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How to Care for Your Skid-Steer Loader Attachments: Proper Use, Maintenance, and Storage
Published on: 12 May 2026
Attachments represent a substantial part of any skid-steer loader investment, yet the routines that keep them performing reliably are among the simplest on any job site. Most premature wear, unexpected failures, and early replacement costs trace back not to a single dramatic incident but to small, repeated oversights: a greasing interval skipped, a connection not confirmed, a hydraulic coupler left uncapped between jobs.
What You Will Need
What You Will Need
Before building a regular care routine, gather a grease gun loaded with the lubricant specified in your operator manual, hydraulic dust caps for each attachment coupler, a wire brush for clearing blocked grease ports, a clean cloth, and a rust inhibitor spray for seasonal storage. Keeping a short inspection checklist with each attachment helps turn a two-minute check into a reliable habit.
Connecting Attachments Correctly with the Bob-Tach™ System
One of the most common and avoidable causes of attachment damage is an improperly confirmed connection. When a Bob-Tach™ coupler engages on one side only, the full working load twists the assembly in ways it was not designed to handle. Over time, this accelerates wear on both the coupler wedges and the attachment mounting frame and creates a safety risk that is not always visible from the cab.
After positioning the attachment, confirm that both locking wedges have fully engaged before moving the machine. On machines fitted with Power Bob-Tach™, the operator can engage the lock from the cab via the dash switch, but a brief visual check after engagement is worth making a standard part of the process. A correctly locked Bob-Tach™ connection shows no movement when the attachment is gently tilted against the coupler face.
The Daily Maintenance Routine
Most attachment bearing and pin failures are caused by lubrication that was delayed or skipped. Grease is among the least expensive inputs in any maintenance programme; bearing replacement is not.
Always read the operator manual before performing any type of maintenance yourself. In general, you should grease all pivot points, pins, and Bob-Tach™ mounting system wear surfaces every ten operating hours, or at the start of each working day, following the schedule in your operator manual. In particularly abrasive conditions such as demolition sites, aggregate handling, and dry soil work, reduce the interval further. If the grease gun pumps but nothing enters a fitting, stop and clear the port with a wire brush before resuming.
After each job, remove mud and debris from the attachment while it is still workable. Material left to dry and compact retains moisture against metal surfaces and promotes corrosion, particularly through wet seasons common across many working environments. In case of any doubts or questions about proper maintenance, talk to your Bobcat dealer.
Working Safely with Hydraulic Attachments
Working Safely with Hydraulic Attachments
Hydraulic system problems related to attachments most often start at the moment of connection. A small amount of grit introduced at the coupler face can damage seals, clog filters, and shorten pump service life across the entire hydraulic circuit.
Before connecting any hydraulic line or quick coupler, wipe both mating faces clean with a cloth. Fit dust caps to all open ports whenever an attachment is disconnected, even briefly between tasks. When disconnecting a hydraulic attachment, always relieve residual circuit pressure first: lower the attachment fully to the ground, operate the auxiliary hydraulic controls briefly with the engine still running, then switch off the engine before separating the couplers.
Recognising and Managing Wear
Wear on cutting edges and coupler components is gradual, which makes it easy to overlook until the effects become significant. A bucket or planer blade that is visibly rounded, chipped, or leaving material behind on a clean pass is already placing excess load on the hydraulic system.
Inspect cutting edges at least once a week during active use. Replace worn edges promptly rather than waiting for full deterioration. Inspect the Bob-Tach™ wedge faces periodically as well. Genuine Bobcat parts, available through the BobCARE Planned Maintenance programme and the authorised dealer network, are matched to the system's original tolerances.
Safety Warnings
Never carry out inspection, cleaning, or adjustment work underneath a raised attachment. Always lower the attachment fully to the ground before approaching it on foot. Relieve hydraulic pressure before disconnecting any line or coupler. Confirm that both sides of the Bob-Tach™ system have fully engaged before beginning any work cycle. Keep bystanders clear of the area whenever attachments are being changed or hydraulic connections made.
Storing Attachments Correctly
Attachments left on bare ground are exposed to moisture from below as well as above. Ground contact concentrates corrosion at bearing points and cutting edges over a season.
Store attachments on a rack, on timber bearers, or in a covered area where they are protected from standing water and direct weather exposure. Before placing a hydraulic attachment into longer-term storage, fit dust caps to all coupler ports and apply a light coat of rust inhibitor to exposed metal surfaces. At the start of each new season, inspect every stored attachment for corrosion, seal condition, and cutting-edge integrity before returning it to service.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I grease the Bob-Tach™ pins and attachment pivot points?
The operator manual specifies every ten operating hours or at the start of each working day, whichever comes first. In abrasive working conditions, reduce the interval further. Consistent greasing at the correct frequency is the single most effective way to extend attachment service life.
My attachment feels loose during operation. What should I check first?
Confirm that both locking wedges of the Bob-Tach™ mounting system are fully engaged. If the connection is confirmed secure but movement persists, inspect the coupler wedge faces and the attachment mounting frame for wear. Significant play should be assessed by your Bobcat dealer before continuing work.
How should I clean hydraulic couplers before connecting an attachment?
Wipe both mating faces with a clean cloth before every connection to remove grit, moisture, and debris. Keep dust caps fitted to all disconnected couplers at all times between jobs.
Can I store attachments outdoors through winter?
Short-term outdoor storage is manageable if the attachment is raised off bare ground and not exposed to standing water. For storage over extended wet or cold periods, a covered space is recommended. Fit dust caps to all hydraulic ports and apply rust inhibitor to bare metal.
When should I replace a cutting edge?
Replace a cutting edge when it is visibly rounded, uneven, or leaving material behind on passes; it should complete cleanly. Continuing to run a worn edge forces the hydraulic system to work harder than necessary.
What is the correct procedure for disconnecting a hydraulic attachment?
Lower the attachment to the ground, then operate the auxiliary hydraulic controls briefly with the engine running to release residual circuit pressure. Switch off the engine and disconnect the lines. This prevents coupler seal damage and eliminates the risk of sudden attachment movement.
Does Bobcat offer a maintenance programme that covers attachments?
The BobCARE Planned Maintenance programme provides scheduled inspections using genuine Bobcat fluids and parts, carried out through the authorised dealer network. It is designed to identify developing issues before they become significant, covering both machine and attachment service needs.