THE Year-End Maintenance Checklist for Your Bobcat Fleet
Why a Year-End Checklist Pays for Itself
Unplanned downtime has grown expensive. In 2024, average downtime across industries hovered around $25,000 per hour for many organizations; larger operations see losses that climb far higher. Heavy industry has seen costs jump severalfold since 2019, making prevention the smart money.
Bobcat’s own guidance emphasizes staying on schedule—filters, fluids, and inspections at specific hour intervals—to keep machines at peak performance. Pair that with Machine IQ telematics for maintenance alerts and remote engine disable/enable, and you reduce risk while protecting your assets.
The Quick-Scan Year-End List (print this)
Use this master list across your skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, compact excavators, Toolcat utility work machines, and zero-turn mowers. Always follow the maintenance schedule in your model’s Operation & Maintenance Manual and service decals.
Hour-Based Tasks to Wrap Up the Year
Bobcat service schedules organize work by operating hours. Cross-reference your machine’s interval chart by model. Below is a consolidated, model-agnostic guide for planning year-end service. Always follow the model-specific schedule.
Winterization Specifics for Texas Fleets
Texas sees dramatic temperature swings, dust, and occasional hard freezes. Prepping now prevents Q1 surprises.
Fluids and cold starts
- Confirm winter-grade engine oil where ambient lows demand it; verify cold-start aids function.
- Test batteries at 32°F equivalent; borderline batteries fail when the first cold snap hits.
- For diesel: manage fuel quality and consider anti-gel additives if forecast lows justify it. (Use OEM-approved products.)
DEF management
- Keep DEF between 15°F and 77°F and out of direct sunlight. Use API-certified DEF only. Label funnels and containers strictly for DEF to prevent contamination.
Cooling and HVAC
- Confirm freeze point; pressure-test caps; ensure cab heat/defrost and wipers work for safety.
Undercarriage and Tires
- Set correct track tension and tire pressure at cool temperatures for accurate readings. Inspect for cuts from hot, dry summer conditions.
Use Telematics to Make This Easy
Machine IQ centralizes maintenance tracking: operating hours, fuel use, location history, alerts, and now remote engine disable/enable for theft deterrence and recovery. Assign due-soon services by hours and push notifications to your shop calendar.
Pro tip: At year-end, export hours and service history, reconcile with parts invoices, and set Q1 preventive tasks. If you’re not set up, our team can help you enroll your fleet.
Parts, Service, Rentals: When to Tap the BobcatCCE Team
● Parts: Genuine Bobcat filters, fluids, and parts protect performance. With one of the largest Bobcat parts inventories in Texas and multiple ways to buy, you keep projects moving. Reach out to order parts.
● Service: Factory-trained technicians handle everything from annual services to major repairs, across 18 locations statewide. Schedule your year-end service now.
● Rentals: Park a machine for rebuild and rent a unit to cover peak demand. Day, week, or long-term options available. Get pricing for a rental in your area.
● Promotions/Catalogs: Check current offers and download the latest catalogs to plan upgrades and attachment buys.
● Telematics: If you want automated maintenance reminders and security features, submit a Telematics inquiry.
Storage and Startup Checklist
What This Saves You
Preventive maintenance reduces unexpected breakdowns by up to 70% and extends equipment life 20–40%, according to industry analyses, while many SMEs still report individual downtime incidents above $25,000 per hour. Year-end service pays back quickly in avoided rentals, lost billable hours, and rush shipping on parts.