Construction Industry Outlook: Caterpillar Inc.

The construction sector is an integral part of life across all areas of the world. Thanks to some excellent innovations within the industry, the machinery that is used to accomplish various construction projects has drastically helped this important industry survive and thrive.

The American construction equipment industry is projected to grow to $37 billion by 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. This 4% annualized growth rate from $28 billion in 2019 means that while the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic may have slowed industry expansion, the U.S. construction equipment market remains viable.

One of the most popular and prestigious companies within the construction machinery and equipment sector has long been Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar: The Global Heavy Equipment Giant

Caterpillar remains an essential part of construction, mining, oil & gas, agriculture, and forestry industries as well as other job sites around the world. For 2019, Caterpillar (online at http://www.Cat.com) remained the world’s largest equipment manufacturer, according to Statista, with $33 billion in annual sales. The company’s business almost equals the combined revenue of its two closest competitors: Japan-based Komatsu ($23 billion of revenue in 2019) and American competitor John Deere ($11 billion of revenue in 2019). For 2019, total global heavy equipment sales were around $153 billion.

According to the company, Caterpillar’s 2019 sales and revenue reached $53.8 billion; this includes results from its Cat Financial subsidiary.

Caterpillar’s Equipment Lineup

As the world’s leading manufacturer of heavy equipment, Caterpillar products have a far-reaching use in construction, mining, and other vital industries. Known for their technology and long-lasting durability, Caterpillar’s extensive equipment product line includes:

• Excavators
• Backhoe Loaders
• Compactors
• Dozers
• Skid Steer Loaders
• Compact Track Loaders
• Forestry Equipment
• Asphalt Pavers
• Material Handlers
• Hydraulic Mining Shovels
• Motor Graders
• Cold Planers
• Articulated Trucks
• Earthmoving Equipment
• Scrapers
• Dump Trucks
• Harvesters

Role of Excavators in Construction

The importance of excavators in the construction industry cannot be overstated. The trade has come to rely on excavators for versatility and a wide range of size options.

Compact/Mini

These smallest excavators are designed for smaller jobs and have a 6-8 foot digging depth capability with an average of 15 horsepower.

Small

When a mini won’t do, a small excavator typically offers a 20-foot digging depth and 100 horsepower capability.

Mid-Size

Thanks to a greater digging depth up to around 24 feet and at least 200 horsepower, a mid-size excavator can be a sweet spot for some operators.

Large

Greater horsepower (often above 400 hp) and advanced hydraulic systems mean a large excavator can do things that would tax a smaller model.

Special Purpose

Some excavators are designed for specific tasks like building demolition or operating on wheels instead of tracks.

Caterpillar Excavators

Given the importance of excavators in most construction operations, let’s take a look at what Caterpillar has to offer. Since the company sells more than 60 models, we will focus on some of the smaller offerings.With a 4,473 lb weight, the 301.8 mini excavator offers a 101-inch digging depth and 21 horsepower capability. New Cat operators appreciate the choice of an open cabin with a canopy or an enclosed configuration with air conditioning. The 301.8 is designed for easy and efficient use. Maintenance checkpoints are accessed through ground-level side doors and a tilt-up cab. Features like automatic idle and engine shutdown help keep operating costs in check.

The 308 model offers mini excavator size convenience while approaching the capabilities of a larger model. With a 20,077 lb weight, the 308 features a 182.8-inch dig depth and 69.5 horsepower. In addition to a sealed and pressurized cab, this bigger mini excavator features improved swinging, lifting, and travel functionality. Blade float helps with an easy clean-up.

When the job calls for increased capability, those in the construction industry frequently turn to Caterpillar’s model 336 large excavator. Weighing 81,900 lbs, this large excavator offers 311 horsepower and an almost 27-foot dig depth. Relying on the Cat C9.3B engine, the 336 can use biodiesel fuel while meeting EPA Tier 4 Final emission requirements as well as EU Stage V and Japan 2014 standards.

Other advanced features with the 336 include a tri-mode power setup — Power, Smart, and Eco — that can match engine and hydraulic power to digging conditions. Not to mention, it has operator presets for the joystick, power mode, and other operations that can be pre-programmed into the system.

The History of Caterpillar, Inc.

Caterpillar Inc., sometimes called “CAT” for short, began in California in 1925 following the merger of Holt Manufacturing Company and the C.L. Best Tractor Company. Before the merger, Benjamin Holt had purchased a patent for a steel-plate track system for vehicle movement, which observers at the time remarked had similarity with the movement of a caterpillar. Thus, the origins of the company’s name began.Today, Caterpillar ranks number 62 on the Fortune 500 list of largest American companies. The company ranks number 204 on the Fortune Global 500 list of the world’s largest companies. Caterpillar is based in Deerfield, Illinois, and employs more than 97,000 people worldwide.

Caterpillar and MiniFinalDrives.com

MiniFinalDrives.com is your source to learn about Caterpillar final drive motors and CAT machines.

Mini Final Drives has been offering customers within the construction sector heavy machinery parts for over 50 years. From providing a single final drive motor for a Caterpillar to offering all kinds of other brands, we can offer fast and free shipping, equipped with a Lifetime Replacement program. If you want to learn more about final drive motors or find a great final drive motor for a Caterpillar, call us today at 877-483-2806 or visit our online store at www.minifinaldrives.com.

Other related final drives:

• Caterpillar 154-2607 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 158-5740 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 160-9062 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 163-6947 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 163-9757 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 171-0503 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 171-9329 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 191-1384 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 191-3861 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 194-0856 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 194-6469 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 194-6907 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 195-1059 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 199-5148 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 206-3926 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 208-0648 Final Drive Motor
• Caterpillar 208-1145 Final Drive Motor

Bobcat Unveils New Mini-Excavator Series; Splits From Doosan

Across the U.S., the construction equipment industry is expected to grow 12% over a 10-year period from 2016 to 2026. There are dozens of companies that hold large shares of this market, including Komatsu, Caterpillar, John Deere, and another brand that’s been making waves across the industry: Bobcat.

According to KHL, the American-based manufacturer has recently launched its R-Series mini-excavators from two to four feet. The new range of five compact excavator models — the E26, E27z, E27,E34 and E35z — offers a best-in-class mix of high digging forces, excellent stability, and smooth control. Additionally, since these machines are compact and low weight excavators, transportation has been significantly improved.

These new construction machines are utilizing many state-of-the-art features and innovative flexible machine platforms, allowing for various configurations of models and specifications to perform all kinds of excavation projects.

“The current compact excavator line-up has been one of the most respected products in the industry,” said Jarry Fiser, product line director for Bobcat Mini-Excavators in Europe. “Now backed by nearly five years of development work, we are raising the bar even further and we are confident that we are now offering the best-in-class machines available.” Additionally, according to Daily Commercial News, after years of working together, Doosan has announced its plans for separating itself from the organization in an attempt to become one of the top heavy equipment manufacturers in North America. “The Doosan heavy construction equipment business evolved with the help of Bobcat to the point that it made the most sense for the Doosan equipment business to stand on its own and align with the other regions of the world as it pertains to heavy equipment,” said Aaron Kleingartner, marketing manager for Doosan Infracore North America, LLC. “The decision to split the Doosan heavy construction equipment business was always planned. Both [companies] have the staffs to focus on their business objectives.”

If you want to learn more about aftermarket replacement final drive motors and travel motors for Bobcat and other brands, and the construction equipment industry as a whole, give the friendly folks at Mini Final Drives a call.

Our family at Mini Final Drives has been providing excellent Quality, Value, and Service for over 50 years, and you can continue to count on us for a lifetime of friendly, helpful support for all your final drive and travel motor needs. Call us today at 877-483-2806 or visit our online store at www.minifinaldrives.com to find and order what you need today for Fast and Free delivery to your door.

3 Important Pieces of Information to Better Understand Bobcat Final Drive Motors

For final drives on Bobcat machines, such as the original or aftermarket bobcat e35 final drive motor, it’s important to check the gear oil level once during the first 50 hours of use and then again after every additional 250 hours. When it comes to Bobcat final drive motors, there are plenty of additional things that you should be aware of in order to ensure that your machines and equipment are properly functioning and durable for a long time.

Gear oil is a special type of highly viscous lubricant that is used for all kinds of construction, agricultural, and industrial purposes. This oil — also called gear lube — is the lubricant for the planetary side of a final drive motor. Here are some other essential items you should be aware of when it comes to original equipment or aftermarket Bobcat final drive motors and gear oil:

● Viscosity is the most important property of gear oil — When it comes to final drive oil, a high level of viscosity is required in order to ensure the lubricant can travel throughout the gearbox hub and onto the metal surfaces where it is needed. Gear oil viscosity should be around 120 centistokes at an operating temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

● Gear oil contains sulfur phosphorus — Most drive oils contain EP lubricants, which stands for extreme pressure. These lubrications provide anti-scuff assistance and can enhance the load carrying ability of the oil itself.

● Be sure to have case drain filters inspected and changed periodically — Approximately 90% of all premature final drive motor failure problems (on Bobcat brand machines) can be attributed to clogged case drain filters. Make sure you’re having these filters inspected regularly and replaced if there is any blockage. Additionally, you should have your final drive gear oil changed at least once a year.

If you want to learn more about taking care of your final drive motors or find some high-quality OEM-equivalent or aftermarket Bobcat 334 final drive travel motors – there is only one place to go.

Our family at Mini Final Drives has been providing excellent Quality, Value, and Service for over 50 years, and you can continue to count on us for a lifetime of friendly, helpful support for all your final drive and travel motor needs. Call us today at 877-483-2806 or visit our online store at www.minifinaldrives.com to find and order what you need today for Fast and Free delivery to your door.

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

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.

4 Maintenance Tips For Taking Care of Your Excavators

• Keep an eye on bucket teeth damage — An excavator’s bucket teeth are an important item to monitor because worn teeth will drastically reduce its productivity. When bucket teeth come off or become too worn, they will need to be completely replaced, sometimes through cutting. Then, new ones may need to be welded back on, causing expensive downtime for your construction business.

• Have the proper track and sag tension — Increased wear occurs on the undercarriage and final drive motors if the tension is too tight or too loose. Make sure you adjust your excavator’s track tension accordingly to reduce wear and tear on the tracks.

• Pay attention to job site conditions — When operating an excavator, the work environment is extremely important. For example, in a sandy job site, you should keep your tracks loose in order to prevent sand buildup within the excavator’s rails. Conversely, in an area with a lot of debris, you’ll have to clean your excavator even more than usual to prevent dirt and debris pile up.

• Have the filters changed — For Bobcat excavators, you need to have the filters changed and the oil for final drive motors inspected and replaced every few months. There are multiple filters on excavators for the fuel, engine, air, and hydraulic systems. When these filters are dirty or clogged, the excavator will be compromised and might not work at all. Make sure you’re working with professionals who know how to perform filter replacement and understand final drive motors.

Construction Equipment Outlook: Bobcat E32 and E35

Construction and agricultural machinery is an essential aspect of dozens of industry sectors across the globe. Without fully functioning and high-quality machinery products, many of the world’s most magnificent structures, as well as individual construction sites, would be at risk of never reaching completion.

In 2009, the revenue of machinery maintenance and heavy equipment repair services in the U.S. totaled around $29 billion. Bobcat has been doing a great job for 70 years of providing individuals and construction organizations with quality construction equipment from final drive travel motors to powerful excavators.

Excavators come in three sizes: compact (mini) excavators, mid-size excavators, and large excavators. They can weight anywhere in between 3,790 pounds to 188,716 pounds; have net rated power ranging between 14.5 horsepower to 512 horsepower; and can even reach max digging depths of approximately 32 feet. Let’s take a look at the Bobcat E32 and Bobcat E35 excavators:

Bobcat E32 Compact Excavator

This excavator is part of Bobcat’s R-Series and packs quite a powerful punch of both performance and maneuverability. With its conventional tail swing design, the Bobcat E32 can work great for projects with typical width restrictions like gates and doors. This machine is narrower than the Bobcat E35. Here are some of the Bobcat E32 performance features:

● Advanced Hydraulics

● Predicable Control

● Blade Float

● Integrated Rear Counterweight

● 2-Speed Travel

● Dual Flange Roller System

● Fingertip Boom Swing Control

● Deluxe Instrumentation

● Depth Check System

● Multiple Arm Configurations

● Extendable Arm

Bobcat E35 Compact Excavator

Another product of Bobcat’s R-Series, this mini exactor is one of the most popular options within the 3-ton size class. Its Zero Tail Swing (ZTS) provides unrestricted rotation, greater flexibility, and reduced potential for damage to both the surrounding area and the machine itself. Though the Bobcat E35 and E32 are similar, they do have a few differences when it comes to performance features, including:

● Angle Blade

● Clamp-Ready Extendable Arm (and Long Arm)

● Upgrade to an optional 33 horsepower engine for more productivity

From final drive motors and travel motors to excavators, make sure you’re working with quality construction equipment providers. If you want to learn more about aftermarket Bobcat final drive travel motors or learn more about a Bobcat E32 excavator or Bobcat E35 excavator, give Mini Final Drives a call today.

Our family at Mini Final Drives has been providing excellent Quality, Value, and Service for over 50 years, and you can continue to count on us for a lifetime of friendly, helpful support for all your final drive and travel motor needs. Call us today at 877-483-2806 or visit our online store at www.minifinaldrives.com to find and order what you need today for Fast and Free delivery to your door.

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Construction Equipment Outlook: A Look Into Bobcat Final Drive Motors

During 2016, the number of jobs across the construction equipment operation sector was roughly 426,000. And for those construction workers, Aftermarket Bobcat machines are one of the most popular pieces of equipment across the industry.

In order for these Bobcat machines to effectively run, quality final drive motors need to be installed and well maintained. Since 90% of premature final drive motor failures on Bobcat brand machines are due to a clogged case drain filters, final drive gear oil should be checked once a month and changed at least once a year.

Here are some of the most popular and effective Bobcat final drive motors:

● Aftermarket Bobcat 225 Final Drive and Travel Motor (Fits9-bolt sprocket with 7.5″ hub hole)

● Aftermarket Bobcat 231 X231 Final Drive and Travel Motor(9-bolt unit)

● Aftermarket Bobcat 325 325G OEM-equivalent Final Drive and Travel Motor Direct Fit (12-bolt)

●Aftermarket Bobcat 325 Final Drive and Travel Motor (Fits 9-bolt sprocket with 8″ hub hole)

● Aftermarket Bobcat 328 Final Drive and Travel Motor OEM-equivalent Fit (12-bolt)

● Aftermarket Bobcat 328D Final Drive and Travel Motor OEM-equivalent Fit (12-bolt)

● Aftermarket Bobcat X341 Final Drive and Travel Motor OEM-equivalent Fit

● Aftermarket Bobcat 425 Final Drive and Travel Motor OEM-equivalent Fit (12-bolt)

● Aftermarket Bobcat E32 E32i Final Drive and Travel Motor

● Aftermarket Bobcat T140 T180 T190 Final Drive Track Motor(5-port regular nose)

● Aftermarket Bobcat 331 Final Drive and Travel Motor OEM-equivalent Fit (9-bolt)

● Aftermarket Bobcat 331C Final Drive and Travel Motor OEM-equivalent Fit (9-bolt)

● Aftermarket Bobcat 334 Final Drive and Travel Motor OEM-equivalent Fit (12-bolt)

● Aftermarket Bobcat T200 T250 T300 T320 864 Final Drive Track Motor (long nose)

There are hundreds more high-quality travel motors that are available for you to purchase, as well. If you want to learn more about final drive motors and the construction equipment sector as a whole, give Mini Final Drives a call right away.

Our family at Mini Final Drives has been providingexcellent Quality, Value, and Service for over 50 years, and you can continue to count on us for a lifetime of friendly, helpful support for all your finaldrive and travel motor needs. Call us today at 877-483-2806 or visit our onlinestore at www.minifinaldrives.com to find and order what you need today for Fastand Free delivery to your door .

Construction Outlook: Importance of Purchasing Final Drive Motors From a Reputable Source

You’ve got a construction project to do, but your equipment isn’t moving. A quick inspection reveals that the final drive motor on your mini-excavator is worn beyond repair. After a brief search, you find an online distributor that promises to deliver a final drive motor with lightning speed. You’ve never heard of this distribution company before, but it’s hard to resist their promise of fast delivery, especially since you have a deadline to keep.

What do you do? When you’re on a budget or under a time crunch, you may be tempted to trust a company that promises low prices and fast shipping. But in this post, we’ll explain the importance of purchasing a final drive motor from a reputable source.

The Importance of a Final Drive Motor

When it comes to sheer power, few pieces of equipment rival your final drive motor. Consider the fact that a John Deere 35D excavator weighs well over 7,500 pounds. A pair of final drive motors weighs only 170 pounds but can move that excavator at speeds of up to 2.8 mph. If you do the math, that means that a final drive motor is capable of carrying 50 times its own weight.

The final drive motor powers the movement of your agricultural or construction equipment. It consists of two components:

• The hydraulic motor (sometimes called the travel motor)
• The gearbox (the “final drive”)

Technically, the gearbox itself is the “final drive,” but usually travel motors and final drives are sold as a unit, so if you replace one, you’ll usually replace the other.

Final drives are commonly found on popular brands of heavy equipment, including:

• John Deere
• Bobcat
• Caterpillar
• Yanmar
• Takeuchi
• Kubota
• Brevini

This is why it’s important to ensure that your replacement final drive is compatible with your current equipment.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

When properly maintained, your final drive motor should last for years. We recommend changing the final drive gear oil once per year, as well as checking the oil every month or after 100 hours of operation, especially when you’re using your equipment for heavy-duty construction projects.

Of course, nothing lasts forever, and sometimes the final drive motor will need to be replaced. The final drive motor in a Bobcat, for example, tends to be vulnerable to main bearing failure. When this happens, it can cause stress on the rest of the components in the system, leading to a need for a replacement.

The Perils and Promises of Non-Reputable Companies

As we hinted earlier, the pressures of the construction industry may tempt you to trust a non-reputable source. Some companies offer low pricing, fast shipping, or other incentives that might tempt you to take a chance on an unknown company.

Don’t.

While there’s nothing wrong with a rebuilt final drive, some distributors cut corners by using non-OEM parts, and others provide a product that’s not compatible with your equipment. A John Deere or Volvo component isn’t going to be compatible with your Komatsu machine.

What You Get from a Reputable Source

So what should you expect from a reputable source? Here are some of the things that you should look for:

OEM Parts

The best companies offer final drive motors with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equivalent parts. This is especially important for machinery that will receive regular use. A rebuilt or aftermarket final drive can save you money but be sure that it’s been tested for proper function and quality standards.

Cleanliness

When you’re dealing with hydraulics, there’s no such thing as “too clean.” Hydraulic contamination won’t just affect your final drive motor; it can also cause catastrophic failure of your machinery. And because the EPA has strict regulations about the disposal of hydraulic fluid, you’ll want to avoid having to deal with old, contaminated fluid.

Warranties and Support

Final drives work hard on the construction site. You want to know that your distributor stands behind the product you’re buying. Reputable companies will typically provide some sort of quality control warranty on their products that will include maintenance and/or repair.

What You Get from Us

We’re proud to say that MiniFinalDrives.com is nationally recognized for its high quality products and professional service.

Our online store offers a wide range of new aftermarket and OEM-equivalent Final Drive Motors with Travel Motors. You can select from all the manufacturers’ names, or you can search by part numbers.

Every purchase comes with our two-year warranty that covers unlimited labor. After that, each product is covered by a lifetime 15% replacement discount.

Our inventory is based in the U.S., and we provide free expedited shipping to get the product to you right when you need it. When you need a new final drive for your construction industry equipment, browse our online store or give us a call!

Our family at Mini Final Drives has been providing excellent Quality, Value, and Service for over 50 years, and you can continue to count on us for a lifetime of friendly, helpful support for all your final drive and travel motor needs. Call us today at 877-483-2806 or visit our online store at www.minifinaldrives.com to find and order what you need today for Fast and Free delivery to your door.

Construction Industry Outlook: Komatsu’s World Class Excavators

Despite the worldwide coronavirus pandemic affecting economies across the globe, the US Department of Commerce is projecting the American construction equipment industry will continue to grow from $28 billion in 2019 to over $36 billion by 2026 — with a 4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). A resumption to normal economic levels could see an even more significant increase in industry growth.

According to Statista, Caterpillar is the largest manufacturer of heavy equipment with just under $33 billion in global sales for 2019. Komatsu, with its $23 billion in worldwide sales for that year, is in second place. Rounding out the top three companies, John Deere reached $11 billion in global 2019 sales. Total worldwide heavy equipment sales for 2019 were roughly $153 billion. In other words, it’s big business.

Role of Excavators In Construction

Arguably, excavators are among the most used construction equipment pieces, thanks to their versatility and size options. These can range from a compact / mini excavator with 14.5 horsepower, a seven-foot digging depth, and an operating weight of about 3,800 lbs to a large excavator with 250 or more horsepower, 37-foot digging depth, and a weight of 80,000 lbs. As their name implies, mid-size excavators fit in between.

Of course, special-purpose excavators, like mining equipment, can make the largest construction excavator look like a toy in comparison. For example, the massive Bucyrus RH400 — the world’s largest hydraulic excavator — was launched by Terex in 1997. The RH400, now produced by Caterpillar, weighs almost 200,000 pounds and has a whopping 65.4 cubic yard bucket capacity. This beast also has a 36-foot long crawler and 28-foot wide undercarriage.

Similarly, but not quite as big, other monster excavators come from Demag (now owned by Komatsu), Hitachi, Liebherr, and Komatsu.

Komatsu Excavators

Moving away from extreme equipment, let’s focus on one widespread Komatsu excavator, the PC210LCi-11. For the curious, “P” stands for “power shovel,” and “c” stands for “crawler. In its second generation, the PC210LCi-11 is a mid-size excavator popular for various tasks, including foundation pads and utility work. This machine has roughly 51,000 lb. operating weight (depending on equipment), 0.66-1.57 cubic yard bucket capacity, and is rated for 165 horsepower.

The PC210LCi-11 features Intelligent Machine Control which helps the operator be more efficient through semi-automatic handling of the excavator. A network of sensors and global navigation satellite system antennas enables more accurate work ranging from rough digging to finish grading while minimizing over-excavation.

Looking at a small hydraulic excavator, the Komatsu PC35MR-5 enjoys a strong reputation for functionality in a smaller configuration. This machine has roughly 8,000 lb. operating weight (depending on equipment), 0.07-0.24 cubic yard bucket capacity, and is rated for 24.4 horsepower. Standout features include an integrated blade enabling the machine to backfill after itself and an extra-small swing radius allowing the operator to work within smaller areas easily.

Recognizing that maintenance is key to equipment longevity, Komatsu has built the PC35MR-5 with easy-to-access service compartment doors and a tilting cab platform. These larger panels make it easy to perform daily inspections and regular maintenance tasks. The forward-tilting operator platform offers direct access to the engine and hydraulic system for service work and troubleshooting.

The Komatsu Story

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu was founded in 1921. Today, the firm is a far-reaching multi-national corporation focusing on heavy equipment manufacturing in construction, mining, forestry, and military segments. Komatsu also makes press machines, lasers, thermoelectric generators, and other industrial equipment. The company operates in 151 countries.

Through its U.S. subsidiary, Komatsu America Corp, the company first began its American operations in 1970. In addition to the popular Komatsu heavy equipment widely seen on construction sites and at mining operations, the company’s wide variety of forklifts are commonplace at warehouses, docks, and other storage facilities.

If you want to learn more about Komatsu final drive travel motors or any of these powerful machines, reach out to Mini Final Drives right away. MiniFinalDrives.com is your one-stop shop to learn more about Komatsu final drive motors and all things Komatsu.

MiniFinalDrives.com offers a complete selection of new aftermarket and OEM-equivalent final drive motors for Bobcat, Kubota, John Deere, Komatsu, and other brands. Nationally known for fast service and quality products, our family at Mini Final Drives has been providing excellent Quality, Value, and Service for over 50 years, and you can continue to count on us for a lifetime of friendly, helpful support for all your final drive and travel motor needs. Call us today at 877-483-2806 or visit our online store at http://www.minifinaldrives.com to find and order what you need today for Fast and Free delivery to your door.