Your Olympia ice resurfacer is the heartbeat of your rink. Without it, there’s no clean, professional-quality ice for games, practices, or public skating. It’s also one of the most expensive assets in your facility—so protecting that investment is essential.
Olympia resurfacers are built to last approximately
8 years or 5,000 operating hours, according to manufacturer Resurfice Corp. However, many facilities successfully push their machines well beyond the decade mark through
proactive maintenance, proper operator training, and diligent recordkeeping.
Extending the operational life of your resurfacer delivers major advantages:
- Fewer emergency breakdowns and repairs
- Higher quality ice resurfacing consistency
- Lower per-year ownership cost
- Greater resale or trade-in value at the end of service life
This guide outlines seven evidence-based strategies, based on Olympia’s own recommendations and the experience of rink professionals, to help you keep your resurfacer running reliably for years to come.
1. Implement a Rigorous Preventative Maintenance Schedule
Preventative maintenance is the single most effective way to extend machine lifespan. Instead of waiting for issues to arise, consistent monitoring and routine service prevent small wear-and-tear issues from escalating into costly repairs.
Daily and Weekly Checks
Before each resurfacing session, operators should:
- Inspect
safety switches, brake systems, and blade tension.
- Verify
fluid levels (engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, and water tanks).
- Check
hydraulic lines for leaks or visible wear.
- Examine
blade edges for sharpness and secure mounting.
Weekly, staff should:
- Clean the conditioner and auger areas thoroughly.
- Lubricate pivot points, lift arms, and hinges.
- Inspect belt tension and condition.
These small actions prevent cumulative damage, which is often responsible for premature wear on hydraulic systems and drivetrains.
Annual Maintenance
According to Resurfice Corp., hydraulic hoses and key components should undergo a complete inspection at least once per year, and full hose replacement every 10,000 operating hours or sooner if wear is observed.
Scheduling an annual professional inspection—such as through CTM Services’ mobile maintenance team—adds an extra layer of assurance and documentation for warranty compliance.
2. Use Only OEM Parts and Approved Fluids
Olympia resurfacers are precision-engineered, and using genuine OEM parts ensures compatibility, safety, and durability. Every filter, belt, or hydraulic hose is manufactured to specific tolerances.
Non-OEM or “universal” parts might seem like a way to save money, but they often cause:
- Improper fit, leading to leaks or misalignment.
- Premature wear of connected components.
- Voided warranty coverage.
For the best long-term results:
- Use
Olympia-branded hydraulic and oil filters.
- Replace
blades, belts, and bearings only with certified Olympia components.
- Always use
fluids meeting Resurfice’s viscosity and temperature specifications—especially important in cold climates.
By sticking with OEM materials, rinks preserve equipment performance and ensure continued access to warranty and service support.
3. Maintain Clean Fluids and Hydraulics
Hydraulic systems are the lifeblood of your resurfacer. They control everything from lifting the conditioner to operating augers and water systems.
Contaminated fluid is the leading cause of hydraulic component failure. Over time, tiny metal particles and debris can circulate through the system, damaging valves, seals, and pumps.
Best practices for fluid maintenance:
- Change hydraulic fluid and filters every 100–150 hours or as stated in your Olympia operator’s manual.
- Perform a
complete system flush annually to remove contaminants.
- Conduct
daily visual inspections for dampness or hose bulging, which indicate leaks.
- Use only
manufacturer-approved hydraulic oil for consistent viscosity in freezing temperatures.
Well-maintained hydraulics keep your resurfacer responsive, smooth, and efficient—while preventing heat buildup and pressure loss that shorten lifespan.
4. Train Operators in Proper Resurfacing Technique
Even the best machine can’t overcome improper operation. The skill and habits of your operators directly influence wear, fuel efficiency, and ice quality.
Operator Best Practices:
- Maintain
consistent speed during resurfacing; avoid sudden starts and stops.
- Monitor
blade height carefully to prevent gouging or overcutting.
- Raise the conditioner before leaving the ice surface or turning sharply.
- Use
proper edging patterns to preserve ice shape, especially in corners.
- Avoid heavy loads of snow on augers—clear it between sessions when possible.
Investing in formal operator training, especially when onboarding new staff, dramatically reduces wear on critical systems and ensures uniform ice conditions.
Olympia and authorized dealers like
CTM Services provide training programs that cover mechanical basics, operator safety, and best resurfacing practices.
5. Store and Shield Your Resurfacer Between Sessions
Where and how you store your resurfacer can have a major impact on longevity.
Ideal storage conditions:
- Indoor, climate-controlled environments with low humidity.
- Avoid storing the machine on ice or near open doors where condensation forms.
- Clean the conditioner, blade housing, and undercarriage after every shift.
- Use a
damp cloth—never a pressure washer—to avoid electrical system damage.
- Lubricate all moving parts weekly, including blade pivots and lift arms.
- Remove
snow or ice accumulation from hydraulic systems before shutdown.
These simple steps prevent rust, corrosion, and freezing damage—especially in facilities where resurfacers operate multiple times a day.
6. Track Usage, Hours, and Component Wear
Data-driven maintenance is a hallmark of modern rink management. Tracking equipment usage ensures timely service and helps operators recognize patterns of wear before problems occur.
Implementation Tips:
- Install an
hour meter or use built-in telemetry to log operating hours.
- Track the number of resurfacing sessions between blade changes.
- Maintain
tire pressure at 85 psi for most Olympia models.
- Record
fluid changes, filter replacements, and hose inspections.
- Review data monthly to identify anomalies in fuel consumption or performance.
By creating a digital or physical maintenance log, you establish accountability and consistency across staff shifts. Accurate data also strengthens resale value by proving your resurfacer’s service history.
7. Schedule Mobile Professional Technician Visits
Even with the most disciplined in-house maintenance, periodic professional servicing adds value and oversight.
Authorized Olympia dealers, such as
CTM Services, provide mobile on-site maintenance, covering:
- Full
hydraulic and fluid inspection
- Filter and belt replacements using OEM components
- Chain lubrication and drivetrain calibration
- Electrical and safety system diagnostics
- Software updates for hybrid or electric models
By having a certified technician inspect your resurfacer annually or semi-annually, you prevent small issues from compounding into costly downtime events.
Tech Insight – How Long Can an Olympia Last?
While the standard expectation is 8 years or 5,000 hours, many well-maintained resurfacers exceed 10–12 years of active service.
Olympia’s engineering prioritizes longevity: heavy-duty chassis, robust hydraulic systems, and modular component design make repairs straightforward and cost-effective. Electric models—like those deployed in the
Town of Strathmore’s sustainability program in Alberta—are projected to perform equivalently to traditional diesel machines with fewer mechanical wear points.
Regular maintenance is the deciding factor: machines with documented service and OEM part replacements nearly always outlast neglected counterparts by several years.
Sustainability & Electric Machine Maintenance
Electric and hybrid Olympia resurfacers are increasingly popular due to lower emissions, quieter operation, and simplified maintenance. However, electric units still require specific care to maximize longevity.
Electric Maintenance Essentials:
- Battery watering and checking electrolyte levels regularly.
- Monitor specific gravity for lead-acid battery systems.
- Conduct
battery diagnostic scans every six months.
- Avoid
charging in freezing conditions or during extended idle periods.
- Keep
charging areas clean and dry to prevent electrical shorts.
Battery health plays the largest role in electric resurfacer lifespan. With proper charging cycles and maintenance, Olympia’s electric battery packs can last 6–8 years before replacement.
Comprehensive Maintenance Checklist
