Opinions or Experience on Final Drives

ritcheyvs · Apr 16, 2012

Recent posts made me aware that older DK45 models (like my 2006 DK45S) do not have final drives and some newer ones (maybe HST models?) do. For those wondering, the final drive is an additional gearbox that sits between the differential and the rear wheel. Just eyeballing tractors on the dealers lot, it appeared to me that the straight drive (no final drive) design should be stronger and more reliable. But looks can be deceiving.

Question: Has anyone found the straight drive or final drive designs to be superior in terms of reliability? Opinions?

IndyIan · Apr 16, 2012

When I was talking to my local massey dealer, he mentioned that the straight axles are stronger. The diff on straight axle has to be much stronger of course because there's no gear reduction between it and the tires. I assume they use the extra reduction for the extra clearance you can get from the drop and also a smaller diff? Probably if every thing is happy back there, one style isn't weaker than the other and I have to think a simple ring and pinion setup can handle more torque than one that turns 90 deg but I'm no mech eng.
I think for most of use with CUTs, its the front axle that we have to worry about anyways. I know I'm not going to be busting 100's of acres of sod with my tractor, but I will do hundreds of hours of loader work over the years.

CJONE · Apr 17, 2012

Finials or even outboard planetarys [sp] allow smaller driveline components, they are used quite often in bigger loaders and dozers. So IMHO it is all in the design. If it is designed correctly it should not make a difference. I prefer them actually. CJ

BTI · Apr 17, 2012

The old DK45 and 45S use a planetary style final drive.

BTI

ritcheyvs · Apr 17, 2012

BTI said:
The old DK45 and 45S use a planetary style final drive.

BTI

Son of a gun! They sure do, it's tucked up right against the brake pack. It's so compact I never suspected it was there from looking at the outside. Thanks for the education.

seacap04 · Apr 18, 2012

I have had the frontend of my DK45 SEHST a couple of feet off ground and dropped it. I have the rearend off the ground and dropped it. I have hauled a 20 ft log, 30" on narrow end , by draw bar and getting hung up on everything. I think both are designed just fine.