Once you've confirmed the final drive is the problem (see Is It Really the Final Drive?), the next question is what to replace it with. For a rental fleet, the answer depends on more than the price. It also depends on how quickly you need the unit back on rent, how long you plan to keep the machine, and whether it's still under factory warranty.
There isn't one right answer for every unit. There is a right answer for each one, and it's usually clear once you look at the trade-offs.
Best for: Machines still under factory warranty, or when you have a fleet policy requiring OEM parts.
Tradeoffs: Usually the most expensive option. Lead times through dealers vary by model and supply.
OEM parts are often the only option that keeps a machine's factory warranty intact. If the unit is new enough that the warranty matters, check that first.
Best for: Out-of-warranty units you plan to keep in the fleet for a while.
Tradeoffs: Quality varies by manufacturer and supplier. Fit and specification have to match your machine and serial number.
A quality new aftermarket drive can deliver OEM-level performance at a lower price. The key is buying from a supplier who checks fitment and backs the product. Texas Final Drive's new final drives carry a two-year warranty, and new travel motor final drives ship free within the continental U.S.
Best for: Controlling cost on older units, machines you plan to sell within a few years, or drives the OEM no longer supports.
Tradeoffs: Quality depends entirely on the remanufacturer's process. Core return may be required.
A properly remanufactured drive is disassembled, cleaned, inspected, machined or repaired as needed, rebuilt with new wear parts, and tested. A used drive pulled from another machine is not the same thing. For the differences, see our guide to final drive cores. Texas Final Drive's reman final drives cost a fraction of the price of a new drive, can significantly increase the value of your existing compact equipment. Texas Final Drive’s reman final drives carry a one-year warranty covering parts and labor, subject to warranty terms and exclusions. Confirm which labor and shipping expenses are covered before ordering. We can also reman drives the manufacturer no longer supports.
Best for: Drives with limited, identifiable damage, such as seal leaks, when you can afford the downtime or have a spare unit.
Tradeoffs: The machine is down while the drive is out, unless you swap in a spare. The final cost depends on what the teardown finds.
**Supplier warranties are subject to coverage terms, installation and maintenance requirements, and exclusions
Here's a hypothetical example. A compact track loader rents for $X per day.
If 7 × $X is more than the price difference, Option B is cheaper overall. Use your own rental rates and real lead times. Most fleets find that availability matters as much as price.
Is a remanufactured final drive as good as new?
A properly remanufactured drive is rebuilt with new wear parts and tested to meet OEM specifications, and it costs less than new. Quality depends on the remanufacturer, so ask about their process, testing, and warranty. Check out our article on the 10-step reman process we follow.
What information do I need to order a replacement final drive?
Have the machine make, model, and serial number. The part number from the drive's tag helps if it's readable. Note whether the machine has two-speed travel. If you'd like to know more, check out our article on Buying a Replacement Final Drive.
Texas Final Drive supplies new and remanufactured final drives and repairs drives for rental fleets running Bobcat, Kubota, John Deere, and other compact equipment. We can also repair and remanufacture drives that are no longer supported by the manufacturer. Once the drive is installed, you can still count on us for answers and support.
Call a final drive expert: 281-259-5267
You can also contact Texas Final Drive or request a quote.