Understanding the Importance of Your Final Drive
The final drive is one of the most critical components in the powertrain system of excavators, skid steers, and tracked loaders. It transfers power from the hydraulic motor to the tracks, enabling your machine to move efficiently across all types of terrain. A failing final drive doesn't just mean poor performance—it can lead to complete operational shutdown, costly repairs, and unexpected downtime.
Recognising early signs of final drive failure is crucial for any contractor or fleet manager. Whether you’re operating with rubber digger tracks, excavator rubber tracks, or posi track tracks, issues in the final drive can compromise track movement, stability, and control. And once symptoms escalate, you're not only facing high repair bills but also potential damage to surrounding components like sprockets, track frames, and hydraulic lines.
So, how can you tell if your final drive is on the brink of failure? More importantly, what should you do when those first warning signs appear?
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The five most common symptoms that indicate final drive problems
- Potential causes behind each symptom
- What steps to take next—whether it's basic maintenance, component repair, or complete replacement
By understanding what to look out for and acting early, you can protect your investment, extend the life of your machine, and avoid the ripple effect of costly repairs down the line.
At ITR Pacific, we offer a full range of final drives and expert advice tailored to your machine type and terrain conditions. From rubber excavator tracks to full undercarriage systems, our goal is to keep your equipment performing at its peak.
Let’s start by looking at the first warning sign you should never ignore.
Sign 1 & 2 – Leaking Hydraulic Fluid and Unusual Noises
When it comes to spotting final drive issues, the earlier you catch them, the better. Below are two of the most common signs that your final drive may be heading towards failure—and what you should do next.
Sign 1: Hydraulic Fluid Leaks
Hydraulic fluid leaking from the final drive is often one of the earliest and clearest indicators of a problem. This fluid is essential for lubricating internal gears and keeping your drive cool. If you notice puddles under your machine or see signs of oil seeping from the hub area, it’s a red flag.
Leaks can occur for a variety of reasons:
- Damaged seals
- Overpressurisation
- Cracked casing from impact damage
Ignoring a hydraulic leak can quickly lead to overheating, metal-on-metal contact, and ultimately catastrophic failure of the entire drive. If you're operating heavy machinery with excavator rubber tracks or skid steer tracks, it’s vital to keep an eye on fluid levels and regularly inspect seals.
What to do: Shut down the machine and investigate the leak source. If it’s a worn seal, a replacement may be sufficient. If internal damage is suspected, a full inspection or final drive replacement may be necessary.
Sign 2: Unusual Noises
A healthy final drive should operate quietly, with a steady hum or light whirring sound. If you start hearing grinding, clicking, or loud whining, it could mean internal damage such as:
- Worn bearings
- Damaged planetary gears
- Insufficient lubrication
These noises usually worsen with continued use and may fluctuate with changes in terrain or load. For machines operating on rubber digger tracks or posi track tracks, increased vibration alongside these noises is another indicator something’s wrong.
What to do: Avoid pushing through the problem. Continuing to operate the machine can cause further damage. Schedule a diagnostic inspection to identify the source of the noise and replace any damaged internal parts.
Sign 3 & 4 – Overheating and Loss of Power
Sign 3: Overheating Final Drive
If your final drive feels excessively hot to the touch or if you notice heat-related warning indicators on your equipment, it’s time to pay attention. Overheating is often caused by:
- Low or contaminated hydraulic oil
- Failing bearings
- Excessive friction within internal components
For machines fitted with rubber excavator tracks or skid steer tracks, operating in harsh conditions such as heavy mud, hot climates, or steep gradients can amplify the stress on your final drive. Once the temperature rises too high, internal seals may fail, and metal parts can warp or seize—leading to total breakdown.
What to do: Stop operating the machine immediately. Allow the unit to cool, then inspect oil levels and check for any blockages in the system. If overheating persists, it may indicate internal damage that requires a professional rebuild or replacement.
Sign 4: Loss of Power or Reduced Travel Speed
Another telltale sign of a failing final drive is when your machine begins to lose travel speed or struggles with basic manoeuvrability. If one track is slower than the other or stalls under light loads, your final drive could be losing hydraulic pressure or suffering from worn internal components.
This symptom is especially problematic on machines like mini excavators or skid steers, where equal track movement is essential for maintaining control—particularly when fitted with rubber digger tracks or posi track tracks.
Potential causes include:
- Damaged gears
- Internal leaks within the drive motor
- Excessive internal wear causing pressure loss
What to do: Monitor performance across various terrain types. If reduced power or uneven track movement persists, it’s likely time for an inspection. In some cases, a hydraulic flush and filter change may restore pressure, but often, worn components will need to be replaced.
Ignoring these performance issues can result in complete drive failure and significant downtime—something every operator wants to avoid.
Sign 5 – Metal Contamination & What to Do If Your Final Drive Is Failing
Sign 5: Presence of Metal Shavings in the Oil
If you’re checking your hydraulic oil and notice shiny particles or a metallic shimmer, it’s a serious red flag. Metal shavings in the oil indicate internal wear within the final drive, often due to failing gears, bearings, or shafts grinding against each other.
Even microscopic metal debris can damage seals and circulate through the system, causing further internal wear. For machines using rubber digger tracks or skid steer tracks, this symptom often appears after a drop in performance or increased noise from the undercarriage.
What to do: Drain and inspect the oil regularly. If contamination is present, don’t ignore it. Flush the system and consider replacing the oil filter immediately. However, if metal continues to appear, you’ll likely need a full rebuild or replacement of the final drive to prevent complete failure.
What to Do if Your Final Drive is Failing
If your machine shows one or more of these signs, acting quickly can save you thousands in repair costs and minimise downtime. Here’s what you should do:
- Stop Using the Machine: Operating with a compromised final drive can result in damage to the sprockets, undercarriage, and hydraulic systems.
- Perform a Visual and Functional Inspection: Look for leaks, listen for odd noises, and check for uneven track movement. Also, inspect the track system—especially if you're using rubber excavator tracks or posi track tracks that may be affected by poor power transmission.
- Consult Experts: Final drives are complex components. A professional inspection is often the best way to determine whether repairs or a full replacement is necessary.
At ITR Pacific, we offer high-performance replacement final drives backed by expert support. Whether you operate mini excavators, compact track loaders, or skid steers, we have the parts and knowledge to get you back on track—fast.
Don’t Let Final Drive Failure Stall Your Project—Act Early and Stay Ahead
Spotting the early signs of final drive failure—like hydraulic leaks, overheating, or power loss—can help you avoid costly repairs and unexpected downtime. Whether you operate on rubber digger tracks, excavator rubber tracks, or skid steer tracks, protecting your undercarriage system is key to long-term machine health.
