If you’re in the market for a used loader, chances are you already know how much work these machines put in. Every construction season, they haul dirt, lift pallets, dig trenches, and power through jobsites that would leave most equipment sidelined for good. At our business, we see dozens of used loaders come through our yard every month—some that’ve been stored well between jobs, and others that were left sitting and ended up needing costly repairs before they could hit a new jobsite. That’s why I’ve spent years refining a step-by-step storage process for used loaders, whether they’re sitting on a jobsite for a few weeks waiting for a big project, or in our warehouse waiting for a new owner to pick them up. Storing a used loader properly isn’t just about keeping it clean—it’s about protecting the investment the previous owner put in, and making sure it runs as smoothly as the day it was built when it’s ready to go back to work. Used Loader
Let’s start with the prep work, because skipping even a small step here can lead to big problems later. First, you need to get the loader’s interior and exterior in order before you even think about moving it to storage. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve pulled a used loader from storage and found old food wrappers, soda cans, or even construction debris stuffed in the cab floors or under the seats. That stuff doesn’t just make the cab smell bad—it can also get into the electrical systems, attract rodents, or cause rust over time. The first rule is: completely clear the cab. Remove all loose items, floor mats, seat covers, and any tools left inside. Wipe down the interior with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner—something that won’t damage plastic or vinyl seats. If the loader has a rubber floor, a quick scrub with a little dish soap and warm water goes a long way in preventing mold and mildew from building up when it’s closed up tight.
Next, move to the exterior. Dirt, mud, and dried concrete on the loader’s frame, tires, and bucket might look harmless, but over time, moisture gets trapped in those caked-on materials and causes rust. I always tell our team to power wash every inch of the loader, paying special attention to hard-to-reach spots: around the bucket pins, between the tire treads, and under the fenders where mud and debris love to hide. After washing, let it dry completely—we never store a loader when it’s even slightly damp, because that’s a recipe for rust spots that will eat through the metal. Once it’s dry, wipe down all metal surfaces (except the bucket’s cutting edge, which we leave slightly oily for protection) with a thin layer of automotive wax or a rust-inhibiting spray. This adds a barrier against moisture and even stops UV rays from fading the paint, which might seem like a small thing but keeps the loader looking good for a new owner.
Now that it’s clean, we need to take care of the loader’s fluids—this is probably the most critical step for long-term storage. Let’s break this down by system. First, the engine oil and filter. Old oil is full of contaminants that will settle in the engine during storage and cause wear when you start it up again. We always change the engine oil and oil filter right before putting a loader into storage, using the manufacturer’s recommended viscosity oil for the loader’s model and age. If it’s going to be stored for more than three months, we also change the hydraulic fluid and hydraulic filter, because hydraulic fluid can break down over time and develop moisture that damages pumps and cylinders. Don’t forget the fuel tank either. This is a mistake we see all the time: people store a loader with a partially full gas or diesel tank. The empty space in the tank allows condensation to build up, which mixes with the fuel and causes algae growth that clogs fuel filters and injectors. For loaders going into short-term storage (three months or less), we fill the tank all the way up—this leaves no empty space for condensation. For long-term storage (more than three months), we drain the old fuel, add a fuel stabilizer, run the engine for 15 minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the system, and then top the tank off. That way, no moisture can get in, and the fuel won’t go bad while the loader’s sitting.
Then there’s the cooling system. Antifreeze does more than just keep the engine from freezing in cold weather—it also prevents corrosion in the radiator and engine block. We check the coolant level and pH balance before storage. If it’s low, we top it off with the correct mixture of coolant and distilled water. If it’s old (more than two years), we flush the system and replace it. A common trick we use at our yard is adding a small amount of rust inhibitor to the cooling system during storage—this extra step stops any tiny rust spots from growing while the engine isn’t running.
Moving on to the mechanical parts that are easy to overlook. The battery is a big one. A lead-acid battery will discharge over time, even if it’s not connected to anything. We always disconnect the battery cables (negative first, then positive) before storage, and either bring it inside a climate-controlled area or connect it to a battery tender. If you leave a battery on the loader sitting outside in cold weather, it can freeze and crack, and in hot weather, the acid can leak and damage the frame. For loaders stored for more than six months, we even take the battery indoors to keep it at a consistent temperature, which extends its life by a lot.
Next, the tires. Flat spots on tires are a huge headache when a used loader comes out of storage. If you leave a heavy loader sitting in the same spot for months, the weight presses down on the tire and creates a permanent flat spot that will cause vibration when you start moving it, and can even lead to uneven wear or blowouts. To prevent this, we always lift the loader off its tires if it’s going to be stored for more than two months. We use heavy-duty jack stands placed under the frame, not the axles or tires, so that the weight is evenly distributed. If you don’t have jack stands, another option is to move the loader a few inches every few weeks—this shifts the weight around and stops flat spots from forming. We also make sure the tire pressure is set to the manufacturer’s recommended level before storage, because underinflated tires develop flat spots more easily, and overinflated ones can crack if they sit in the same spot too long.
The loader’s attachments, especially the bucket, need attention too. We always lower the bucket all the way to the ground before storage, and if it’s going to be stored for a long time, we add a light coat of grease to the bucket’s cutting edge and the pivot pins. This keeps moisture out of the metal and prevents rust from forming on the parts that touch dirt every day. We also make sure all hydraulic cylinders are fully retracted or extended, depending on the loader’s design, to keep the seals from drying out. Hydraulic seals are expensive to replace, and if they dry out while the loader’s sitting, you’ll end up with leaks when you try to use it again.
Now, where you store the used loader makes a big difference too. At our warehouse, we have a mix of covered indoor storage and fenced outdoor storage, and we tailor the location to how long the loader will be stored. If a loader is only going to be in storage for a few weeks, we keep it in a shaded, fenced outdoor spot, away from direct sunlight and away from any standing water that could build up after rain. But for loaders going into storage for more than three months, we put them in our indoor warehouse, which is climate-controlled and protected from the elements. If you don’t have access to an indoor space, a good heavy-duty carport or a weatherproof cover will work, but you have to make sure it’s breathable. A lot of people make the mistake of wrapping the loader in a plastic tarp that traps moisture, leading to mold and rust. If you use a cover, pick one made of a breathable material like polyester, and make sure it’s secured tightly so wind can’t blow it off. Never store a used loader in a damp basement or a mud-filled lot—moisture is your enemy here.
We also take small, extra steps to keep pests away. Rodents love to nest in the tight spaces under the cab seats, inside the engine compartment, or in the hydraulic lines of a sitting loader. We’ve had more than one loader come out of storage with chewed wiring, which is a huge repair bill. To prevent this, we spray a mild rodent repellent around the base of the loader and inside the engine compartment before closing it up. We also leave the cab windows cracked just a little bit (an inch or two) so air can circulate—this keeps the cab dry and makes it less attractive to rodents. If you’re storing the loader outside, we keep the area around it free of tall grass, debris, and wood piles, which are perfect nesting spots for mice and rats.
Now, the most important part: starting and running the loader periodically, even if it’s going to be stored long-term. A lot of people think that if you don’t use the loader, you don’t need to start it—but that’s not true. We start every loader in our warehouse once a month, even if it’s only going to be stored for another month. When we start it, we let the engine idle for 15 to 20 minutes, so the oil can circulate through the engine, the hydraulic fluid can warm up and push out any trapped moisture, and all the moving parts get lubricated. We also check the fluid levels, tire pressure, and battery charge every month during storage. If you’re storing a loader outside, we also check for any damage from weather or wildlife, and adjust the tarp or cover if it’s loose. For long-term storage (six months or more), we move the loader a few feet every month—just a couple of turns on the wheels, or lifting the bucket and moving it a foot or two—to keep the suspension and tires from getting stuck in one spot.
When it’s time to take the used loader out of storage, there are a few final checks to make before you put it back to work. First, do a full walkaround: check for rust spots, make sure all the fluid levels are correct, and inspect the tires for flat spots. If you lifted it on jack stands, lower it slowly and make sure it’s sitting level. Then, connect the battery, start the engine, and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks in the hydraulic lines, listen for any unusual noises from the engine or transmission, and test the bucket and lift arms to make sure they work smoothly. If you noticed a flat spot on the tires, drive it slowly for a short distance—most flat spots will smooth out after a few minutes of driving, but if they’re bad, you might need to have the tires replaced before putting the loader back on a jobsite.
At our company, we’ve been working with used loaders for over a decade, and we’ve seen firsthand the difference proper storage makes. A loader that’s stored the right way will have fewer repairs, a longer life, and a higher resale value than one that’s left sitting in the rain and dirt. When a customer comes to us looking for a used loader, we always walk them through the storage process we use, because we want them to know that the machine they’re buying has been cared for every step of the way. Storing a used loader properly isn’t hard—it just takes a little time and attention to detail, and it’s worth every minute to protect such a big investment.
If you’re in the market for a reliable used loader, or if you have equipment you need to store long-term, we’re here to help. Our team has years of experience working with all makes and models of loaders, and we can guide you through every step of the storage process, from prepping the machine to making sure it’s ready to go back to work when you need it. Don’t take chances with your equipment—reach out to us today to learn more about our inventory and how we can help you store your used loader the right way.
Shacman Truck References
- EquipmentWatch. "Storage Best Practices for Heavy Construction Equipment." 2022.
- Caterpillar Inc. "Guidelines for Storing Construction Equipment Long-Term." 2021.
- Association of Equipment Manufacturers. "Preventive Storage Protocols for Used Construction Machinery." 2023.
Heavy Leading Company Limited
Heavy Leading Company Limited is one of the most experienced used loader manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and low price. Welcome to buy discount used loader in stock here and get pricelist from our factory. We also accept customized orders.
Address: Guotang, Quanpu, Liangshang, Jining City, China
E-mail: truckalex@heavyleading.com
WebSite: https://www.truckalex.com/
