Troubleshooting Common Skid Steer Hydraulic Issues
ProSkid Machines | Expert Advice for Skid Steer Owners
Hydraulic systems are the heart of a skid steer. They power everything from the lift arms and bucket to auxiliary attachments like augers, trenchers, and grapples. But like any system under heavy load, hydraulics can develop issues — and when they do, productivity drops fast.
At ProSkid Machines, we want you back on the job quickly. Here’s how to diagnose and fix the most common skid steer hydraulic problems.
⚠️ 1. Hydraulic Fluid Leaks
🔍 Symptoms:
- Visible fluid under the machine
- Weak lift arms or attachment power
- Low reservoir levels
🛠 Possible Causes:
- Damaged hoses or fittings
- Worn-out seals
- Cracked hydraulic lines
- Loose connections
✅ Fix:
- Inspect hoses and couplers for cracks, bulges, or wet spots
- Tighten or replace faulty fittings
- Use OEM-approved hydraulic fluid only
- Replace worn seals or hoses as needed
⚠️ 2. Slow or Weak Hydraulics
🔍 Symptoms:
- Lift arms struggle to raise loads
- Attachments move sluggishly
- Jerky or inconsistent motion
🛠 Possible Causes:
- Low hydraulic fluid
- Clogged filters
- Worn hydraulic pump
- Internal valve failure
✅ Fix:
- Check and top off hydraulic fluid
- Change hydraulic filters if clogged or overdue
- Inspect pump pressure with a gauge
- Flush system if contaminated
⚠️ 3. Overheating Hydraulic System
🔍 Symptoms:
- Warning light for high temp
- Loss of power after a few minutes
- Burning oil smell
🛠 Possible Causes:
- Clogged or damaged oil cooler
- Low fluid levels
- Wrong type of hydraulic oil
- System overworked with high-flow attachments
✅ Fix:
- Clean radiator and cooler fins
- Check fan operation
- Use proper hydraulic oil grade (check manual)
- Let machine idle to cool between cycles
⚠️ 4. Hydraulic Attachments Not Working
🔍 Symptoms:
- Attachments won’t move
- No response from auxiliary hydraulics
- Couplers popping out or leaking
🛠 Possible Causes:
- Improperly connected quick couplers
- Clogged auxiliary lines
- Faulty control valve
- Low auxiliary pressure
✅ Fix:
- Disconnect and reconnect couplers — make sure they’re clean and fully seated
- Inspect for debris inside coupler ends
- Test pressure on auxiliary system
- Swap attachments to isolate the issue
⚠️ 5. Hydraulic Noises (Hissing, Whining, Grinding)
🔍 Symptoms:
- High-pitched whine when operating
- Grinding or screeching when using controls
🛠 Possible Causes:
- Air in the system
- Cavitation from low fluid
- Failing hydraulic pump
- Bent rods or damaged cylinders
✅ Fix:
- Bleed the system to remove air
- Top off fluid and check for leaks
- Inspect pump and cylinders for internal damage
- Replace faulty components before more damage occurs
🧰 ProSkid Pro Tip:
Always start with the basics — fluid level, clean filters, and visual inspections. And never open pressurized lines without proper safety gear and knowledge.
🛠 Need Help or Replacement Parts?
At ProSkid Machines, we not only sell quality skid steers — we help you maintain and repair them too.
Whether you need a replacement hose, filter, hydraulic pump, or just advice, we’re here.
📞 Get Expert Help Now:
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