Shop Talk Blog

The Official Blog for Texas Final Drive

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.

Debunked - Four Final Drive Myths

 

Think final drive motors don’t need maintenance? Think again! While they’re built to last, ignoring routine care can lead to big problems down the road—like leaks, breakdowns, or even total failure. The good news? A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your equipment running smoothly, saving you time and money.

In this post, we’re busting common myths about final drive motors and sharing simple tips to keep them in top shape. Let’s dive in and set the record straight!


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1. Myth: Final Drive Motors Are Completely Maintenance-Free

Reality: While final drive motors are durable, they must be regularly maintained. Maintenance includes: 

  • Checking and changing the gear oil
  • Cleaning the undercarriage and around the final drive
  • Fluid analysis

Besides the obvious benefits of maintenance, it also ensures the life of your final drive, enhances efficiency, and helps promote excellent performance. If you don’t want to be stranded with a compact machine that won’t move or have to pay costly repair or replacement costs for your final drive, maintain your final drive motors. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased machine performance, increased fuel consumption, and even total machine failure.

Nabtesco Travel Motors

by Jim Strong | Aug 19, 2023 |

Final Drive, Excavators, Mini-excavators, Nabtesco

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1 Comment

Nabtesco is one of the most popular brands of travel motor. In this Shop Talk Blog post, we’ll look into the company and what types of final drive motors they manufacture.


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Caterpillar Medium Excavators: Final Drive Failures

Do you own a CAT 320, 325, 330, or 336? Read on to learn about the most common causes of final drive motor failure on these machines.

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CNC Machining Final Drive Motor Parts [VIDEO]

by Dr McCaslin | Jun 04, 2020 |

Final Drive, hub, machining, main housing

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1 Comment

When a drive part is just too torn up, sometimes you just have to make your own!


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Final Drives and Tigers

So what do tigers have to do with final drives? Well, read on to find out!


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Final Drive Solutions for Older Machines

You've got an older machine that the OEM doesn't support anymore and one of your final drive motors has gone out. What are your options? Find out!

 


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Load Sensing Final Drive Motors

by Dr McCaslin | Apr 02, 2019 |

Final Drive, Hydraulic Motors

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0 Comments

Some models of two-speed final drive motors are load sensing. This means that the operator doesn’t have to change speeds -- the final drive detects when there is enough of a load to slow down. In this Shop Talk Blog post, we are going to talk about load sensing final drive motors, discuss how they work, and then examine the benefits they offer.


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Bobcat Mini Excavator Final Drive Motor Removal

Do you own or operate a Bobcat mini-excavator? How much do you know about removing the track drive motor?  Well, in this Shop Talk Blog post we are going to review the steps involved in removing the drive motor safely and easily.

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The Ultimate Glossary of Terms About Hydraulic Motors

Travel motor, drive motor, wheel motor, propel motor, track drive, final drive motor -- all these terms refer to different types of hydraulic motors used to propel mobile equipment. In this Shop Talk Blog post, we are going to review some terms related to hydraulic motors that it would be a good idea for you to know. You may know them already, but a good review is always in order.


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