Why Your Skid Steer Won’t Lift: Hydraulic Flow and Pressure Troubleshooting

Skid steers depend on hydraulic pressure to power lift arms, tilt buckets, and operate attachments. When that pressure drops or disappears, productivity comes to a halt — even if the engine runs perfectly.

Most Common Causes of Lift Failure

  • Low hydraulic fluid levels: Air in the system reduces pressure and causes jerky or unresponsive lift arms.
  • Clogged return filters: Blocked filters limit flow and restrict full cylinder travel.
  • Failed main relief valve: If the valve sticks open or opens too early, it dumps pressure before reaching the lift cylinders.
  • Stuck spool in control valve: Dirt or corrosion can prevent full actuation of lift or tilt circuits.
  • Internal cylinder bypass: Worn seals allow pressure to bleed past the piston, weakening force output.

How to Diagnose It

  • Check fluid levels and look for aeration in the tank
  • Replace return filters if flow seems restricted
  • Use a hydraulic pressure gauge to test output from the pump
  • Inspect control valve block for free movement
  • Block off cylinders to isolate internal bypass

What to Repair

Once you locate the fault — whether it’s a control valve, pressure relief, or cylinder — targeted repairs can restore full function. Resealing a leaking cylinder or replacing a faulty relief valve usually resolves the issue fast.

Conclusion

If your skid steer won’t lift, don’t assume the worst. Hydraulic flow loss is common, and in most cases, repair is simple when you isolate the source of pressure drop. The sooner you act, the less downtime — and cost — you’ll face.

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