7 Common Wacker Neuson Skid Steer Problems

While tractors are commonly used for fixing uneven landscapes, skid steers are more suitable for smaller lands. This is because the skid steers promise better control as well as higher maneuverability. Having said that, Wacker Neuson has designed exceptional skid steers with cab-forward design and a solid build.

In addition, the skid steers are extremely stable and have strong loader arms, promising better performance. However, there are some problems that you must be aware of before you make a hefty investment!

Wacker Neuson Skid Steer Problems

1. Steering Problems

There have been various complaints regarding the steering system, with which the skid steer tends to pull to the right or left rather than moving in a straight direction. In most cases, this issue is caused by insufficient tension in tracks.

The solution is to push a bucket deeper into the base ground; it is essential for lifting up the tracks. Then, gauge the distance between tracks’ inner edges to determine the accurate tension in your skid steer. In case the tension isn’t sufficient, you have to regulate the tension bolts on the tracks.

The second solution is to calibrate the skid steer. This is because calibration can minimize the uncertainties associated with measurements as it can quantify and control the errors in measurement, promising better movement of tracks, hence better steering.

The last solution is to check the wires and connections in the loader control system. With heavy use and vibrations, the wires and connections loosen up. You need to hire a mechanic to diagnose the cables and connection to determine if they are tightly connected or not.

If the cables and connections are loose, get them tightened up. On the other hand, if they are damaged or worn out, you have to get them replaced.

2. Engine Stops Working Randomly

The engine tends to stop working when it’s not maintained properly. To begin with, you need to check the entire fuel system. This is because if there are bubbles in the skid steer’s fuel system, they must be removed to streamline the engine performance.

It is important because the air bubbles can result in engine stalling, engine failure, and overall reduced performance. The air bubbles get into the system when the vacuum side is leaked. For this reason, you need to get the entire fuel system checked for leaks and get them fixed.

Secondly, you have to check the fuel filters. A fuel filter is designed to prevent the debris or water particles that might be present in the fuel from passing into the engine and fuel system.

These small pieces that aren’t filtered clog the injectors’ openings, resulting in deteriorated engine performance and system errors. So, if you haven’t changed the fuel filter in a long, it’s time to replace it to make sure the small particles are filtered out on time.

3. Wiring Errors

Exposed and corroded wiring is a common complaint associated with this skid steer. The wiring corrodes when it is exposed to environmental conditions.

If they are corroded, the signal transmission and indicators will be impacted, which is why you’ve to remove the corrosion and rust from all the wiring and connection points.

For this purpose, you can use a water and vinegar solution to clean the connection points; this process takes around one hour. When these points are cleared up, the indicators will work fine. Moreover, if there are some damaged wires, you need to replace them as well.

4. Corrosion

It’s common to locate rust and corrosion on the exterior of skid steer. Corrosion is a serious issue because if it’s not treated on time, it can damage the engine components, hoses, and rubber seals. If you’ve identified corrosion on the skid steer, you have to get it treated by a mechanic right away.

In addition, you have to be extra careful while working with fertilizers, road salt, and snow because they need to be cleaned off; the accumulated debris can accelerate the issue. In addition to this, you must use corrosion inhibitors as a preventive measure.

5. Engine Not Starting

The engine needs to run smoothly for the skid steer to move and respond to the steering functions. However, if the engine is not starting, you need to check the skid steer’s fuel system. It is a combination of tank, fuel filters, and fuel filters, and all of them need to be checked and repaired if the damages are evident.

Since Wacker Neuson operates on a diesel engine, make sure that you change the filters regularly. Ideally, you should replace the filter every three months or more if you use the skid steer in a dusty environment.

The second solution is to check the fuel tank. This is because if the fuel isn’t able to flow from the fuel tank to an injector, the engine’s performance will be impacted.

In the majority of cases, the damaged or clogged fuel injectors are common culprits of improper fuel flow. You have to check the fuel injectors to clear the clogging if any. Moreover, if the injectors are damaged, you’ve to get them replaced to optimize the fuel flow.

The third solution is to check the glow plugs. The glow plugs are essential for warming up the combustion chamber of the engine when you are using the skid steer in a cold environment; a warmed-up engine is important for the engine to work properly.

However, these glow plugs are susceptible to becoming loose, resulting in improper heating of the engine. For this reason, you’ve to locate the glow plugs on the sides of the engine and tighten them up.

Last but not least, you must check the throttle cable. The throttle cable is designed to connect the throttle plane to an accelerator, so when the throttle cable becomes loose, the engine will stall, and there will be a delay in the overall response of the engine.

You need to inspect the cable and make sure they are tightly connected to the throttle body. Usually, the throttle body is located on the top front of the engine and the accelerator, so tighten it up.

6. Hydraulic Errors

If your skid steer is not working properly, there are high chances that the hydraulic fluid level is not at the recommended level. You need to make sure that the fluid level is not overfilled or under-filled.

This is because the hydraulic systems perform optimally when they are filled to the recommended level. Moreover, you’ve to check the hydraulic fuel filter because a clogged filter blocks the flow of fuel, resulting in loss of power and performance.

The second thing you’ve to check is the pump. The hydraulic pump is important for converting electrical energy into pressure, which drives the hydraulic components.

So, when the pump is damaged, it’s evident that the hydraulic components will stop working, and the skid steer won’t perform. The solution is to get the pump checked and repaired.

The third step is to look for leaks and loose fittings in hydraulic lines because they can deteriorate the performance of the hydraulic system. It is recommended that you pressurize the lines to look for pinhole leaks.

When you locate the leaks, they need to be instantly repaired but make sure you wear your safety goggles and gloves while checking the lines. Last but not least, the control valves must be fully sealed, and they should open and close smoothly.

7. Control System Errors

If you are having a hard time moving the joystick controls of your skid steer, there are chances that the steering connections are disconnected or loose . So, you have to inspect these connections to tighten them up.

In addition, you have to inspect the cables that connect the hydraulic pump and actuators to the joystick controls to make sure they are properly attached. However, if the cable attachment doesn’t work, you might have to replace the control circuit board.