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Don’t forget that the original machine manufacturers procedures should be followed where available.
Track Motor or Travel Motor?
We use the terms listed above to refer to the same hydraulic drive and gearbox assemblies that drive the vehicle’s tracks.
Excavator Travel Motor Problems?
If you have an excavator travel motor breakdown, or if your excavator has one track faster or pulls to one side, it doesn’t necessarily mean the cause of the fault is with the travel motor. Even if there is damage to the gearbox or motor, that damage could be the symptom of a fault elsewhere on the machine.
Here are some things to look for:
- Is there sufficient oil in the hydraulic oil tank?
- Does the engine run at full speed?
- Are the tracks too tight?
- Is the machine stuck in high speed mode?
- Are the tracks, track rollers and idlers in good condition?
- Is the machine delivering the correct oil pressure, and flow, to the travel motors?
- Are there any internal leakages in the swivel joint?
- Is the excavator track motor leaking?
- Is there back pressure, or a blockage in the motor case drain line?
Don’t run a repaired or replacement excavator travel motor unless you are certain you understand the reason for the original failure — and have rectified the fault
Troubleshooting Travel Motor Problems
Work through the chart below to help to with excavator travel motor troubleshooting.
| Symptom | Problem | Possible Cause | Solution | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Leak | Excavator travel motor leaking oil from gearbox cover | 1. | Distorted gearbox cover or casing caused by physical damage | Replace the cover and cover O-ring, have the casing machined to remove distortion |
| 2. | Pressure build-up in gearbox caused by motor or external problem | Contact your FDC Partner | ||
| Oil leaking from behind the sprocket | 1. | Damaged or worn floating (lifetime) seal | Replace the floating seal | |
| 2. | Pressure build-up in gearbox caused by motor or external problem | Contact your FDC Partner | ||
| Gearbox oil level too high | Hydraulic oil leaking from the motor into the gearbox | 1. | Worn motor shaft oil seal or bearings | Replace accordingly |
| 2. | Excessive pressure in motor casing | Contact your FDC Partner | ||
| Excessive noise | Insufficient oil in gearbox | Gearbox oil leak or lack of maintenance | Gearbox / motor requires overhaul | |
| Worn bearings or gears | Gearbox / motor has reached the end of its planned service life or failed through a lack of maintenance | Replace drive with new or reconditioned unit from the Final Drive Centre. | ||
| Excessive vibration | Sprocket loose | Sprocket bolts loose | Tighten or replace bolts | |
| The gearbox 'shudders' while turning | Gearbox / motor has reached the end of its planned service life or failed through a lack of maintenance | Gearbox / motor requires attention / overhaul | ||
| Excessive heating | Gearbox casing is hot to touch or steams when wet | 1. | No oil | Add oil |
| 2. | Worn Bearings | Gearbox requires overhaul | ||
| 3. | Brake does not release properly | Check brake operating pressure and brake piston seals | ||
| 4. | Hydraulic oil excessively hot | Check oil cooler & hydraulic system | ||
| Excavator has one track faster or will not climb steep gradient or steers to one side or one excavator travel motor slow | Lack of power | 1. | Hydraulic pressure low | Check hydraulic pressure at the travel motor |
| 2. | High external friction | Check track chain tension and condition of track rollers and idlers | ||
| 3. | Travel motor stuck in fast mode | Check speed control system | ||
| 4. | Travel motor excessively worn | Repair or replace travel motor | ||
| 5. | Gearbox excessively worn | Repair or replace gearbox | ||
| Drive does not turn | Motor works but not driving gearbox | Motor shaft or 1st sun gear broken | Replace both motor shaft and 1st sun gear (with coupling if required) | |
| Nothing turns | 1. | Gearbox / motor has reached the end of its planned service life or failed through a lack of maintenance | Contact your FDC Partner | |
| 2. | Brake does not release | Check braking system if external brake control fitted | ||
| 3. | Check brake piston seals if internal brake is fitted | |||
| Drive freewheels | Brake does not function | 1. | Residual; pressure in circuit | Check hydraulic system |
| 2. | Worn brake discs | Replace discs | ||
| 3. | Broken motor shaft | Replace motor shaft |