8 Supplies for Maintaining Homestead Skid Steer Loaders

A homestead skid steer is the ultimate workhorse, handling everything from clearing heavy manure to moving pallets of winter feed. However, these compact machines operate in brutal conditions daily, facing abrasive dust, moisture, and high-stress loads. Keeping your loader in peak operating condition requires having the right maintenance supplies on hand before a minor issue stalls your farm chores.

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Why Regular Skid Steer Maintenance Matters

Imagine waking up to a foot of wet snow or a fresh delivery of hay, only to find your skid steer sitting dead in the barn with a blown hydraulic line or a seized joint. On a hobby farm, equipment downtime does not just mean delayed work; it can threaten animal welfare and ruin tight weekend schedules. Regular maintenance transforms unexpected, expensive repairs into predictable, low-cost chores.

Skid steers operate close to the ground, constantly breathing in dirt, hay chaff, and animal dander. This abrasive environment accelerates wear on pins, bushings, and hydraulic seals far faster than in typical construction settings. Taking control of your machine’s upkeep ensures it remains responsive, safe, and ready to work whenever your limited chore time allows.

Grease Gun – Lincoln 1134 Heavy Duty Pistol Grip

Skid steer loaders rely on dozens of pivot points that experience extreme friction under load. Without a steady supply of fresh grease to push out grit and water, these high-wear joints will quickly grind themselves down. A reliable grease gun is the single most important tool in your maintenance arsenal, used almost daily during heavy work seasons.

The Lincoln 1134 Heavy Duty Pistol Grip grease gun stands out because it delivers up to 7,500 PSI of pressure without requiring two hands to pump. Its cast-aluminum head and robust pump piston ensure consistent delivery even when dealing with stubborn, clogged fittings. The heavy-duty follower spring prevents bypass, ensuring every ounce of grease in the tube is actually utilized.

• Flexible 18-inch whip hose for reaching deeply recessed pins
• Dual-lip follower to prevent grease bypass in cold weather
• Variable stroke mechanism for high-pressure or high-volume output

Small-scale operators should note that loading grease cartridges can be messy at first. It is crucial to bleed the air pocket using the integrated vent valve to maintain a steady prime.

This manual pistol-grip gun is ideal for homesteaders who want a durable, dependable tool without the high cost and battery maintenance of cordless electric models. However, if you have severe arthritis or manage a massive fleet of machines, an electric grease gun might be worth the extra investment.

Heavy Duty Grease – Lucas Oil 10301 Grease

Not all grease is created equal, and using the wrong type on a heavy loader can lead to rapid pin wear. Your skid steer needs a tacky, high-pressure lubricant that will not wash out when working in wet mud or squeeze out under heavy bucket loads. The right grease seals out moisture and grit, creating a protective barrier around critical moving parts.

Lucas Oil 10301 Heavy Duty Grease (often known as "Red ‘N’ Tacky") is formulated with high-quality base oils and lithium complex additives to withstand extreme pressure. It features rust and oxidation inhibitors that are essential for equipment parked in damp barns or exposed to corrosive fertilizers. Its distinctive red color makes it easy to see when fresh grease has successfully pushed the old, dirty grease out of the joint.

• Lithium complex base compatible with most OEM greases
• GC-LB certified for heavy-duty chassis and wheel bearing lubrication
• Water-resistant formula prevents washout in muddy paddocks

Before applying, always clean the grease zerk with a rag to avoid pumping grit directly into the bushing. This grease can stain clothing permanently, so keep dedicated shop rags nearby during application.

This grease is perfect for homesteaders needing a versatile, highly adhesive lubricant for both loader pins and trailer wheel bearings. It is not suitable for high-speed precision bearings or applications requiring a food-grade lubricant.

Hydraulic Fluid – Shell Tellus S2 VX 46 Oil

Hydraulic fluid is the lifeblood of your skid steer, transmitting power from the engine to the drive motors and lift cylinders. It also acts as a coolant and a lubricant for high-precision pump components. Low or degraded hydraulic fluid leads to sluggish controls, overheating, and eventually, catastrophic pump failure.

Shell Tellus S2 VX 46 Oil is a high-performance hydraulic fluid designed to maintain its viscosity across a wide temperature range. This is critical for homesteaders who use their machines for cold-weather snow clearing as well as hot-summer pasture mowing. Its excellent shear stability means the oil molecules do not break down under the intense pressure of heavy lifting.

• ISO VG 46 viscosity grade suitable for most modern skid steer systems
• Anti-wear additives to protect high-pressure piston pumps
• Moisture-shedding properties to prevent emulsification

Always check your skid steer manual to ensure ISO 46 is the recommended viscosity for your specific climate. Keep the fluid container sealed tightly, as hydraulic oil absorbs moisture from the air, which can ruin its protective qualities.

This fluid is the gold standard for owners of modern hydrostatic loaders operating in variable seasonal climates. It is not the right choice for older machines that specifically require universal tractor transmission fluid (UTF) or engine oil in their hydraulic reservoirs.

Filter Wrench – Tekton 5866 Oil Filter Pliers

Changing engine oil, hydraulic filters, and fuel filters is a regular part of skid steer ownership. However, manufacturers tend to cram these filters into incredibly tight engine compartments where hand-loosening is impossible. A dedicated filter wrench prevents stripped casings and saves hours of frustration during seasonal service.

The Tekton 5866 Oil Filter Pliers offer a slip-joint design that adjusts to fit a wide range of filter diameters. The slip-resistant teeth bite into metal filter canisters, providing maximum leverage without slipping or crushing the filter body. Its long, cushioned handles allow you to apply force safely in cramped spaces where strap wrenches cannot swing.

• Fits filters from 2 to 4.5 inches in diameter
• Three-position slip joint for quick size adjustments
• Corrosion-resistant finish for durability in damp barns

These pliers are designed for removing old filters, not installing new ones. Always hand-tighten new filters to prevent seal damage and make future removals much easier.

This tool is a must-have for any homesteader performing their own fluid changes on compact equipment. It is not ideal for exceptionally large spin-on hydraulic filters that exceed 4.5 inches in diameter, which may require heavy-duty chain wrenches.

Air Blow Gun – Coilhose Pneumatics Typhoon Gun

Skid steers generate massive amounts of heat, relying on clean radiators and air filters to stay cool. Dust, chaff, and dry leaves quickly pack into the cooling fins and air intake, leading to engine overheating and reduced power. An air blow gun is essential for blasting away this debris before it causes engine damage or sparks a fire.

The Coilhose Pneumatics Typhoon Gun is a high-volume blow gun that delivers a powerful, concentrated stream of air. Unlike standard cheap blow guns, the Typhoon uses a multi-port nozzle to draw in surrounding air, multiplying the volume of air delivered. This high-volume flow is exactly what is needed to clear deep radiator cores and clean out heavy-duty canister air filters.

• Delivers up to 34 CFM at 125 PSI for maximum clearing power
• Lightweight, ergonomic pistol grip reduces hand fatigue
• OSHA-compliant safety tip limits pressure buildup if dead-ended

You will need a decent-sized air compressor to run this high-volume gun effectively. Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when blowing out filters and radiators, as the dust cloud can be intense.

This tool is perfect for homesteaders with a standard shop compressor who need to clean dirty radiators and air filters quickly. It is not suitable for those without an air compressor or those using small, low-CFM pancake compressors that cannot sustain high air volume.

Tire Gauge – Milton S-506 Dual Head Chuck

Skid steers carry immense loads on relatively small tires, making proper inflation critical for stability and traction. Uneven tire pressure causes the machine to pull to one side, accelerates tire wear, and can even cause a rollover on uneven homestead terrain. Checking pressure regularly prevents bead leaks and ensures safe handling.

The Milton S-506 Dual Head Chuck tire gauge is built for the rugged conditions of agricultural work. Its dual-head design allows you to reach tire valves from multiple angles, which is incredibly helpful when working around bulky wheel rims and loader arms. The solid brass construction and heavy-duty slide bar ensure it remains accurate even after being tossed into a metal toolbox.

• Calibrated from 10 to 160 PSI in 2-pound increments
• Dual-head chuck reaches both inner and outer valve stems
• Solid brass body resists rust and impact damage

Keep in mind that skid steer tires often operate at higher pressures than standard passenger vehicles. Always check the tire sidewall or the machine’s manual for the correct operating pressure under load.

This gauge is ideal for homesteaders who value durable, battery-free tools that work reliably in freezing winter conditions. It is not necessary for owners of tracked skid steers (compact track loaders), who do not have pneumatic tires to maintain.

Battery Charger – NOCO Genius GEN5X1 Charger

Homestead skid steers often sit idle for weeks at a time, especially during the quiet winter months. This infrequent use, combined with cold weather, drains the battery and shortens its lifespan significantly. A smart battery charger keeps the battery topped off and conditioned, ensuring the engine cranks instantly when a chore arises.

The NOCO Genius GEN5X1 Charger is an onboard, fully sealed smart charger that can be permanently mounted inside the engine bay or kept on the workbench. It uses advanced microprocessor technology to monitor the battery, preventing overcharging while actively repairing sulfation to extend battery life. Its waterproof design means it can handle the vibration, dust, and moisture of a working engine compartment.

• 5-amp charging rate ideal for maintaining 12V lead-acid and AGM batteries
• IP68 waterproof rating protects against dust and direct water sprays
• Integrated thermal sensor adjusts charging based on ambient temperature

If you mount the charger inside the machine, route the power cord safely away from moving parts and hot exhaust components. Ensure the plug is easily accessible so you can connect an extension cord without opening the engine hood.

This charger is perfect for part-time farmers whose machines sit unused for stretches of time. It is not designed for rapid emergency jump-starting, as it is built for steady, safe maintenance charging.

Fluid Extractor – Hydro-Turf Oil Extractor

Changing engine oil on a skid steer can be a logistical nightmare due to low ground clearance and tight belly pans. Crawling under the machine to access the drain plug often results in spilled oil on the barn floor and a messy cleanup. A fluid extractor bypasses this hassle by drawing the old oil out directly through the dipstick tube.

The Hydro-Turf Oil Extractor is a manual vacuum pump system that makes fluid changes clean and effortless. Its sturdy, stable canister holds up to 6 liters of fluid, which is more than enough for most compact homestead loaders. The manual pump creates a strong vacuum that pulls warm oil out of the engine in minutes without requiring any electrical connections.

• 6-liter capacity accommodates standard skid steer oil pans
• Transparent reservoir with volume markings for easy tracking
• Multiple extraction tubes included for different dipstick diameters

For the best results, run the skid steer engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, which thins it and allows it to flow much faster through the extraction tube. Do not extract boiling hot oil, as it can damage the plastic extraction tubes.

This extractor is highly recommended for homesteaders who prefer clean, fast oil changes without crawling under dirty machines. It is not suitable for removing heavy gear oils or fluids containing large metal shavings, which are too thick or abrasive for the extraction tubes.

Creating a Daily Skid Steer Inspection Checklist

A daily pre-operation walkaround is the easiest way to catch minor issues before they escalate into major failures. Before turning the key, walk slowly around the machine, looking for fresh puddles of hydraulic fluid or engine oil on the ground. Check the condition of the tracks or tires, ensuring there are no deep gashes or loose lug nuts that could compromise safety during operation.

Next, open the engine compartment to check the engine oil and coolant levels, topping them off as needed. Inspect the air filter indicator and look for any nests built by rodents, which are notorious for chewing through wiring harnesses during the winter. Finally, inspect the loader arms and attachment plate for cracks in the welds, and ensure the locking pins engage fully.

• Fluid levels: Check engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant daily.
• Grease points: Lubricate high-wear pins every 10 operating hours.
• Belts and hoses: Look for frayed alternator belts and weeping hydraulic hoses.
• Safety features: Ensure seat belts, safety bars, and backup alarms function correctly.

This simple routine takes less than five minutes but can save thousands of dollars in premature wear and unexpected down-time.

Best Practices for Safe Agricultural Fluid Disposal

Maintaining your own equipment comes with the responsibility of handling used fluids safely and sustainably. Environmental stewardship is a core value of homesteading, and improper disposal of oil or antifreeze can contaminate local soil and groundwater. Never pour used fluids on the ground, down drains, or into household trash cans.

Store all drained fluids in clean, clearly labeled heavy-duty plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Keep used motor oil, hydraulic fluid, and antifreeze in separate containers, as mixing them can make recycling impossible. Most auto parts stores and municipal recycling centers will accept used motor oil and hydraulic fluid free of charge.

Keep a dedicated spill kit in your barn, including absorbent clay, rags, and a heavy-duty trash bag. If a spill occurs, contain it immediately by spreading the absorbent material over the pool, then sweep it up for proper disposal. Taking these precautions protects your homestead’s soil health and keeps your water supply safe for your family and livestock.

Keeping Your Homestead Loader Running for Decades

A skid steer is often the most significant machinery investment on a hobby farm, and its longevity depends entirely on how it is treated. While these machines are built to be tough, they are not indestructible. Operating with patience, avoiding overloading, and sticking to a strict maintenance schedule will keep your loader running smoothly for decades.

Store your skid steer under cover whenever possible to protect the electrical system, hydraulic hoses, and seat from weather damage. If a barn or shed is not available, a heavy-duty fitted tarp can keep rain and snow out of critical areas. Taking the time to clean the mud and manure off the chassis at the end of the season prevents premature rust and corrosion.

Ultimately, the goal of homestead maintenance is peace of mind. Knowing that your loader has clean oil, fresh grease, and a strong battery means you can face any seasonal challenge with confidence. Invest in quality maintenance tools, make inspections a habit, and your skid steer will remain a reliable partner on your farming journey.

Taking control of your skid steer’s maintenance with the right supplies keeps your homestead running smoothly and safely. By investing in these essential tools and committing to regular inspections, you protect your machinery investment and ensure your loader is always ready for the next chore.