Shop Talk Blog

Compact equipment rental companies face unique challenges when it comes to the final drive motors for their fleets because their equipment is often subjected to very heavy use by a number of different operators. This Shop Talk Blog post addresses the pain points and how to mitigate them.

Here are some additional Shop Talk Blog Posts you might find helpful:

• 6 Cost-Saving Ways to Manage Fleet Maintenance
• What Fleet Owners Need to Know About Hydraulic Motor Failure
• Benefits of Hydraulic Fluid Analysis for Equipment Fleets of All Sizes

Frequent Repairs and Unexpected Downtime

Because rental equipment is typically used intensively (and often improperly) by operators, it wears out more quickly and experiences breakdowns. Unexpected downtime for repairs and replacements is one of the main reasons why routine inspections and maintenance should be performed before a rental goes out and when one returns. Wear and unexpected downtime are also why rental companies must keep replacement parts on hand.

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.

Halloween Horror Stories from the Construction Site!

As Halloween draws close, tales of haunted houses, monsters, and things that go bump in the night are in full swing. But for those in construction, there’s another type of horror to worry about: the dreaded equipment breakdowns that bring your jobs to a screeching halt. One of the biggest culprits? Final drive motors. Join us as we dive into some familiar “horror stories” and, most importantly, how to avoid them!

Hydraulic systems are powerful and complex,  which is why there is so much emphasis prioritizing safety during maintenance. Discover essential practices that ensure your safety and the longevity of you and your equipment.

An accident involving hydraulic fluid (or hydraulic equipment in general) can be serious (and sometimes fatal), so this Shop Talk Blog post deals with key safety practices. 

Here are a few Shop Talk blog posts you might find helpful:

• Skid Steer Safety and Lift Arms
• Man Killed in Bobcat Skid Steer Loader Accident
• Unusual Excavator Accidents

When considering environmental sustainability, you don’t usually think of your older model skid steer loader. So many of these machines are well-made to the point that they can last for years and years. And many of us have machines that weren’t built for the environment. But did you know that you can still contribute to a green world with old machines?  This Shop Talk Blog post discusses how reman final drives can help you contribute to a greener world - regardless of the age of your machine.

Here are some related Shop Talk Blog posts:

• Final Drive Cores
• 10 Step Final Drive Reman Process
• Reman Bobcat T190 Final Drives

As an owner or operator of compact and heavy equipment, you play a crucial role in maintaining your final drive motor. Your efforts in this area improve your equipment's performance and help avoid costly repairs and downtime. 

We know how essential maintenance is to your equipment's performance and value, so here’s a guide to final drive motor maintenance. This Shop Talk Blog post focuses on industry best practices to keep your motors in top shape.

Hydraulic cylinders lift, push, pull, compress, and extend with a tremendous amount of force. We know how indispensable they are to your compact equipment, so here's a refresher on the basics.

The choice of materials used in your final drive motor is extremely important. The engineers behind hydraulic motors don't randomly choose what type of steel or brass to use. So here is a quick introduction to one of the characteristics engineers consider: material hardness.

Here are a few other Shop Talk Blog posts you might find helpful:

• Real-Life Bearing Failure
• Four Horrifying Final Drive Failures
• Why Metal Surface Finish Can Be Important for Final Drives

We’ve heard that some of our customers are having difficulty finding replacement Takeuchi TL8 final drive motors outside of the dealer. That’s why we’ve been remanufacturing so many lately. Learn more about the Takeuchi TL8 compact track loaders and the final drives we have in stock for them. 

Here are a few other Shop Talk Blog posts ...

• Takeuchi Trivia
• Reman Bobcat T190 Final Drive Motors
• Replacing the Drive Motors for a CTL