When it comes time to ship a final drive motor, whether its part of a core exchange or you want it rebuilt, it's important that you ship it in a safe manner. In this Shop Talk Blog post, we are going to give you some hints and tips for shipping your final drive core so that it doesn’t get damaged in transit.

Before You Ship It

First, we want you to know that there is no need to worry about your final drive motor being caked in hardened mud and debris. Final drive dealers expect that -- if you ship it to us, we clean it up ourselves so don’t let that be a concern. Next, before you ship it you want make sure that the hydraulic ports are securely plugged. No one wants hydraulic fluid leaking out during transit.

Ideally, we want the final drive to be fully assembled. If there is a problem with that, place any loose parts in a heavy duty garbage bag. That way they won’t be rolling around during shipment. If loose parts are moving around, then something is going to end up seriously damaged. Finally, there is no need to ship the sprocket with your final drive. We also recommend that you hang on to the fittings.

Wooden Crates?

One last thing before we move on to specifics: some people mistakenly think that the best way to ship a final drive core is in a wooden crate. Our experience has been that wooden crates aren't the best way to ship cores or the best way to be sure that they'll be handled appropriately. 

Packaging Smaller Final Drives

If it’s a small final drive that weighs less than 150 pounds, it can be shipped in a bucket. Get at least a 5-gallon industrial strength bucket and remove the wire handle. Cut a ¾” plywood circle to fit in the bottom of the bucket and then place your final drive on top of it. Add some packing paper or bubble wrap, then place another plywood circle on top of the drive. Duct tape the lid in place, and its ready to go.

Packaging Larger Final Drives

For a final drive that weighs more than 150 pounds, start with a strong cardboard box big enough for it to fit inside. Put the final drive inside, then fill up all the remaining area with expanding foam. You’ll probably need at least two cans and possible more, depending on how big the box is. Seal the box up and reinforce the outside with heavy-duty straps. Now it’s ready to ship.

Conclusion

Whether you need to ship a final drive for a Bobcat T190 or CAT 248B skid steer loader, these guidelines will help you ship your core safely with minimum damage. Remember to securely plug the hydraulic ports and avoid any loose parts before you ship it. For smaller drives, you can use an industrial bucket and with larger drives you can use a cardboard box filled with expanding foam.

PS:  Don't forget to read up on our Core Buyback Program and our blog post on final drive cores

Here's an awesome guide with all the information you need to ship your final drive or final drive core!

Download it today!

Texas Final Drive is your partner in providing new or remanufactured final drive hydraulic motors from a single mini-excavator to a fleet of heavy equipment. Call today so we can find the right final drive or hydraulic component for you, or check out our online store to find your O.E.M. manufacturer brand motor now.