MiniFinalDrives is an independent aftermarket distributor and not affiliated with any compact equipment manufacturer brand - we buy in volume direct from the final drive suppliers of all brands so you get OEM-or-better quality at low wholesale prices!

MiniFinalDrives is an independent aftermarket distributor and not affiliated with any compact equipment manufacturer brand - we buy in volume direct from the final drive suppliers of all brands so you get OEM-or-better quality at low wholesale prices!

MiniFinalDrives is an independent aftermarket distributor and not affiliated with any compact equipment manufacturer brand - we buy in volume direct from the final drive suppliers of all brands so you get OEM-or-better quality at low wholesale prices!

FREE SHIPPING in the 48 US States----------------------------------IN STOCK NOW in our warehouse in NC, USA---------------SAME DAY SHIPPING if ordered by 2PM ET M-F

FREE SHIPPING in the 48 US States----------------------------------IN STOCK NOW in our warehouse in NC, USA---------------SAME DAY SHIPPING if ordered by 2PM ET M-F

FREE SHIPPING in the 48 US States----------------------------------IN STOCK NOW in our warehouse in NC, USA---------------SAME DAY SHIPPING if ordered by 2PM ET M-F

Construction Equipment Assistance: Taking Care of Your Bobcat Mini-Excavators

minifinaldrives
minifinaldrives
April 26, 2023

Construction Equipment Assistance: Taking Care of Your Bobcat Mini-Excavators


final drive motor

The construction equipment industry is projected to increase by 12% from 2016 to 2026. When it comes to large-scale excavation projects, few machines measure up to the performance of a Bobcat loader or mini excavator, such as the Bobcat s650 or Bobcat t590.

Taking care of your Bobcat is important. Otherwise, you’ll not only be stuck with a repair bill, but you’ll also lose out on the ability to perform top-quality construction work.

Today, we’ll cover some of the most important components in maintaining your Bobcat compact excavators. We’ll also show how preventative maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your machinery running at peak performance.

Gear Oil

For Bobcat skid steer loaders and mini excavators, gear oil for the final drive motor is one of the most important things to pay attention to.

If the oil gets too low or you neglect to change it, you’ll experience significant damage to both the gears and bearings inside the gear hub. Over time, this damage could become catastrophic — it may even damage the machine’s drive train. How often should you check the gear oil of your Bobcat compact track loader or skid-steer loader? Gear oil for a final drive motor should be checked about every 100 hours of operation (even sooner if you are performing constant high-power excavating tasks) and should be changed at least once a year or every 200 hours, whichever comes first.

If you are unsure about how to change or even inspect your Bobcat’s gear oil, you should take it to a professional construction equipment repair shop. They can give you an oil change, and they may even be able to give you some additional maintenance tips or recommendations. Regardless, they will help ensure that each of your machines is ready for another busy workload schedule.

Gearbox

The gearbox or final drive tends to accumulate a great deal of dirt and debris, mainly because it tends to be exposed to the elements. In addition to checking and changing the oil, you may also have to clean and fill the drain plugs at regular intervals. How often should you do it? The answer may depend on the type of job you’re doing and how hard the machine is working.

This is particularly important in Bobcat equipment, as their final drives tend to be vulnerable to main bearing failure. This failure could put stress on the rest of the system and demand replacement parts. Cleaning the gearbox and maintaining the oil are essential steps in prolonging the life of your equipment.

Undercarriage


If you’ve never taken a look at the undercarriage of a mini-excavator, you might be surprised at just how many parts there are down there. You’ll find such items as:

  • Rock guards
  • Track bolts
  • Driver motor
  • Drive sprockets
  • Main idlers and rollers
  • Track components

Your undercarriage might not normally be visible, but it’s important to make sure that you maintain these vital components to ensure the longevity of your machine. How can you maintain the undercarriage of your mini-excavator?

  • Remove debris with a shovel (never while machine is running)
  • Clean away debris with a pressure washer
  • Check for signs of stress and wearLubricate components as necessary

How often should you worry about cleaning your undercarriage? Every day, if possible. Job site debris can significantly impact your excavator’s performance and reduce the overall lifespan of your machine.

Tracks

Always maintain proper tension of your rubber or steel tracks. Check with your owner’s manual to determine the exact parameters, as they vary slightly between machines, even when they come from the same manufacturer.

Bobcat mini track loaders can also accommodate both steel and rubber tracks, depending on the conditions of your job site.

However, it’s also important to understand that the type of tracks used and the track tension may have to be adjusted based on ground conditions. For instance, loose tracks could also mean accelerated wear, while rubber tracks tend to tear when the tension is too great.

Greasing Components

The average piece of Bobcat equipment contains many moving components that should be greased daily, especially if the machine is being used for a major project or by multiple operators.

You should apply one to three shots of grease to your machine’s pins, bushings, and turntable bearings to prevent the wear that comes from the friction of metal surfaces rubbing together.

Regularly Inspect the Case Drain Filter

Typically, a Caterpillar final drive and travel motor will have a case drain filter. This component is located on the return line to the hydraulic tank. It serves to remove impurities from the hydraulic fluid leaving the travel motor. It’s important that you don’t neglect this component, as a clogged case drain filter can cause pressure to build up inside the travel motor itself and cause catastrophic damage.

How do you check the case drain filter?

  • Locate the case drain line (next to the hydraulic lines)
  • Follow the line to find the filter (3.5” long by 1.5” in diameter)
  • Remove the drain line
  • Plug the drain lines
  • Inspect the filter

The filter element should be bronze-colored. If you see any discoloration, you should have the filter replaced immediately.

Develop a Maintenance Schedule

Keeping a written record of your service intervals might actually assist you when it comes to filing warranty claims.

What should be included in your regular maintenance schedules?

  • Daily check of fluid levels
  • Daily check of pivot pins
  • Daily check of track tension
  • Daily cleaning of undercarriage
  • Weekly check of radiator
  • Weekly check battery cables and fluid hoses
  • Weekly check of driver controls
  • Weekly check of air filter
  • After 100 hours, check final drive oil
  • After 200 hours, change final drive oil
  • After 250 hours, check or change the battery

Remember, these time frames are meant to be a starting point. You may have to adjust your maintenance schedule if the machine has recently seen heavy use.

Your Destination for Final Drive Travel Motors

At MiniFinalDrives.com, our focus has been on providing excellent quality, value, and service for over 50 years. We offer an extensive selection of aftermarket and OEM-equivalent mini final drives for Bobcat, New Holland, Komatsu, and many other heavy equipment manufacturers.

Call us today at 877-483-2806 or visit our online store at www.minifinaldrives.com to find and order what you need today and enjoy fast, free delivery right to your door.

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  • MiniFinalDrives.com, owned and operated by L&M HydraComm LLC, is an independent aftermarket distributor and it is not affiliated with any compact equipment manufacturer. Manufacturers' trademarked names, models, part numbers, symbols, and related descriptions are provided for reference only to help you with finding the right aftermarket replacement final drive for your machine. This reference information does not imply that any items for sale are the product of those referenced manufacturers and does not imply that L&M HydraComm LLC is an authorized source nor agent of the referenced machine manufacturers.