If your compact track loader or skid steer has started making unusual noises, don鈥檛 ignore it. Strange sounds are one of the first signs that something may be going wrong inside your final drive motor. And if you catch the problem early, you might be able to avoid costly repairs鈥攐r worse, a complete failure that brings your jobsite to a halt.
In this Shop Talk Blog post, we walk through some common noises that could mean trouble, and then explain what might be causing them. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or running a growing fleet, knowing what to listen for can save time, money, and frustration.
Here are a few other Shop Talk Blog posts you might find helpful:
Grinding typically means that something that should be smooth is now rough. Perhaps contaminants have entered the system. Maybe the gear oil hasn鈥檛 been changed in a while. Either way, it鈥檚 a sign that damage is already happening, and it鈥檚 only going to get worse unless you stop and investigate.
A constant whining or screeching noise may seem less dramatic than a grind, but it鈥檚 just as serious. This sound often means there鈥檚 a hydraulic issue, possibly cavitation or fluid starvation. It can also be caused by restrictions in the system or suction-side leaks. It can also point to an issue with the . If the brakes aren't releasing like they should, they will generate this type of sound.
If your hydraulic fluid is too low, contaminated, or aerated, your final drive may not be getting the pressure it needs. The result? Screeching seals, stressed components, and heat buildup. Left unchecked, this can lead to blown seals or even a seized motor.
Clicking is often linked to damaged bearings or broken gear teeth. If the issue is mechanical, that sound is a clue that parts inside your final drive aren鈥檛 meshing properly. If caught early, you might be able to replace the faulty part. If ignored, it could lead to total failure.
Hear a hissing or air-like fizzing noise coming from your hydraulic system? That鈥檚 not normal. In most cases, it means there鈥檚 air in the system, a type of contamination that鈥檚 easy to overlook.
Air can get in through loose fittings, cracked lines, or failing seals. Once inside, it can cause foaming in the hydraulic fluid, which reduces lubrication and leads to increased wear on internal parts. Over time, aerated fluid can damage seals, overheat components, and significantly reduce the lifespan of your final drive.
At this point, the final drive may already be beyond repair. Continuing to operate the equipment could also damage other systems. The safest course of action is to stop what you're doing and call for expert help.
Hearing something unusual? Take it seriously. Here鈥檚 what to do next:
It鈥檚 tempting to keep working and hope it gets better, but these noises are your warning signs. Acting early could be the difference between a simple seal replacement and a full teardown.
When it comes to heavy equipment, your ears can be just as valuable as your tools. If something doesn鈥檛 sound right, there鈥檚 usually a reason. Paying attention now can prevent expensive downtime later.
At 麻豆直播 Final Drive, we鈥檝e helped contractors and fleet managers catch issues before they turn into full-blown failures. Our final drive experts are here to help with diagnostics, replacement parts, and advice, as well as our .
Give us a call at (281) 259-5267 or explore more maintenance tips on our Shop Talk Blog. Don鈥檛 let a strange sound turn into a serious problem: listen early and act fast.