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  • Writer's pictureRALPH COPE

Why Choose Vikfin Refurbished Final Drives for Your Excavator: The Smart Choice for Reliability and Savings

Updated: Jun 6


Maintaining an excavator's performance is crucial for any construction or heavy machinery operation. One of the most essential components of an excavator is the final drive, which plays a significant role in the machine's mobility and efficiency. When it's time to replace your final drive, choosing a refurbished part from Vikfin is a decision that combines quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.


What is a Final Drive?

The final drive is a critical part of an excavator's undercarriage system. It consists of the hydraulic motor and gearbox that together drive the tracks, allowing the excavator to move. Without a fully functioning final drive, your excavator's performance can suffer, leading to decreased productivity and potential downtime.


Why Opt for Refurbished Final Drives?

  1. Cost Savings: Purchasing a new final drive can be prohibitively expensive. Refurbished final drives from Vikfin offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality.

  2. Quality Assurance: At Vikfin, our refurbished parts go through rigorous testing and quality checks. Each component is inspected, repaired, or replaced as needed to ensure it meets OEM standards.

  3. Sustainability: Choosing refurbished parts is an environmentally friendly option. It reduces waste and the demand for raw materials, contributing to a more sustainable future.

  4. Quick Availability: New parts can sometimes have long lead times due to manufacturing and shipping delays. Vikfin maintains a large inventory of refurbished final drives, ensuring you get the part you need when you need it.

  5. Expertise and Support: Our specialized staff has extensive knowledge of excavator parts and can provide expert advice and support to help you choose the right final drive for your machine.


Benefits of Buying from Vikfin

  1. Wide Range of Options: We cover a wide range of makes and models, ensuring that you find the exact part you need for your specific excavator.

  2. Competitive Pricing: Our refurbished parts are competitively priced, providing significant savings compared to buying new parts.

  3. High-Quality Standards: We adhere to stringent quality control processes to ensure that every refurbished final drive we sell is as reliable as a new one.

  4. Warranty: Vikfin offers warranties on all refurbished parts, giving you peace of mind and assurance in your purchase.

  5. Customer-Centric Approach: Our commitment to customer satisfaction means we go the extra mile to meet your needs. From initial consultation to after-sales support, Vikfin is with you every step of the way.


How to Maintain Your Final Drive

Proper maintenance of your final drive is essential to prolong its lifespan and ensure optimal performance. Here are some tips:

  • Regular Inspections: Check for leaks, unusual noises, or signs of wear and tear.

  • Oil Changes: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil change intervals to keep the hydraulic motor and gearbox running smoothly.

  • Track Tension: Maintain proper track tension to avoid undue stress on the final drive.


Conclusion

Choosing a refurbished final drive from Vikfin is a smart, economical, and environmentally friendly decision. Our commitment to quality, extensive inventory, and customer-focused approach make us the ideal choice for all your excavator part needs. Don't let a faulty final drive slow you down. Trust Vikfin to keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently.


By choosing Vikfin for your final drive replacement, you're investing in the longevity and efficiency of your excavator while saving money and supporting sustainable practices. Contact us today to find the perfect refurbished final drive for your machine!


The Unsung Hero of Excavators: Understanding and Maintaining Final Drives

When it comes to heavy machinery, excavators are the workhorses of the construction and mining industries. Among the many components that ensure these machines operate efficiently, the final drive stands out as a crucial element. Often overlooked, the final drive plays a significant role in translating engine power into the movement and torque needed for digging, lifting, and moving heavy loads. In this blog, we'll delve into the function of excavator final drives, their importance, and best practices for their maintenance.


Understanding the Function of Final Drives

The final drive, also known as the travel motor or planetary drive, is an essential component of an excavator's undercarriage. It is located at the end of the drive train and is responsible for converting hydraulic power into mechanical power, which then propels the excavator's tracks or wheels. Here’s a closer look at its core functions:


  1. Power Transmission: The final drive transmits power from the hydraulic motor to the tracks or wheels. This transmission involves a significant reduction in speed and an increase in torque, which provides the necessary force to move the heavy machine.

  2. Speed Reduction: The final drive reduces the speed of the hydraulic motor to a level suitable for the excavator's tracks. This speed reduction is achieved through a series of gears, which also amplify the torque.

  3. Torque Amplification: Torque is crucial for the excavator's ability to perform heavy-duty tasks such as digging and lifting. The final drive increases the torque delivered to the tracks, ensuring the excavator can move efficiently even under heavy loads.

  4. Direction Control: The final drive allows for the control of the excavator’s movement direction. By reversing the flow of hydraulic fluid, the operator can change the direction in which the tracks or wheels turn, enabling forward and backward movement.


Importance of Final Drives

Final drives are integral to an excavator's performance and efficiency. Here’s why they are indispensable:

  1. Operational Efficiency: A well-functioning final drive ensures smooth and efficient movement of the excavator, which is critical for timely completion of tasks on a construction site.

  2. Load Bearing: Final drives bear the brunt of the excavator's weight and the forces exerted during operation. Their ability to handle high torque and heavy loads directly impacts the machine's durability and performance.

  3. Cost Efficiency: Properly maintained final drives can significantly reduce operational costs by minimizing downtime and extending the lifespan of the excavator. Conversely, neglecting maintenance can lead to expensive repairs and replacements.

  4. Safety: A malfunctioning final drive can lead to operational hazards, including loss of control over the machine's movement. Ensuring the final drive is in good working condition is essential for the safety of operators and workers on site.


Maintenance Tips for Final Drives

Given their critical role, final drives require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here are some essential maintenance tips:

  1. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections to check for signs of wear and tear, such as leaks, unusual noises, or excessive heat. Regular inspections can help identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems.

  2. Lubrication: Proper lubrication is vital for the smooth operation of the final drive. Use high-quality lubricants and ensure they are applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regularly check and top up the oil levels to prevent friction and overheating.

  3. Oil Analysis: Periodically perform oil analysis to detect contaminants and wear particles. This analysis can provide early warning signs of potential issues, allowing for proactive maintenance.

  4. Seal Checks: Inspect the seals for any signs of damage or leaks. Seals are crucial in preventing dirt, debris, and moisture from entering the final drive, which can cause significant damage.

  5. Track Tension: Ensure the tracks are properly tensioned. Over-tensioned tracks can put undue stress on the final drive, while under-tensioned tracks can lead to slippage and increased wear.

  6. Cleaning: Keep the final drive clean by regularly removing dirt and debris. Accumulated dirt can cause overheating and increase the wear rate of the components.

  7. Load Management: Avoid overloading the excavator, as excessive loads can strain the final drive and lead to premature wear. Adhere to the manufacturer’s load specifications to ensure the longevity of the drive.

  8. Professional Servicing: Engage professional technicians for periodic servicing and maintenance of the final drive. They have the expertise and tools to perform thorough checks and repairs.


Conclusion

The final drive is a vital component that ensures the efficient and safe operation of an excavator. Understanding its function and importance, coupled with regular maintenance, can significantly enhance the performance and lifespan of your machine. By following the maintenance tips outlined in this blog, you can minimize downtime, reduce operational costs, and ensure the safety of your operations. Remember, a well-maintained final drive is key to keeping your excavator running smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to tackle even the toughest jobs with confidence.




Workshop Locations

Durban: Cliffdale Road, Bux Farm

Cape Town: Racing Park, Killarney Gardens

Johannesburg: 257 Bosworth Street, Alrode

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Telephone/WhatsApp

083 639 1982 (Justin Cope)

071 351 9750 (Ralph Cope)

©2019 by Vikfin (PTY) Ltd. 

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