Part 1: Why Final Drive Maintenance Matters
In the world of heavy machinery, preventative maintenance isn’t just good practice—it’s a necessity. And when it comes to your mini excavator or skid steer, one of the most critical components to keep in peak condition is the final drive.
Your final drive plays a crucial role in powering your equipment's tracks, enabling movement, traction, and precise control across a variety of surfaces. When it begins to fail, you’re not just dealing with performance issues—you’re risking full equipment breakdown, costly repairs, and serious delays on the job site.
Whether you're operating on, posi tracks, or excavator rubber tracks, a well-maintained final drive ensures smoother operation, improved safety, and longer machine life. Neglecting it, on the other hand, can have a domino effect—leading to worn sprockets, damaged track motors, and reduced productivity.
At ITR Pacific, we specialise in durable, high-performance final drives built for Australian conditions. We also know that routine inspections and servicing are key to getting the most out of them.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through:
- A step-by-step final drive maintenance checklist
- How to identify early signs of wear
- Tips for daily, weekly, and seasonal care routines
- The impact of terrain and track systems—like skid steer tracks and rubber excavator tracks—on final drive lifespan
This guide is for machine operators, fleet managers, and business owners who want to stay ahead of issues and keep their equipment moving—efficiently and reliably.
Let’s start with a breakdown of your daily and weekly maintenance must-dos to ensure your final drive continues to perform under pressure.
Part 2: Daily & Weekly Final Drive Maintenance Checklist
Routine checks may seem simple, but they’re essential for avoiding major issues with your final drive. By integrating quick inspections into your daily and weekly workflows, you can detect early signs of wear, prevent fluid leaks, and keep your equipment running smoothly—whether you’re operating on rubber digger tracks or skid steer tracks.
Daily Maintenance Checklist
- Visual Inspection
Begin each day with a walk-around check of the final drive area. Look for signs of hydraulic oil leaks around the seals or hub. Leaks are often an early indicator of seal failure or internal pressure issues. - Check for Debris Build-Up
Remove mud, rocks, sticks, and other debris that can get lodged around the sprockets and track frame. This is especially important on machines fitted with excavator rubber tracks or posi tracks, where excess debris can cause friction and premature wear. - Listen for Unusual Sounds
Grinding, clicking, or high-pitched whining sounds can indicate gear damage, bearing wear, or a lack of lubrication. Addressing these early can prevent complete final drive failure. - Check Track Tension
Loose or overly tight tracks place additional strain on the final drive. Adjust your rubber tracks to the correct tension based on manufacturer recommendations.
Weekly Maintenance Checklist
- Inspect Gear Oil Levels
Low or contaminated oil is one of the most common causes of final drive failure. Check oil levels weekly and top up if needed. If the oil appears milky or has metal shavings, it’s a sign of water contamination or internal damage. - Inspect for Seal Wear or Shaft Play
Gently check the hub for any lateral movement, which may suggest worn bearings or seal degradation. Machines with rubber excavator tracks often work in tough terrain—making them more susceptible to these issues. - Re-check for Leaks and Cleanliness
After a full workweek, do another deep clean and leak inspection. Clean final drives operate more efficiently and make future inspections easier.
Part 3: Seasonal & Long-Term Final Drive Maintenance Tips
While daily and weekly checks keep your final drive in good shape short-term, long-term maintenance is what truly extends its lifespan. As seasons shift and job site conditions change, your maintenance strategy should adapt accordingly.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
- Prepare for Extreme Weather
In hot Australian summers, high temperatures can cause hydraulic oil to thin out, increasing the risk of overheating. Conversely, colder months may cause oil to thicken, restricting flow and increasing pressure on internal components.
Solution: Choose oil with the appropriate viscosity for the climate, and monitor levels more frequently during seasonal transitions. - Inspect After Wet Weather or Muddy Conditions
If you’re working in rain-affected terrain or swampy areas, rubber excavator tracks are more likely to trap debris and moisture around the drive unit.
Solution: Pressure wash the area regularly and allow components to dry before storage. - Lubricate Moving Parts Before Storage
If your machine won’t be used for an extended period, lubricate and run the system briefly before parking. This helps prevent corrosion inside the final drive and surrounding assemblies.
Long-Term Final Drive Servicing
- Full Oil Replacement Every 500 Hours (or as Recommended)
Don’t rely on top-ups alone—complete oil replacement helps flush contaminants and prolong gear integrity. Be sure to use high-quality oil to maintain performance under pressure, especially if your machine operates with skid steer tracks or posi tracks on harsh terrain. - Replace Worn Seals Promptly
Seals wear over time, especially in dusty or rocky conditions. A failing seal can compromise the entire system if not addressed early.
At ITR Pacific, we supply quality replacement parts and entire final drive units to suit a wide range of machines. - Schedule Professional Inspections Annually
No matter how experienced the operator, it pays to have a qualified technician inspect your final drives annually. They can detect internal wear you might not see from the outside.
Part 4: Final Drive Troubleshooting, Common Mistakes & Where to Buy
Even with the best maintenance routine, unexpected issues can arise. Knowing how to troubleshoot common final drive problems can help you act fast and prevent a small issue from turning into a major failure.
Troubleshooting Common Final Drive Issues
- Loss of Power or Travel Speed
If your machine struggles to move or one track is slower, it could indicate internal pressure loss, worn gears, or a failing motor. This often occurs on tracked machines operating in rough conditions with skid steer tracks or rubber excavator tracks. - Leaking Hydraulic Oil
Oil pooling under the final drive or visible leaks around the seals are strong indicators of seal wear or internal damage. Acting early can prevent contamination of surrounding components. - Strange Noises or Vibrations
Grinding, whining, or clunking sounds often signal bearing or gear failure. These noises can be more noticeable when operating on uneven surfaces with posi tracks or rubber digger tracks.
Common Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking Oil Quality: Topping up without replacing old oil can allow contaminants to circulate and cause internal wear.
- Neglecting Track Tension: Incorrect tension leads to strain on the final drive and can shorten its lifespan.
- Ignoring Early Warning Signs: Minor leaks or noises are often dismissed—until they become costly breakdowns.
- Using Incompatible Parts: Low-quality or incorrect parts can compromise the final drive system. Always buy from a trusted supplier.
Where to Buy Quality Final Drive Components
At ITR Pacific, we provide high-performance final drive units and replacement parts built to suit a range of equipment brands. Whether you operate a mini excavator, skid steer, or track loader, we’ve got the right solution for your machine—and expert advice to match.
Our team can also help you choose the ideal setup for your working conditions, including compatible systems for machines running excavator rubber tracks, or posi tracks.
Protect Your Final Drive and Keep Your Fleet Moving with Confidence
Staying on top of your final drive maintenance can be the difference between smooth operations and costly downtime. With the right daily, weekly, and seasonal care practices, you can extend the lifespan of your equipment and reduce wear on vital components like excavator rubber tracks, and skid steer tracks.
Need help sourcing a replacement or unsure which part suits your machine?
Explore ITR Pacific’s full range of final drive components or speak to our expert team for tailored guidance built on decades of industry experience.
