comes down to maintenance. Preventative service is the most cost-effective way to protect performance, reduce downtime, and extend component life. Below is a practical, technician-friendly guide to routine CTL and skid-steer maintenance, plus where certified Bobcat service adds real value.

The Real Payoff of Preventative Maintenance

A consistent maintenance routine helps catch leaks, wear, and contamination before they turn into failures. It maintains lift and drive performance, keeps hydraulics responsive under load, and reduces the risk of overheating in dusty or high-demand environments. Over time, preventative service lowers total cost of ownership (TCO), protects resale value, and delivers fewer surprises on the jobsite.

Daily Walk-Around: One Checklist That Matters

Before the first start, perform this single walk-around inspection:

• Fluids: engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid

• Leaks: under the machine, cylinders, pumps, hoses, couplers

• Air intake: pre-cleaner and filter restriction indicator (if equipped)

• Belts & hoses: cracking, rubbing, soft spots, loose clamps

• Controls & safety systems: seat bar, interlocks, warning lights

• Skid-steers: tire condition (cuts, punctures, sidewall damage)

• CTLs: track condition, proper tension, missing or damaged lugs

This short routine takes minutes but prevents most downtime-causing issues before the machine ever leaves the yard.

CTL Undercarriage: The Biggest Wear Area (Don’t Ignore It)

On compact track loaders, undercarriage maintenance is mission-critical. Dirt, clay, and debris trapped in the track system accelerate wear on rollers, idlers, sprockets, and tracks while increasing heat and friction. Cleaning the undercarriage at the end of the day—especially after muddy conditions—extends component life and helps maintain smooth travel.

Track tension plays a major role as well. Tracks that are too tight increase wear and stress components, while tracks that are too loose are more likely to derail. Abnormal wear patterns or sprocket “hooking” are early indicators that inspection or adjustment is needed—especially for machines working in rock, demolition, or abrasive conditions.

Hour-Based Service Intervals: Stay Ahead of Failure

Following Bobcat’s hour-based maintenance schedule keeps critical systems protected. Routine engine oil and filter changes, fuel system inspections, hydraulic filtration service, greasing pins and bushings, and checking drive or chain case components (model dependent) all work together to prevent breakdowns. Maintaining a simple service log helps ensure intervals aren’t missed and adds value when it’s time to sell or trade.

Hydraulics: Performance Starts With Clean Fluid

Hydraulics power lift, tilt, and attachment functions, so cleanliness is critical. Contaminated fluid or neglected filters often show up as slow cycle times, heat warnings, or noisy operation. Keeping couplers clean, monitoring fluid condition, and replacing filters on schedule—earlier in severe conditions—helps protect pumps, valves, and overall machine performance.

Cooling System and Airflow: Prevent Overheating

Dust and debris restrict airflow and raise operating temperatures, particularly in summer or during high-load applications. Regularly cleaning radiators and coolers from the correct direction, keeping screens and vents clear, and inspecting fan belts and shrouds reduces the risk of overheating. Repeated heat events don’t just stop the job—they shorten engine and hydraulic component life.

When to Call a Certified Bobcat Service Team

While daily checks are easily handled in-house, dealer support becomes valuable when fault codes appear, performance drops, or hydraulic, electrical, or drivetrain issues develop. Certified Bobcat technicians provide advanced diagnostics, genuine Bobcat parts, and preventative maintenance plans tailored to how and where your machine works. In many cases, a planned service visit costs far less than one breakdown plus lost production.

Keep Your Bobcat Ready for Every Job

Preventative maintenance is the fastest path to reliable performance—whether you run a skid-steer on pavement or a CTL in demanding ground conditions. Stay consistent with daily inspections, follow hour-based service intervals, and partner with a trusted Bobcat service provider when deeper diagnostics or major service is needed.