An increasingly common issue found across all track laying equipment.
We have observed a surge in instances where final drives fitted to a wide variety of machines are experiencing twin-speed function failure at unusually low operating hours, with some occurrences happening shortly after expiration of the warranty period.
At A Glance
We’re seeing an influx of final drives fitted to a wide variety of machines where the twin speed function is failing at very low hours, in some cases when the machines are just out of warranty.
Common Reasons for failure
- Use of Bio Oil
- Poor Maintenance
- Contamination
OBJECTIVES
Drive motors play a pivotal role in tracked machinery operation so therefore the correct functionality and performance of each and every unit is paramount to ensuring the worksite continues to operate on time and within budget. The objective of this article is to raise awareness of the common reasons behind twin speed failure, provide insights into how to prevent improper operational behaviours and demonstrate that complete drive replacement isn’t always the most cost effective solution.
“When you need a replacement final drive, you can trust our team to provide the best option, for your machine.” Get in touch with the team for help!
From the operators perspective, twin speed problems found in modern track drives usually manifest themselves in one of two ways. Either the machine lurches to one side when switching to high speed travel mode or refuses to shift into high speed tracking at all. The latter is often experienced where machines are fitted with load sensing auto kick-down. The cause of failure is nearly always either contamination in the hydraulic oil or the premature breakdown of plant based biodegradable hydraulic oils. In both cases, the end result is foreign particles being present within the hydraulic oil, enlarging clearances between the components that make up the twin speed circuit as is passes through. However, in most cases the problem is fixable. With specialist knowledge and equipment, any issue can be quickly diagnosed and a cost effective permanent repair implemented to return the drive to optimal performance.
Explore this for yourself:
- ‘Do you notice deviation in track speed when engaged in high-speed mode particularly when the oil is warm?’
- ‘Do you notice one drive will activate into high speed while one side is ‘stuck’ in low speed’.
- ‘Do you notice your twin speed fades as the oil gets warm?’
To avoid premature high speed tracking failure:
- Be mindful about Bio Oil selection and NEVER mix with mineral oil.
- Avoid ingress of contamination – Fix that hydraulic leak and make sure any quick fit couplings are always clean before fitting attachments.
- Keep the service programme up to date, change oil regularly and always use the best quality filters.
THE SOLUTION
We understand the challenges and are setup to offer cost effective solutions. Plant Parts offer repairs using OEM parts from stock Plant Parts offer service exchange units with a full 12-month warranty plus we stock brand new units which come with a 2-year warranty.
Please get in touch with the team to find out more.
