Shop Talk Blog

You’re halfway through a job, the sun’s beating down, and suddenly your machine grinds to a halt. The final drive gave out again. This not only disrupts your work but also leads to costly repairs and potential project delays. It is frustrating, expensive, and all too common.

Final drives are supposed to last. When they don’t, it is not just bad luck. More often than not, there is a reason behind the failure. And if you do not know what caused it, you are likely to face the same problem again. 

In this Shop Talk Blog post, we will look at the most common reasons final drives wear out sooner than they should and what you can do to prevent it from happening on your next job.

• Dr Mac's Notebook: Basics of Mechanical Stress
• Metal Hardness and Your Final Drive Motor
• 4 Horrifying Final Drive Failures

Did you know that a single leak, dripping one drop per second, can result in the loss of 420 gallons of oil annually? And that over 100 million gallons of fluids could be saved every year in North America ifexternal leakage from hydraulic machinery and other lubricated equipment were eliminated.  And a small leak in your final drive is not just a nuisance—it’s an early warning sign of bigger trouble. Leaks mean critical fluids are seeping out, and damaging contaminants can make their way inside.

In this Shop Talk Blog post, we’ll discuss the causes of leaks, the symptoms to look out for, and why it's essential to address leaks as soon as possible.

Here are a few other Shop Talk Blog posts to take a look at:

• Maintaining Skid Steer Final Drives for Optimal Performance and Reliability​
• How to Check and Change the Gear Oil in a Final Drive Motor
• Advancements in Hydraulic Motor Design: Clearances
  
  

A skid steer loader only takes a second to turn from a helpful tool into a deadly hazard. Compact and powerful, these machines are worksite essentials but also have serious risks. In 2024, multiple workers lost their lives in tragic skid steer accidents, each one a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.

This blog post explores eight fatal skid steer incidents reported to OSHA in 2024, including rollovers, crushing injuries, and drownings. By examining these real-world tragedies, we aim to highlight standard danger zones and offer insights into how such accidents can be prevented in the future. Whether you're an operator, supervisor, or safety manager, understanding these risks is the first step toward making your job site safer.

Here are some other blog posts you might find helpful:

• Safe Hydraulic System Maintenance Practices You Should Follow
• Skid Steer Safety and Lift Arms
• Man Killed in Bobcat Skid Steer Loader Accident
• Unusual Excavator Accidents
  

It’s Not Just Your Equipment That Overheats

It’s not even 10 a.m. and your shirt’s already soaked through. The sun’s beating down, the air feels like soup, and there’s still eight hours to go. You’ve got work to do—but the heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s dangerous.

Most folks know that equipment can overheat in the summer. But what about you? Your body’s working just as hard as your machine—and if you ignore the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke, you’re gambling with more than downtime. You’re putting your health (and maybe even your life) on the line.

Let’s talk about how the heat hits you—and how to stay safer on the job—in this Shop Talk Blog post.

Here are a few other blog posts that might be helpful:

• Heat and Hydration
• Taking Charge of Your Safety: Precautions Against Heat When Working Outdoors

Every rental company owner knows the feeling: the phone rings, and it’s a frustrated customer. The skid steer they rented just stopped moving, or a mini excavator won’t track straight anymore. It’s not just one job interrupted—it’s your business reputation on the line.

In this Shop Talk Blog Post, we’ll break down exactly why Texas Final Drive is that partner, already trusted by rental business owners across the country to keep their fleets running, their customers satisfied, and their profits protected.

Here are a few other Shop Talk Blog posts you might be interested in:

• FAQs About Remanufactured Hydraulic Final Drive Motors
• Maximizing ROI From Compact Equipment: A Smart Business Owner's Guide
• 6 Cost-Saving Ways to Manage Fleet Maintenance

In the rental industry, uptime is everything. When equipment breaks down mid-rental, you’re not just dealing with repair costs—you’re scrambling to make things right for the customer, trying to locate a replacement, and hoping the bad experience doesn’t turn into a negative online review. Every machine that goes down unexpectedly means lost revenue and potential damage to your credibility.

You’re halfway through a job—maybe clearing land, moving dirt, and making real progress—and suddenly, your skid steer or mini excavator starts acting up. Perhaps it’s slowing down, losing power, or making a noise you know it’s not supposed to make. That sinking feeling hits: something’s not right.

If you’re like most independent contractors, every hour your machine is down is money lost. You don’t have time to sit around guessing at what’s wrong, and you definitely don’t want to throw parts at a problem, hoping for the best. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to a major breakdown, more downtime, and significantly higher repair costs.

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

• Maximizing ROI From Compact Equipment: A Smart Business Owner's Guide
• Debunked - Four Final Drive Myths
• Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Compact Track Loader's Final Drive

When your final drive fails, we know that it’s far more than just a mechanical issue—it’s lost time, delayed projects, and severe stress on your bottom line. But a failed final drive doesn’t always mean you need a brand-new replacement. At Texas Final Drive, we specialize in remanufacturing final drives—taking what’s broken, rebuilding it to OEM or better standards, and giving it a whole new lease on life.

In this Shop Talk Blog post, we’ll discuss what happens behind the scenes when a “dead” final drive comes into our shop.

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

• A Masterclass in Maintaining Your Final Drives
• Reman Final Drives in a Greener World
• Maximizing ROI From Compact Equipment: A Smart Business Owner's Guide

Hydraulic systems are vital to your compact equipment, including SSLs, CTLs, and mini excavators. Hydraulic hose fittings, including those that connect final drives to your system, are key components that ensure the efficient transfer of hydraulic fluid and power. 

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, mastering the knowledge and skills associated with hydraulic hose fittings is important. This Shop Talk Blog guide covers everything you need to know, from understanding the types of hydraulic hose fittings to best practices for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Here are a few other Shop Talk blog posts you might find of interest:

• Causes of Hydraulic Hose Failure
• Guide to Hydraulic Hose Failure
  

If you work in construction, landscaping, forestry, or agriculture, you know the importance of keeping your equipment in top shape. Final drive motors are essential for many machines, and when they fail, you're left with a tough decision: repair, buy new, or go with a remanufactured motor.

Below, we answer some common questions about remanufactured hydraulic final drive motors to help you make an informed choice.

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

• Reman Final Drives in a Greener World
• Reman Bobcat T190 Final Drives
• Differences Between Reman and Used Final Drive Motors

1. What is a remanufactured final drive motor?

A remanufactured final drive motor is a used one that has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt with new or reconditioned parts. It’s restored to meet or exceed the OEM performance and reliability standards. Think of it as getting a professionally restored classic car—old but running like new.

Compact equipment like skid steers and mini excavators are powerful tools for construction, landscaping, and agriculture -- and they represent a significant investment for any business owner. 

To ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck, maximize your return on investment (ROI). Here's how to calculate ROI, utilize attachments to diversify your services, and keep your machines running smoothly to minimize downtime.

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

• Are Aftermarket Final Drives a Good Investment?
• 6 Cost-Saving Ways to Manage Fleet Maintenance
• 5 Little Changes That'll Make a Big Difference With Your Final Drive Hydraulic Motors