Replacing your final drive motor is a high-stakes decision affecting your equipment, schedule, and bottom line. But with the correct information and supplier, you can get the job done right the first time. You can't afford to make the wrong decision when it comes to replacing your travel drives.

This Shop Talk Blog post is a step-by-step guide to making a smart, reliable, cost-effective final drive purchase that gets your equipment back on the job faster.

Confirming the Final Drive You Need

The most important step before buying your replacement final drive is confirming you're getting the right one. It’s not always as simple as checking a part number—especially if your machine is older or the original label is missing. Ordering the wrong unit can lead to installation delays, damage to your machine, and wasted time on returns.

To avoid that, gather as much identifying information as possible:

• Make and model of the machine
• Serial number if available
• Any markings or labels on the old final drive (even partial numbers can help)
• Photos and measurements, especially for mounting flanges, hose ports, or output shafts

Many suppliers can help match the correct drive using this information even if the part number is missing or unreadable. Texas Final Drive, for example, offers expert support to identify final drives based on equipment details, photos, and measurements. To simplify the process, they provide a helpful Blank Spec Sheet that you can download, fill out, and send in to ensure an accurate match.

Confirming compatibility upfront helps ensure a smooth installation and prevents costly rework or shipping delays.

Identifying Bobcat T-Series Final Drives

Bobcat T-series machines can be especially tricky when identifying the correct final drive motor. Small design changes across models and years mean that even units that look similar might not be interchangeable.

To ensure a proper match, be prepared to document the following:

• • Number and layout of mounting holes
  • Size and position of hydraulic ports
  • Sprocket and bolt pattern details
  • Any available part numbers or labels—even partial ones

If you're unsure, don’t risk it—contact Texas Final Drive. Their team has the experience and technical resources to help you positively identify the right motor for your Bobcat T-series and avoid costly mismatches.

Choosing Between New, Rebuilt, and Remanufactured

Once you’ve identified the right final drive motor, the next step is deciding what kind of replacement makes the most sense. While the terms new, rebuilt, and remanufactured might sound similar, they refer to very different types of products—and the differences can seriously impact performance, cost, and reliability.

New Final Drives: OEM and Aftermarket

“New” isn’t a one-size-fits-all label. It typically refers to two types of drives:

• OEM new final drives, made by the original equipment manufacturer
• New aftermarket final drives produced by third-party manufacturers

OEM drives are often the go-to for newer machines still under warranty. They’re built to exact original specs, and come with the highest price tag.

New aftermarket drives offer a more budget-friendly alternative. When sourced from a reliable supplier, they provide excellent performance and durability at a lower cost. Texas Final Drive offers OEM and high-quality aftermarket new final drives, allowing buyers to choose what works best for their equipment and budget.

Rebuilt units are typically repaired just enough to function again. This might include replacing a few damaged components while leaving many original, worn parts untouched. Since there’s no standard for what qualifies as “rebuilt,” quality can vary widely from one seller to another.

While the price might look appealing, rebuilt drives often have a higher risk of early failure—especially if internal wear and contamination aren’t fully addressed. Before considering a rebuilt option, be sure to ask:

• What parts were replaced?
• What was reused?
• Was the unit tested under load before shipping?
  

Remanufactured Final Drives

Remanufactured drives are fully torn down and rebuilt to original or better specifications. This is not a patch job—it’s a structured, consistent process that ensures long-term reliability and performance.

At Texas Final Drive, the remanufacturing process includes:

• Complete teardown and thorough cleaning
• Replacement of all seals, gaskets, and bearings
• Careful inspection of reusable components like housings and gears
• Functional, performance, and leak testing to ensure real-world reliability

Remanufactured drives are often the best value, especially for older machines or when balancing performance with cost. They provide the dependability of a new drive without the premium price tag.

Bottom line: Whether you're considering a brand-new OEM drive, a well-built aftermarket model, or a fully remanufactured unit, the best choice depends on your machine’s age, workload, and budget. Texas Final Drive offers all three options, so you can make a decision that fits your needs without compromising quality.

What to Look for in a Supplier

Choosing the right supplier is just as important as choosing the right final drive. The part might be a perfect match, but if the supplier is unreliable, unresponsive, or slow to ship, you could still end up with a costly delay—or worse, a part that doesn’t perform.

Reliability and Specialization

You want a supplier who understands final drives inside and out—not a general equipment vendor who happens to carry them. Look for a company that:

• Specializes in final drive motors
• Offers OEM, aftermarket, and remanufactured options
• Has a reputation for delivering consistent quality
• Shares details about their rebuild or remanufacturing process

Suppliers like Texas Final Drive publish videos, teardown documentation, and blog content demonstrating their expertise. If a supplier can’t explain how their parts are built or tested, that’s a red flag.

Inventory and Shipping Speed

Downtime is expensive, so ask the hard questions:

• Do they stock the final drive you need?
• Where are their warehouses located?
• Can they ship the same day or the next business day?
• Are expedited options available?

A reputable supplier will have systems to quickly confirm part compatibility, process orders efficiently, and get your drive on the road without delay.

Support and Service

A good supplier helps you before and after the sale. This includes:

• Helping identify your final drive if you're unsure
• Providing installation guidance or troubleshooting advice
• Offering clear and responsive communication

If you’re ever unsure about the fit or run into issues during installation, having access to experienced tech support can save hours of frustration—and prevent mistakes.

Pricing and Core Return

Price matters, but so does value. Low-cost final drives may have hidden risks—especially if they’re rebuilt using questionable components or tested inconsistently. A quality remanufactured or aftermarket drive should still come with:

• A clear, reasonable price
• Warranty coverage
• Transparent core return policies
  
  

Texas Final Drive offers remanufactured drives at competitive prices and allows customers to return the old drive (the core) for a credit, helping reduce the total cost of replacement for certain models.

Key takeaway: A good supplier delivers more than a part—they provide speed, service, and confidence. Look for a team that understands your equipment and stands behind what they sell.

Final Questions Before You Buy

Even when the price looks good and the part seems right, it's worth pausing for a final check. Asking the right questions now can save you from major headaches later.

The first thing to confirm is whether the final drive is a guaranteed match for your machine. If you're not 100% certain, take advantage of the supplier’s support team—send over your machine's make, model, and photos. A good supplier will help you confirm compatibility before you commit.

Next, ask about the warranty. Don’t assume every part comes with one or that every warranty offers meaningful protection. A solid supplier should be able to explain what’s covered, how long the coverage lasts, and what you’ll need to do if you ever need to file a claim.

You'll want to understand the return policy if the final drive arrives and doesn’t fit. What happens if the part doesn’t install correctly? Will you be responsible for return shipping or restocking fees? Is there a core return involved, and if so, how is that processed?

You’ll also want to ensure you have everything you need for installation. In many cases, this includes:

• Fresh hydraulic fluid
• Fresh gear oil
• New fittings or mounting bolts
• Proper lifting equipment or supports

Being prepared on the front end can prevent mid-installation delays or damage caused by rushing the process.

Lastly, consider what kind of support you’ll have if something doesn’t go as planned. Will there be someone available to answer questions? Do they offer technical assistance if you run into issues during installation? If the supplier provides installation tips, troubleshooting advice, or real human support, it can make all the difference.

Key takeaway: A few final questions can help ensure you're getting the right part with the proper support so you can confidently move forward.

Conclusion: Make the Call with Confidence

Replacing your final drive motor is a high-stakes decision that affects your equipment, your schedule, and your bottom line. But with the right information—and the right supplier—you can get the job done right the first time.

Start by identifying the correct part using clear specs and measurements. Choose a replacement type—new, remanufactured, or rebuilt—that fits your machine and your expectations for performance and longevity. And most importantly, partner with a supplier who knows final drives, communicates clearly, and stands behind what they sell.

Texas Final Drive offers a full range of new, aftermarket, and remanufactured final drives, backed by experienced support, fast shipping, and a reputation built on helping customers get back to work without delays or surprises.

If you’re ready to make a purchase—or still need help confirming the right part—reach out to the team at Texas Final Drive. You’ll get expert guidance, honest answers, and the kind of service that helps you make the right call the first time.