Do u know anything about your excavator final drive motor? If your excavator experiences several issues like erratic speed shifts and engine stalling, it may be time to have your final drive motor inspected or replaced altogether.

Discussed below are Final Drive Motor FAQs that are sure to help you with the process.

1.    What is a final drive motor?

Final drive motors are specially designed motors that are fitted in heavy-duty machines.

They were built to improve the heavy-duty machines’ ability to move around while working on the job.

A final drive motor is essential as it is a core part that drives the machine’s track wheels to move the machine.

The final drive motor provides user convenience and control by powering the whole machine to deliver a specific travel speed.

It is an equipment motor used to support one end of the revolving structure, especially for construction machinery.

When used in heavy equipment, final drive motors are typically functional on excavators, bulldozers, trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles.

Final drive motors are made up of two parts: the motor and the gear train.

Sometimes, when someone refers to the transmission, they are referring to the final drive. The motor and transmission are commonly known as the final drive motor.

Final drive motor variants include AC electric hydraulic Bowden types, AC electric hydraulic rod linkage types, DC electric Bowden types, DC electric direct drive types, and Diesel-hydraulic Bowden types.

2.     How does a final drive motor work?

A final drive motor is a type of engine used in mechanical drive systems to transmit power and rotation from the power source to the machine’s moving parts or ancillary devices.

A final drive motor works in a similar way to any other motor. The prime mover or engine provides the input to the final drive motor.

It produces torque (the rotating force that propels its load), and it does so by moving an electric current through brushes that rub against a commutator, a copper bar that is connected to the Rotor.

The commutator is made of narrow strips of carbon steel, and this creates a small electrical charge between the glue coating on the Rotor and the commutator’s steel bars.

As a result, the rotatory motion is produced, which later plays its role in moving the machine.

Final drive motors work by converting torque and rpm into a predetermined speed.

When the engine generates enough torque and rpm, the engine’s output is transferred to the transmission, where it is further processed and used to move other machine components.

Once the power has been converted from torque and rpm to speed, it is then transferred to a wheel or tracks to get work done.

The final drive gear housing covered by the wheel is sealed by a rubber plug, which allows for a fluid level check through the center hole.

3. How do I check my final drive oil level?

To check your final drive oil level, Disconnect the driveshaft from the transmission and remove the engine cover.

Use a master cylinder to remove the small screw on the high gear position indicator.

You will then see the dipstick with a mark labeled engine oil at the bottom of its length.

Keeping the dipstick upright, remove it from its hole and wipe it off with a clean rag.

Insert the dipstick back into its hole and remove it again. You will be able to see the current oil level.

It is not necessary to drain any fluid to check this level.

If the oil is low, add oil until you reach the complete line. We recommend using gears oil SAE 80 API-GL5 rated with a viscosity of at 40 degrees C (W80-W90).

The final drive oil level (or gear oil level) is essential to gauge if the fluid is nearing exhaustion.

Low drive oil level can cause damage to your axle gear, final drive output shaft, and a costly repair bill.

4.    How do you disassemble a final drive?

For the average consumer, disassembly of a final drive can be a bit of a daunting task. This answer will teach you everything you need to know to take apart a final drive safely.

First, to carry out the final drive disassembly, remove the rubber belt that mounts to the wheels.

Then, loosen the screws that hold the sprocket side to the frame. Next, detach the track chain connected to the rear sprockets and make sure you don’t lose tension on it.

Finally, disassemble the frame guard from the hydraulic motor.

It is good to place the marks on the hydraulic hoses with your preferred marking to prevent further issues relating to who had the last turn

Then disengage the hydraulic hoses, remove the motor, and clean the stockings, to prevent leakage and penetration of oil and dirt into the hydraulic system.

The next step is to remove the final drive from the Excavator. Ensure you consider all safety measures, as the last industries are weighty and require specific safety measures.

Final Drive Motors are complex and expensive components.

If a failure occurs, safety issues, possible damage, and warranty implications make it essential that a professional properly disassemble the final drive and properly repair each component.

5.    What is the final drive on Excavator?

The final drive on Excavator is its drive motor. A travel motor is the main engine of an Excavator, and it drives the tracks that provide transportation for the machine.

The final drive is a generic term for an excavator’s main components to transmit power from the engine to the driveshafts and eventually to the tracks.

These include the differential and driveline components like gears and shafts and any hydraulic pumps or solenoids that power them.

The Excavator’s final drive motor is a component of the drive train.

It is attached to the transmission and provides the driving force that moves the Excavator column.

This provides power to move the machine forward or reverse, rotating the tracks through a hydraulic system.

The relationship between the drive motors and the engine is most important to keep smooth functionality within Excavators.

6.    What is the function of the final drive?

Final Drive Motor is an electronic drive motor used in cars, trucks, or heavy-duty machines to turn wheels. It is commonly known as a differential, rear end, or axle.

The main task of the Final Drive Motor is to provide rotation or translation.

This system is usually located in the final drive housing, which houses driveshaft’s and other system components.

The transmission controls the final Drive Motors to change gears and rotate to move the wheels at varying speeds.

Final Drive Motors generally have two differentials that provide power to all wheels.

A pinion shaft is placed between both sets of drive gears and transfers rotational energy into linear energy.

This process takes place at any one point in time during a vehicle’s operation, depending on which transaxle is used.

The final drive’s main drives are to transfer energy from an electric motor to a lawnmower or from gas or diesel combustion engines to differentials in heavy-duty machines.

7.    What are the precautions that you should be aware of when handling final drive oil?

For efficient power transmission, there is a need to ensure that the surrounding conditions are suitable.

Final Drive Motor oil is an automotive lubricant used to reduce friction between the drive gear and transmission gear and drive system components.

The fluid temperature and pressure should be maintained at the specified level. This is essential for the efficiency of the vehicle’s performance and the extended service life of lubricants, gears, and axle shafts.

It is imperative to keep the differential oil in a state of equilibrium with relation to its viscosity.

Differential gear lubricants should not influence, in any way, or alter, the working and performance characteristics of other transmission components.

Final drive motor oils should always be handled with care and disposed of properly once they have finished their useful life.

This is especially required when using petroleum-based oils since the oil can easily contaminate natural resources and the environment.

All used gear oil should be stored in approved containers that prevent the spread of any possible contamination.

The primary problems can be caused by oil leaks, unusual noises, excessive wear and deterioration of the drive components, and the gears found in transmissions and differentials.

You should follow precautions when handling Final Drive to maintain your vehicle’s performance and avoid unnecessary costs.

8.    How do I change the oil in my final drive excavator?

The final drive of an excavator is located at the end of the axles, typically at the bottom of your machine.

Typically, the oil level should be checked and changed every 500 operating hours.

If your Excavator has a mechanical face seal, you will need to change the oil pump assembly housing assembly due to plastic wear.

First, remove the main drain plug located on your motor’s bottom to change the oil in the final drive.

Remove any dirt or debris from the drain area and replace the plug.

Next, use a dipstick to make sure that you have at least two-thirds of a quart (two liters) of gear oil in your machine, then add as needed with a funnel and large-diameter funnel. Replace the dipstick and re-tighten the cap.

9.    How do you calculate the final drive ratio?

The final drive ratio refers to the number of turns it takes for the wheel on one end of an axle to make one complete rotation compared to the wheel at the other end of that axle.

The formula is as follows:

Final Drive Ratio = (Pinion Gear Diameter / Transmission Gear Diameter) ^ 4

Example: If your pinion gear has a diameter of 1″ and is connected to a transmission gear with a diameter of 3″, your final drive ratio will be (1/3) ^4 or about 0.25, which means that it takes four times more rotations for the axle.

The final drive ratio can also be calculated by dividing the number of teeth on the ring gear by the number of pinion gear teeth.

Final drive ratio = No. of teeth on ring gear/ No. of teeth on Pinion gear

10. How should waste oil from a final drive assembly be stored and disposed of?

What do you think of retailers who dump their used oils down the drain? They’re polluting land, water, and wildlife.

That’s one way to dispose of used oils. Instead, make sure that used oils are recycled or taken out of the waste stream entirely.

All oils, including hydraulic oil, coolant oils, quenching oils, machine oil, and engine oil, are classified as hazardous waste.

All containers—even plastic ones—should be cleaned through as much as possible before recycling.

If you have more than one bin to store waste oils, make sure they are clearly labeled and kept in a secure area.

If you are going to store in a double skin tank, the tank must be protected by a bunding material. If stored in a single-skinned tank, then the tank needs to have a protective cover.

As referring to oil filters, drain the drained oil into a drum on your premises for collection by an environmental protection agency certified transporter.

According to the EPA, more than half of the states and entire nations restrict or prohibit businesses from producing waste oils. If you’re in a form that doesn’t allow you to create waste oils, make sure your chosen contractor is EPA-approved.

Keep the existing Waste Management contractor in place for at least two years.

11. What kind of oil goes in a final drive?

The type of oil that you use in your final drive depends on the vehicle.

Many different types of vehicles have final drives, including cars, motorcycles, off-road machinery, and construction equipment.

Manufacturers install specific oils for their final drives, but it is essential to remember that not all fats are universal.

Many different oils are formulated for use in final drives, all coming in different viscosities to distribute heat efficiently.

Final drive oils must be designed to handle the extreme heat created by a car’s engine’s movement.

A dark-colored gear oil indicates a heavier viscosity or thicker oil ideal for extreme conditions, such as an in-door arena during the winter.

You can find these oils with several additives such as anti-wear, extreme pressure, rust, and oxidation protection.

12. What are the questions you should ask before buying a final drive motor?

There are many questions to ask before you buy a final drive motor. So, don’t decide until you have asked these questions and received satisfactory answers.

It would be best to get the answers quickly from the seller because it is available on every motors list in the market.

Ask about the brand?

Sometimes, it isn’t easy to find brands of aftermarket final drives that offer customers’ level of quality. The internet is full of dealers who sell anything for a profit. Get recommendations from trusted sources and only buy aftermarket final drives from reputable dealers.

Ask about the warranty?

When buying a new hard drive or a remanufactured one, make sure they come with any necessary warranties. Most new final drives have a warranty of one or two years, while the prepared final drives have only a year warranty. You must understand that if a contract sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Ask about its availability?

Make sure your seller has the right final drive for your cabinet. If not, it can mean delays and wasted time. It’s not only essential to have the last campaign you need on hand, but you want to make sure they have enough to satisfy your needs.

Ask about shipping?

When it comes to final drives, you should ask about shipping policies and the price associated with shipping. On average, final drives can cost a couple of hundred dollars to ship. Some may provide free shipping to specific industries. Either way, you should ask about these policies before buying a final drive.

13. What are the components of the final drive motor?

The final drive system has external housing consisting of two parts: an axle and wheels through which power is transferred.

The final drive includes clutch, converter group, output shaft, slipping, gear train, and final drive gears for close-ratio gearing.

High-quality materials such as brass, domestic bearings are used in final drives because they require little maintenance.

The Main Parts of a Motor include the motor armature, Rotor, and sealed back Magnetic Field components that make up the motor. Located around the Rotor is the permanent magnet field.

14. How to check the gear oil level of the Excavator final drive motor?

The correctly arranged midnight position is an important consideration when installing your travel motor’s cover plate. The proper arrangement of the 12 o’clock and 3 o’clock plugs will ensure that the engine is balanced and centered in its mounting when installed.

Empty that thing of the rest of the debris, dirt, mud, sand, soil, etc.

Striking the plug with a hammer may be necessary to loosen it.

Venting a drive is very important. If you’re uncertain about which plug to use, why don’t you leave both in the hole and see how it works?

It’s easy to tell your mileage when you check if the oil is level at 3 o’clock (or 9 o’clock). You might even get an idea of whether your drive has sufficient oil.

When the oil is low, you need to refill it in the same way you would a car. You add more oil until it no longer runs out at the opening.

Once the oil has been topped off, replace the lower plug.

15. What are the reasons the final drive fails?

The reasons for failure can be many, so it’s essential to take regular care of your final drive.

The following checklist may help you recognize and prevent potential issues, which could rob you of valuable time with family and friends.

Final drive motors can overheat and cease to operate due to inappropriate seal material used in the last drive seals.

These seals can destroy themselves through fraying or cracking, as well as having a lack of oil lubrication.

When oil cannot get to these seals due to an oil filter issue that may be clogged.

You may notice unusual sounds emitting from your rotational device like grinding or rattling noises, and you may even hear a screeching sound at times.

If you hear these noises coupled along with the fact your motor seems no longer capable of turning your machine.

Look over the brushes or brushes and commutator, as this is where the electric currents come into contact with the metal housing.

If they’re worn or damaged in any way, replace them immediately because this causes the other symptoms to occur more quickly.

Also, be sure that oil levels and oil quality are correct; thin oil will cause wear in moving parts even faster than usual.

16. How to remove the final drive motor from Excavator?

The first thing you’ll need to do is locate the track drive. It’s behind the final drive.

First, loosen the sprocket bolts located in front of the final drive (make sure plastic protectors for both sides protect your hands).

Once they are all loose, remove the motor cover plate (using a screwdriver or similar tool).

Should you need to remove your differential, make sure that it is safely supported? Differentials are heavy but not as serious as a final drive.

A sling or stand can be used to support the weight of the differential’s weight safely.

Once the final drive is removed, make sure to mark the hoses and fittings so it’s easier to reinstall them later.

Lots of customers put color-coordinated zip ties on the hoses and fittings to keep track of them.

This helps make things easier at a later time when you’re ready to put the final drive back together.

Before moving forward with the rest of the procedure, you should first check for leaks and damage to the vehicle’s hydraulic system.

Also, make sure there is no foreign matter in the hoses or ports. Tightly secure each component before moving forward.

The final drive is the large gear that sits at the end of the rubber track. It turns the chain and rubber tires that roll along the surface of the way.

If it’s stuck, you can pry it from the inside of the frame. Butterflying or bending it so that it comes free may also be necessary.

Don’t ever hit at or against the motor itself. This will damage the engine and prolong its life.

17. How to install the final drive motor?

Installation of Final Drive Motor is given below. Unscrew the opening cover and place it on the rear of the motor.

Pull out all bolts used for holding transmission and final drive together to loosen and remove them.

Be gentle when removing the bolts because they’re necessary for connecting the motor. You can remove them all if you need to but remember how they should be attached so you can reattach them later.

Remove Cardan shaft. Install final drive on Cardan shaft, and install with bolts and nuts from bottom-up order. Check all bolts and nuts forward and backward to confirm no cross-threading problem or poor connection.

Install hydraulic lines for an operation test.

Mount all protective parts and check clutch function. If operating in normal condition, adjust parking brake, change valve pressure, clean machine bottom plate, mark with three stripes or labels for distinguishing.

18. How to check leakage in the final drive motor?

Leakage of gear oil is a condition that causes a reduction in the efficiency of the drive motor.

It leads to the damage of seal and sprocket, which finally influences wearing tracks and causes a reduction in tire durability.

A leaking final drive motor is expensive to repair, so checking the system regularly can prevent problems.

Preliminary check the following:

Uninstall Final Drive Motor from the vehicle.

Check the main shaft for damage and wear; replace it if necessary.

Confirm that there is no oil or water on the motor contact surface or final drive housing (when not installed on the vehicle).

Confirm that the sprocket, brake disc armature, and other vehicle parts are not oily, sooty, or with signs of oil-like discoloration.

Confirm that the gearbox, steering box, power steering pump are free from oil.

If there is any oil present in any of these components, it provides a piece of solid evidence that there is oil leakage. It would be best if you took action to avoid excess harm.