Shop Talk Blog

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

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.

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!

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.