Comparing Hydraulic Motors

Right in the middle of a time-sensitive job your CAT skid steer loader won’t move.  It’s a hydraulic motor, and you need a replacement ASAP.  What can you expect when you go online to find a replacement?  What should you look for when comparing different companies?  That's the topic of this Shop Talk Blog post.

• Final Drives: Re-Manufactured versus Rebuilt
• Effectively Cleaning a Final Drive
• The Remade Institute and Re-Manufacturing

1. Hydraulic Motor Replacement Options

You have some options as to how you can approach replacement of Rexroth hydraulic motors for your CAT skid steer.  You can purchase a new hydraulic motor directly from your local Caterpillar dealer, directly through Caterpillar online, or you can purchase one from a Rexroth distributor.

Some companies will offer remanufactured and rebuilt Rexroth motors at a considerable discount compared to the price of a new motor -- possibly saving thousands of dollars.  In general, a remanufactured hydraulic motor will be of a much higher level of quality than a rebuilt one because a remanufactured one will be restored to meet or exceed original factory specifications. 

There is yet another options: if time isn’t a critical issue, some companies will allow you so send in your current hydraulic motor to be repaired, rebuilt, or remanufactured. 

2. Hydraulic Motor Prices and Quotes

Most of the companies that sell hydraulic motors online will have their prices posted online so you can tell in instant if it fits into your budget.  Not all companies will do that, however.  If they don’t have a price listed then you will either need to request a quote or give them a call. 

3. Hydraulic Motor Inventory Levels

Before you commit to purchasing a replacement Rexroth motor, make sure that the company you are planning to use has it inventory.  Inventory levels vary, of course, but some companies make a sincere effort to keep the most commonly used parts and motors in stock. 

If you order a motor only to find out it isn't in stock, it could mean a considerable loss of time (and money) for you while you wait.

4. Hydraulic Motor Warranties

Just about all companies that deal in final drives and hydraulic motors will have some type of warranty in place.  How long the warranty lasts usually depends on whether it’s a reman/rebuilt hydraulic motors or a new one.  Not all remanufactured or rebuilt hydraulic motors come with a warranty, however.  Those that are available vary; one option is a one-year trouble free warranty on parts and labor, but not all companies will offer that. 

Warranties for new final drives vary from 90 days to 2 years, and terms vary greatly.  There are also some companies that offer lifetime warranties, but they come with pro-rating rules and very strict maintenance requirements.

Not all companies will have their warranty information clearly explained on their site, however. 

5. Hydraulic Motor Shipping

Some companies offer free shipping on Caterpillar hydraulic motors and final drives, but that is usually limited to smaller models that don’t require freight.  Some companies offer a flat rate shipping charge, which can be a lifesaver if the final drive you need to order is a bit on the heavy side.  Others vary the shipping charge based on destination and weight, and there may be additional charges if the drive is being shipped to a residential address.

For most companies, if they have the final drive in stock and you get your order in before 3 p.m., then they will ship your final drive out that same time.  However, the catch here is whether they have the drive you need in stock.  Companies that stock a large inventory of final drives are more likely to be able to ship your final drive out quickly.

New, Rebuilt, or Reman Final Drive Motor?

When it comes time to replace your final drive on a Caterpillar skid steer, you have a variety of options to choose from, starting with whether you want a new, rebuilt, or reman final drive motor.  Dion't forget that a reman motor means savings and quality that can save you money now and in the long run, too.  Once you establish which option you are going with, you can begin comparing prices, warranties, shipping costs, lead times, and shipping times.

Looking for the right CAT Skid Steer Loader Hydraulic Motor?  Texas Final Drive provides  "best in class" final drive motors that meet all of the criteria and more...Get it now!