The use of skid steers in construction is not new. They are reliable, efficient, and versatile, making them a great investment for construction workers.
Modern skid steers have the ability to use various attachments to handle different tasks. Furthermore, they are controlled by a joystick and are super easy to operate.
If you are looking to purchase a skid steer, you may go through a dilemma. With hundreds of brands releasing new models day in, day out, it could be daunting for a first-timer to choose a skid steer. So, they often go for the best brand.
Manitou is a popular company specializing in manufacturing heavy equipment. Founded in 1954, the company is based in France. It sells a variety of machinery, such as skid steers, forklifts, etc. With its innovative products, the company has staked its claim on the hearts of many users all over the world.
The Mustang skid steer is one of the best-selling skid steers by Manitou. It is equipped with many powerful features and comes with a heavy-duty engine for ultimate performance. Its fuel efficiency is also excellent, making it a financially intelligent investment.
No doubt, the Mustang skid steer is well-built. However, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t had its fair share of problems. This article intends to discuss common Mustang skid steer problems and their solutions. Let’s get started!
Mustang Skid Steer Troubleshooting
Below are some problems that you may face while using the Mustang skid steer.
- Engine Won’t Start
Many users have complained about engine problems while using the Mustang skid steer. According to them, the engine does not start properly, or sometimes, it does not start at all. Unfortunately, this problem is not specific to the Mustang skid steer only and is often faced by all skid steer users.
If the engine of your Mustang skid steer is not starting, the first thing to check is your skid steer’s fuel system. This system consists of fuel lines, filters, and a tank.
Without an iota of doubt, fuel filters are vital for the proper functioning of your engine. They keep the impurities, such as dust and rust, from entering the engine of your Mustang skid steer.
If the fuel filter is blocked, these particles may find their way into your engine and cause severe damage to the engine and its components. This situation often leads to poor engine performance and high fuel consumption.
This is why it is important to always keep the fuel filters in tip-top condition to avoid costly repairs down the road.
A close inspection may tell you whether the fuel filter of your Mustang skid steer is blocked or not. Some fuel filters are designed in such a way that they allow you to see inside the filter. So, see how the filter looks. If you see dust or debris particles, it is time to change the fuel filter.
However, your fuel filter may be constructed differently. So, you’ll have to rely on symptoms to determine its condition. If you hear a loud noise that seems to be coming from the fuel pump, it indicates that your fuel filter has gone bad.
Aside from that, engine stalling is another common symptom often associated with a clogged fuel filter.
If the fuel filter is the culprit, consider replacing it. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Just get one from your nearby garage and get it replaced with the clogged filter. This will bring your engine back to life.
Having said that, it is recommended to change the air filter of your Mustang skid steer once in a while to keep your engine in good health. This is because skid steers are often used at construction sites with dusty environments.
So, if you are a construction worker, you may need to replace the fuel filter more frequently.
If the fuel filter is not the problem, the problem could be with the fuel lines of your Mustang skid steer. A fuel line transfers fuel from the reservoir to the chamber where it is burnt for engine combustion.
So, if it is clogged, the fuel won’t be supplied, and as a result, the engine of your Mustang skid steer will not engage.
Fuel lines of an engine get clogged easily by carbon residue. Carbon is produced as a result of engine combustion, so you can’t prevent this situation even if you get your Mustang skid steer serviced regularly.
You will need to remove the fuel lines in order to check them. Therefore, consider reading the user manual to locate them. After locating them, take them out of the unit and see if they appear clogged.
In addition to that, take a look at the fuel tank as well, and make sure it is in good working condition. If it is dirty, get it cleaned to fix the engine problem of your Mustang skid steer.
- Engine Glow Plug Not Working
A loose engine glow plug is another common problem in the Mustang skid steer. The engine glow plug of your Mustang skid steer is responsible for warming up the combustion chamber of the engine in cold temperatures. So, it is an important component, especially if you live in an area with a cold climate.
The engine glow plug may go loose over time, and when it does, it will not warm your Mustang skid steer’s engine. So, if you are having trouble starting your engine, check to see if the engine glow plug is properly attached . If it is not, tighten it, and the engine of your Mustang skid steer will start properly.
- Hydraulic System Issues
Hydraulic system issues are also quite common in the Mustang skid steer. If there is something wrong with the hydraulic system of your skid steer, it won’t be able to work to its full potential.
A low hydraulic fluid level is the reason, more often than not, so start by checking the level of the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir.
Make sure to turn off the engine of your skid steer before checking the hydraulic fluid level. If there is insufficient hydraulic fluid, consider refilling it to avoid hydraulic system issues in your Mustang skid steer.
However, if your Mustang skid steer has enough hydraulic fluid, proceed to check the hydraulic lines. If they are also fine, the problem could be with the hydraulic pump. If that’s the case, it would be better to seek help from a trained professional.
- Engine Overheating
If the engine of your Mustang skid steer is overheating, there is definitely some problem in the cooling system. So, consider checking the coolant level first. If it is low, get it refilled to avoid overheating.
A dirty radiator can also cause the engine of your Mustang skid steer to overheat. Therefore, make sure to clean it with a radiator cleaner if it is dirty. You can also use distilled water for this purpose.
The Bottom Line
The Mustang skid steer is one of the most sought-after skid steers by Manitou, thanks to its high output and ease of use. However, you are likely to face a few problems while using it.
Its engine may not engage sometimes, or there could be something wrong with its hydraulic system. We have mentioned effective workarounds to try if you encounter these problems.
1996 940 E Mustang skid steer , Yanmar Diesel was running just fine , shut off machine to move other equipment, got back in machine turns over just fine but will not fire or even start to fire??
I’ve restored my 940 Mustang. I pre charged the hydra stat as per manual and the drive motors work but my hydraulics for the lift and tilt cylinders don’t work. What am I missing?
starts really good but the key makes a click at the starter but the centering protection blocks the l starter have to keep moving steering levers some times this dosent work