Posted by Lee Padgett on 6th Dec 2022
Mini skid steer augers and bits can be a highly effective tool in your arsenal. They’re highly versatile and can be used to loosen hard soil, drill holes for utilities and pipes, prepare the soil for planting trees, and even drill through solid rock - among other uses.
But just like all mini skid steer attachments, they need to be inspected before each use and responsibly maintained on a periodic basis. Here’s a high-level primer on what you need to know.
On the Importance of Maintenance
Routine maintenance is about more than process efficiency. It is about safeguarding the longevity of your attachment. Worn auger bits and damaged or improperly lubricated drive attachments can fail prematurely. Often, basic routine maintenance can forestall or even prevent more costly repairs and replacements down the line.
That said, properly inspecting your equipment before use will also improve the efficiency with which your auger and bits can dig, and will make the job site a safer place, too.
Following Safety Guidelines
Before inspection or use, it is important to follow safety guidelines, as indicated by the manufacturer's instructions or simply by sound, common sense.
Always wear the proper personal protective equipment when inspecting or operating your mini skid steer auger, and use two people to lift parts that are heavy or awkward.
In addition, before and after use, be sure to clean mud, dirt, salt, or any other obstructions from safety labels or warnings on your equipment so that they are clearly visible.
Before Use
Before use, inspect the mini skid steer auger and bits for signs of damage, wear, or cracked welds. Some wear, especially along the auger bit’s cutting edge, is normal. (See below for more information on inspecting for wear.) However, if there are cracked welds or more substantial damage to the auger drive, do not attempt to use the attachment.
This is also the time to inspect all fasteners to be sure they are affixed and tightened properly. When tightening any fasteners or joints, make sure that no thread sealer, chips, or swarf are forced to the inside of the connection, as these can accelerate wear.
Also before use - and before powering on your equipment - inspect all hydraulic components, including hoses, for signs of wear or leaks. Never inspect a suspected leak with your bare skin. Even pinhole leaks can eject hydraulic fluid with enough force to break the skin and cause serious injuries. Use a piece of cardboard or wood to probe suspected leaks. Any damaged or leaking hoses should be discarded and replaced before use.
Now is also the time to inspect the hydraulic oil to ensure that it is clean. Clean hydraulic oil not only ensure attachment operability but safeguards the life of the motor. Even a trivial amount of particulate intrusion can severely damage a hydraulic attachment. Take great care when attaching and detaching hydraulic components to be sure that nothing can enter the system. The use of dust caps and plugs on disconnects can also help prevent particulate ingress.
You should also inspect the planetary gear system to ensure that it is adequately filled with oil. If the planetary gear drive is not adequately lubricated it will adversely impact the life of the system.
Spartan Equipment mini skid steer augers and bits come with detailed manufacturer guidelines for oil fill levels and oil replacement instructions. Our best advice is to follow them to the letter to ensure that your hydraulic attachments are properly maintained.
Blade Inspection
You should inspect the auger bit before each use for signs of wear or rounding. If the auger has a point that has become rounded or blunt with use, it can severely impact penetration. Similarly, dull cutting edges can also hobble cutting and digging efficiency.
If the bit or blades need to be replaced, this should be done before using the auger drive again. A good practice is to keep a spare bit or a few spare bits in reserve in case they need to be replaced at a moment’s notice.
Oil and Lubrication Requirements
In addition to ensuring that the hydraulic oil is clean and adequately filled and that your planetary gears are sufficiently oiled, you should also make sure to take care when changing auger bits or when adding an extension.
Coat the inside diameter of the auger or the collar of an extension with grease before replacing the bit or adding an extension, as this will help minimize friction and wear.
Contact Us with Additional Questions
Spartan Equipment mini skid steer augers and bits are made in the United States using American steel and will Never Surrender - but they’ll work longer and harder if you keep to the maintenance guidelines in the owner’s manual.
If you have any questions about operation or maintenance, please contact us at 1-888-888-1085.