How to Maintain Your Final Drive – Three Free Tips

Final drives are a critical component for many heavy equipment machines, such as Excavators, Bulldozers, Skid Steers, Wheel Loaders, Haul Trucks, and Compact Track Loaders. The main job for the final drive is to transfer power from the machine’s engine to the track or wheels, allowing the machine to move forwards, backwards or left to right.

Here are three free tips for your final drive maintenance to extend the life of your equipment:

1: Regular Inspections: The first and most important tip is to conduct regular inspections. Although this may seem obvious, it is imperative to make sure you conduct a proper inspection. Keep a close eye on the final drive’s housing, seals, damage from impact, abrasion, or heat. Look for any signs of leaks, unusual noises, or vibrations. Inspections should be a routine part of your equipment maintenance schedule. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent more extensive damage.

2: Proper Lubrication: Adequate lubrication is vital to ensure the final drive's gears and bearings function properly. Be sure to use the manufacturer's recommended lubricants and adhere to their recommended maintenance schedule. Over or under-lubrication can lead to premature wear and tear. Additionally, check for oil leaks and address them promptly to prevent contamination or oil loss.

3: Keep It Clean: Construction sites are notorious for their dusty and dirty environments, so regularly cleaning your final drive and the surrounding components to prevent debris from getting inside is important. Dust, dirt, and grime can accelerate wear and damage for critical parts of the final drive. A clean machine is a healthy machine, so make sure to incorporate cleaning into your equipment maintenance routine. Fortunately, a quick cleaning often won't take much time, but the preventative benefits are incredibly important, so don't skip it.

Checking for proper maintenance can be an easy addition to your daily routine that will ensure you get the most out of your final drives for your machines and keep them in working order.

When you need the Right Final Drive, Right Price, Right Now, Call AMS Parts: 1-800-255-6253 and we have the right parts that move your fleet forward. Check out all the Final Drive Makes we support here.