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Check the engine and ECM ground first, along with the CAN wiring. A bad connectiin there can cause E459-2 and a crank no start issue.

Even in 2026, id still put onboard power and an organized drawer system at the top of the list - they're the upgrades that save me the most time on service calls.

I'd start there too. If it only acts up on cold mornings, the battery and glow plug relay are definitely high on my suspect list.

I agree training is important, but I'd argue it's just as important to keep the rollout simple at first. Trying to use every feature on day one can overwhelm the crew, while starting with basics like maintenance and inspections usually makes adoption much smoother.

I like that approach. Have you found there's one machine in your fleet that ends up doing way more work than you originally expected?

Both are solid careers, but mechanics seem to stay in demand everywhere. If you enjoy troubleshooting and fixing things, it's hard to beat having a skill that's needed whenever a machine breaks down.

Serviceability matters a lot.

Hey everyone, does anyone have a good process for tracking down battery drain issues on a Bobcat T770 skid steer? Seems like the battery keeps losing charge even after sitting for just a day ortwo, and im curious what the most common culprits are..

Hey @George, I’d definitely check for drum wear, vibration performance, and any hydraulic leaks since those can get pricey fast. It also helps to run it and make sure the compaction feels consistent, not weak or uneven. If you can, try to get service records too. . it tells you a lot about how...

From my experience running a road reclaimer, it definitely saves time on bigger jobs since you’re reusing the existing material instead of hauling everything out and bringing new base in, and honestly the recycled base has held up pretty well for us as long as moisture and compaction are done right.

Yeah it's crazy how fast things are evolving, telematics alone feels like it's completely changed how fleets are managed

Efficient.

I’m thinking the tech push might keep late-model units from brands like Komatsu and John Deere holding strong, while older pre-emissions iron could see more negotiating room, it depends on how tight fleet budgets get this year.

We’ve had solid uptime with Altec units too, hard to beat their stability and smooth controls when you’re working tight around lines.

Your field experience is your biggest advantage

That's a solid checklist , I'd just add letting it idle a mintue to cool down, especially after hard work, and making sure hydraulics are fully relieved before hopping out; after years running skid steers, those small habits save a lot of headaches later.

@12ZacharryClark for a small crew, a Class 5 usually does the job just fine and is way easier to maneuver and cheaper to run. Class 7 makes sense if you’re hauling heavier loads or running bigger booms every day, but otherwise it can be overkill

Use matters

Haven't used it personally, but from what I've heard, Quipli makes rental tracking way less of a headache-definitely worth giving the demo a spin

For most general skid steer work, a ballpark is usually $75-$125/hour depending on attachments and local rates-adjust up if you're handling heavy grading or demolition.