Operators and owners of compact excavators often think that tracks and final drives are completely separate systems, but in reality, their performance depends heavily on each other. In fact, neglecting the tracks and undercarriage can quietly destroy a final drive motor. 

In this Shop Talk Blog post, we’re going to be talking about track condition, tension, and maintenance, all of which directly impact the life and performance of your final drive motors.

Track Tension: The Hidden Strain on Your Final Drive

A common issue that occurs between mini excavators and final drives is the track tension. Tracks that are too tight and tracks that are too loose can both damage your final drives.

If the tracks on your machine are too tight, it can make your final drive motors appear weak, especially when your machine is going uphill or carrying a significant load. Tracks that are too tight can result in wasted power and excessive fuel consumption. In addition, tracks that have been overly tightened will cause idlers and rollers to wear out prematurely. In extreme cases, it can even damage the tracks themselves.

Tracks that are too loose can come off your compact excavator (i.e., detrack). Loose tracks will also accelerate the wear of critical parts, such as pins, bushings, and even the sprocket. A worn sprocket can mimic final drive problems. As an added complication, if you tighten the tracks when they are packed with debris, they will likely be too loose once the debris is cleaned out. In addition, when a mini excavator detracks, it can create serious shock loads that can crack the hubs of your final drives or even damage the motor shafts.

The exact procedure for measuring and adjusting track tension varies depending on the manufacturer and model of excavator you have. Always refer to your manual to determine the frequency, proper tension, and procedure for adjusting the track tension for your particular machine. 

Also, keep in mind that debris in your tracks can affect your track tension, so clean out the tracks and undercarriage before attempting to adjust the tension.

Dirt and Debris: The Silent Killers

Mud, sand, dirt, gravel, and other debris accumulate around the undercarriage and sprockets of mini excavators, which is unavoidable. Neglecting this buildup, however, means you risk damaging your final drive motor to the point of total failure.

The buildup can pack in around your track motors to the point that it compromises the face seals. Enough debris can start to push those face seals apart. This leads to leaks, where hydraulic fluid and gear oil leak out, and very damaging contaminants make their way in. In just a short time, a travel motor can be totaled simply because a debris buildup damaged a critical seal.

You can address this issue by cleaning the tracks and undercarriage regularly, preventing debris from accumulating. This simple task can save thousands in repair and replacement.

Sprockets, Rollers, and Idlers

Worn sprockets and misaligned rollers will impact the torque transfer from the final drive motors. Misalignment leads to vibration, uneven track loading, and added stress on the final drive's output shaft. Additionally, worn sprockets can accelerate track wear and create inconsistent loads, which also shorten the life of the final drive motor. All of this negatively impacts the performance of your travel drive motors and can lead to shortened life and excessive wear.

You can address this challenge by replacing sprockets and rollers as a set whenever possible, thereby preserving alignment and gear mesh integrity.

Neglected Tracks = Lost Efficiency

Efficiency isn’t just about the speed of your compact excavator, but also includes operating costs and productivity. Neglected tracks lead to sluggish travel, higher fuel consumption, and uneven movement, but proper track care maintains the performance of not just your final drives but the undercarriage life and uptime of your equipment. 

Practical Maintenance Checklist

Here are some practical tips to keep the final drives on your mini excavator from being negatively impacted by the tracks:

• Check track tension weekly and adjust as needed.
• Clean undercarriage after every muddy, gritty, or sandy job.
• Inspect sprockets, rollers, and idlers for wear.
• Monitor for evidence leaks and gear oil contamination.
• Replace worn track components before they cause damage.
  

Conclusion

The health of your mini excavator’s final drive motor depends heavily on how you care for its tracks. The good news is that small maintenance tasks can go a long way in preventing expensive repairs.

If your final drive motor is showing signs of wear, leaks, or performance loss, contact the experts at Final Drive Parts for friendly support and cost-effective replacement options.

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