Changing oil in track motor final drive

[JRP]

The bobcat track loaders have a gearbox between the track motor and track sprocket. This oil should be changed every 500 hours. A dealer service manager said this is often not done and results in very expensive repairs as the failure dumps metal particles throughout the hydraulic system. I understand on the T-220 to T-300 machines that it can be done easily from the outside, but on the T-190 and smaller the drive sprocket must be removed. Do you do this? How much of a hassle is it? Have you experienced any problems because it was not done?

JRP

 

[SSdoxie]

Yes, you do have to track tracks and sprockets off on T190 to get at the drain and fill plugs.
Yes, you will have problems if you don't change that oil and the oil needs to be from Bobcat dealer. This is special synthetic blended oil, developed by the drive motor manufacture, not Bobcat, to withstand the high heat loads applied to the bearings. 1 bottle of oil is enough for 2 drive motors.

 

[Bobcatman]

This oil needs to be changed every 250 hours,

 

[WoodlandFP]

250 hours is also what I recommend on hub oil changes, though bobcat says you can go longer. I have seen hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage to machines caused by lack of maintenance of this critical item.

Also inspect the case drain filters on the machine at the same time you replace the hub oil. Additionally, brake charge pressure needs to be within spec and the track should never be over-tensioned.

The Bobcat CTL's are exceptionally well built machines but they do require hydraulic system maintenance in order to avoid expensive service bills. The service manual is your friend... read it carefully.