Shop Talk Blog

The Official Blog for Texas Final Drive

Jim Strong

Jim represents the team of professionals behind Texas Final Drive.
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Recent Posts

Maximizing ROI From Compact Equipment: A Smart Business Owner's Guide

by Jim Strong | Jan 26, 2025 |

Compact Equipment

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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:

Final Drive Challenges: Pain Points for Compact Equipment Rental Businesses

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.



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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: Frequently Asked Questions

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.


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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.

Don’t Get Spooked by Your Final Drive!

by Jim Strong | Oct 28, 2024 |

Final Drive Failure, mechanical gore

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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!

Final Drive Motor Maintenance: Key Practices to Extend Equipment Life

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.


The Basics of Hydraulic Cylinders

by Jim Strong | Jun 16, 2024 |

Hydraulic Cylinders

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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.

 

Over-Tire-Tracks for Skid Steers: What You Need Know

by Jim Strong | Mar 29, 2024 |

Tracks, OTT

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Skid steer loaders are versatile workhorses in numerous industries ranging from heavy construction to delicate landscaping. These compact machines are renowned for their maneuverability and ability to tackle various tasks. One crucial aspect of skid steer loaders is their choice of wheel tracks. Sometimes, tires won't do the job when you need more flotation or traction, and that's where over-the-tire tracks come in. When selecting the right OTT tracks for your skid steer loader, understanding the pros and cons of each option is vital.

In this Shop Talk Blog post, we'll look at the pros and cons of rubber and steel over tire tracks.


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


Bobcat T190s and Their Final Drives

Bobcat CTLs are truly "one tough animal" and the Bobcat T190 is no exception. In this Shop Talk Blog post, we'll talk a bit about the T190 and the different types of final drive motors they may have.


Here are a few articles you might find of interest:

Maintaining Skid Steer Final Drives for Optimal Performance and Reliability

by Jim Strong | Feb 29, 2024 |

Final Drive Maintenance, Gear oil, Leaks, Duo-cone Seal

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We know that it’s vital to keep your skid steers rolling year-round and that the key to their reliability and performance lies in maintenance.

In this Shop Talk blog post, we’ll discuss the key maintenance tasks for skid steer final drivesthat will increase their uptime, reduce repair costs, and extend their lifespan.


Here are some additional blog posts you might be interested in:

Exploring Hydraulic Connectors: Types and Applications

Your hydraulic equipment has many different hydraulic connectors, and it’s good to know the different types. In this Shop Talk Blog post, we’ll talk about hydraulic connectors (threaded, flange, and quick disconnect) -- including how they work and where you’re likely to find them.


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