How long have you had your present final drive motors? Would you like to keep them running well and avoid costly repairs? The only way to have a headache-free operation of a final drive is with regular upkeep. To help you, we’re going to give you 3 care tips for maintaining your company’s final drive motor supply.
1. Clean Your Machine’s Undercarriage
How often should you clean the undercarriage of your machine? Cleanliness is so important that you should clear the area of debris at least once each day you use the machine. Otherwise, dirt could speed up the aging of seals, making them more likely to leak.
However, if you’re using the machine in especially tough material, such as sand and gravel, consider cleaning periodically throughout the day. Regular cleaning is necessary for all undercarriages, especially for those used on tracked machines.
You can usually remove most dirt and debris by hand and with a broom. Thick mud and hardened clay will require hosing with a pressure washer.
Operate the pressure washer on the lowest setting necessary to complete the task. Avoid using the highest setting in an attempt to save time. You could inadvertently cause damage with repeated high-pressure use in sensitive areas.
Mud and clay also do an excellent job of hiding bits of debris that could create more extensive harm. When you hose away mud or clay, you may notice it contains dangerous unseen rocks and metal objects.
2. Check the Oil and Filters
The powerful gears of your machine heavily depend on the lubricating effect of oil. Maintaining the proper oil level not only makes the machine run smoothly but it preserves the life of the machine.
Without the necessary lubrication, the metal gears start grinding, creating internal heat and a shortened lifespan. Continued use of a final drive without the correct amount of oil will lead to the motor freezing. Then you’re saddled with a repair, or you’re in the market for a new final drive.
Besides adding oil, you should also change your oil. Refer to the manufacturer’s suggestions for how often you should schedule oil changes.
The more you use your machine, the faster the oil ages. In time, it picks up so much dirt and debris that the old oil becomes thick. It takes more effort for gears to move when covered in old oil. So, if you don’t change your oil on schedule, your oil can become part of the problem it’s designed to tackle.
3. Inspect for Leaks
Check your final drive for leaks regularly. If your oil level is frequently low, it could be an indication of a leak. You can also leak hydraulic fluid, which is completely different from gear oil. Hydraulic fluid is thinner than gear oil. Either leak deserves your attention.
A leak usually signals that a seal has been compromised. Not only is fluid leaking out, but unwanted dirt and other objects now have a way to get in. Once contaminants invade your final drive, other issues may arise, such as the quick and uneven wear of gears.