When you run an equipment rental company, breakdowns aren’t just inconvenient -- they’re expensive, too. Every hour a machine sits idle is lost revenue, and every disappointed customer can be a serious hit to your reputation. If your skid steer or mini excavator is down because of a failed final drive, that clock starts ticking fast.
Final drive motors are essential components in heavy machinery. They turn hydraulic energy into mechanical motion to propel equipment. Understanding their function, maintenance, and common issues is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Here are some frequently asked questions about final drive motors.
Here are some other Shop Talk Blog posts you might be interested in:
- 5 Questions You Should Ask About a Final Drive Before Buying It
- Basic Types of Hydraulic Fluid for Heavy and Compact Equipment
- Valve Blocks on Final Drive Hydraulic Motors
What is a final drive motor?
A final drive motor is a hydraulic motor that converts hydraulic pressure into mechanical torque. It drives the tracks or wheels of both heavy and compact equipment like excavators, compact track loaders, and skid steer loaders. A final drive motor combines a hydraulic motor with a gear reduction system to provide the necessary force for movement.
Think final drive motors don’t need maintenance? Think again! While they’re built to last, ignoring routine care can lead to big problems down the road—like leaks, breakdowns, or even total failure. The good news? A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your equipment running smoothly, saving you time and money.
In this post, we’re busting common myths about final drive motors and sharing simple tips to keep them in top shape. Let’s dive in and set the record straight!
Here are a few other blog posts that might interest you:
- Final Drive Motor Maintenance: Key Practices to Extend Equipment Life
- Catastrophic Failure: Why Gear Oil Maintenance is So Important
- Hydraulic System Health: Preventive Maintenance for Compact Equipment
1. Myth: Final Drive Motors Are Completely Maintenance-Free
Reality: While final drive motors are durable, they must be regularly maintained. Maintenance includes:
- Checking and changing the gear oil
- Cleaning the undercarriage and around the final drive
- Fluid analysis
Besides the obvious benefits of maintenance, it also ensures the life of your final drive, enhances efficiency, and helps promote excellent performance. If you don’t want to be stranded with a compact machine that won’t move or have to pay costly repair or replacement costs for your final drive, maintain your final drive motors. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased machine performance, increased fuel consumption, and even total machine failure.
Nabtesco is one of the most popular brands of travel motor. In this Shop Talk Blog post, we’ll look into the company and what types of final drive motors they manufacture.
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Do you own a CAT 320, 325, 330, or 336? Read on to learn about the most common causes of final drive motor failure on these machines.
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When a drive part is just too torn up, sometimes you just have to make your own!
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So what do tigers have to do with final drives? Well, read on to find out!
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You've got an older machine that the OEM doesn't support anymore and one of your final drive motors has gone out. What are your options? Find out!
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Some models of two-speed final drive motors are load sensing. This means that the operator doesn’t have to change speeds -- the final drive detects when there is enough of a load to slow down. In this Shop Talk Blog post, we are going to talk about load sensing final drive motors, discuss how they work, and then examine the benefits they offer.
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Do you own or operate a Bobcat mini-excavator? How much do you know about removing the track drive motor? Well, in this Shop Talk Blog post we are going to review the steps involved in removing the drive motor safely and easily.
Check out these other articles on mini excavators and final drive motors:
- Replacing the Drive Motors for a CTL
- CASE CTL: Options for Replacing the Hydraulic Motor and Final Drive
- Hints for Inspecting a Used Mini Excavator
