Maintaining heavy equipment goes beyond just oil changes and cleaning. One of the most crucial parts to keep tabs on is the final drive motor. This component is what gets your equipment moving, whether it is an excavator, skid steer, or compact track loader. If it cuts out suddenly, your job site could grind to a halt. That is why coming up with a smart, realistic schedule is so important. Use the information below to develop a schedule for replacing final drive motors on machinery.
Know the Load on Every Machine
It is a fact that not all machines are used equally. A final drive motor on a machine that is used five hours per week will wear down much more slowly than one that is used ten hours a day. Review the workload of each machine you’re thinking of putting on a schedule before you include it in your maintenance plans. Keep a record of daily use. Talk to the operators. Inquire from those who work closely with the equipment whether they have experienced slower and louder movement or any leakage from the motor region.
Consult the Manufacturer’s Instructions
You should also consult the manufacturer’s instructions to help you make your replacement schedule. That includes a timetable to inspect or replace the final drive motor. The guidelines are from tests done in normal working conditions. They should not be your sole source, but they are a great place to start. You could find out that the average motor lifespan for your specific model is 4,000 running hours. If so, you might want to begin examining it carefully around the time the clock reaches 3,500 hours.
Take The Work Environment into Account
A machine worked in a clean, dry yard might not need to be replaced as frequently as one worked in muddy, rocky terrain. Sand and grit can ruin the internal parts. If your equipment is consistently subjected to this hard environment, then you should be making replacements more frequently. For instance, if a motor is rated for 4,000 hours in clean conditions, it might require attention at just 3,000 hours on a dirty job site.
Maintain Detailed Logs
A good maintenance log allows you to monitor how long each motor has been operating. Record each repair, oil change, and inspection. Over time, these records allow you to notice patterns. Perhaps one machine tends to break down before the others. Maybe one particular motor brand has a longer life. You can use these records to create a replacement schedule that is sensible for the sake of your team.
Plan for Down Time and a Budget
Final drive motors are expensive, and they’re not quick to replace. That’s why your schedule should also consider when the machine will be least in demand. Schedule motor changes during slower work periods or just prior to the start of busy seasons. You can also stagger some of the costs so that you are not hit with all of them at once.
It is not easy to draw up replacement schedules for final drive motors. But by relying on actual data, speaking honestly with your team, and planning ahead, you can avoid breakdowns and keep your work flowing without unexpected disruption.
