The final drive, despite being a fairly small device, is what powers the tracks on heavy construction equipment. You’ll find them on machines like excavators, mini excavators, cranes, bulldozers, and more.
When the final drive fails, so does the vehicle’s ability to move. And because heavy construction equipment is often used to traverse bumpy, uneven terrain on dusty worksites, they tend to wear down quickly and require regular replacement. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your final drive, but sometimes, replacing the final drive motor entirely is the better decision. Here are three reasons why final drive motors should be replaced on mini excavators.
1. Increased Performance and Efficiency
Have you ever noticed that, as the battery on your impact driver or handheld drill starts to drop, so does its performance? The feeling can be kind of like that. As parts within the final drive begin to wear down or age, they lose the efficiency they once had and are no longer able to perform their duties as effectively.
If your mini excavator doesn’t travel uphill or on difficult terrain as easily as it used to, that alone is a good sign that it’s time for a replacement. You never want to risk an accident or the safety of your workers with a vehicle that cannot perform one of its core duties as efficiently as it should be.
2. Save Money on Repair Costs
Repairing a final drive is a complicated, and also time-consuming, process. It requires specialized knowledge, usually takes the excavator out of commission for a longer period than a parts replacement would, and the part will eventually fail regardless.
There are also a handful of instances in which a replacement part should be obtained sooner rather than later. An oil leak inside the final drive’s gearbox, for instance, can be potentially dangerous and a possible sign of too much pressure building up within the gearbox.
3. May Be Able to Upgrade Your Final Drive
Newer and also better? Many modern final drives are designed to be more efficient than their predecessors: easier to maintain, boasting of lower operating costs and improved safety features, and more powerful. Some modern models are even equipped with sensing technology that could help prevent accidents, by detecting potential hazards, reducing operator error, and increasing the operator’s awareness of their surroundings.
Newer models are usually more energy-efficient than older models. Much like how the cars of today get better gas mileage, newer models of final drives consume less fuel for the same amount of power. Often, they also have fewer moving parts, which leads to lower repair costs down the line.
Upgrading or replacing your mini excavator’s final drive can be a smart move in the long run. The decision to replace your final drive has the potential to save time and money, make workers’ jobs easier, and potentially even make their jobs safer. You can enjoy improved reliability now, and cost savings for years to follow, by replacing your final drive now at opportune time!
