Hitachi Final Drive

Arena Machinery supplies high-quality aftermarket final drives — also known as travel motors or track motors — compatible with Hitachi excavators across the EX and ZX ranges, from mini excavators through to large-scale earthmoving equipment. Each unit combines a hydraulic motor with a planetary reduction gearbox to convert hydraulic flow into the torque that turns your tracks, so when it fails, the machine can’t move under its own power. We stock both new aftermarket and professionally reconditioned options, tested before dispatch, at a fraction of dealer OEM pricing.

What Does a Final Drive Actually Do?

On a Hitachi excavator, the final drive sits at each track and does two jobs at once: the hydraulic motor generates rotational force from oil pressure, and the planetary gearbox multiplies that force into the low-speed, high-torque output needed to move a multi-tonne machine over soft or uneven ground. Because the motor and gear reduction are housed in one sealed unit, a fault in either part is usually addressed by replacing the whole assembly — which is why it’s sold as a single travel motor unit rather than individual components.

Signs Your Hitachi Travel Motor Needs Replacing

• Excavator pulls to one side or one track is noticeably slower than the other
• Grinding, whining, or knocking noise from the track frame during travel
• Hydraulic oil leaking around the drive housing or seals
• Metal shavings or contamination visible in the drained gear oil
• Reduced travel speed or the machine struggling on inclines it used to handle

If you’re seeing more than one of these, the internal gearing or motor is usually already damaged, and continuing to run the machine risks contaminating the rest of the hydraulic circuit.

Aftermarket vs. OEM — Why It’s the Smarter Buy

We are an aftermarket supplier, not an authorised Hitachi dealer, and the brand names on our site are used only as fitment references — our products are not manufactured by, and are not affiliated with, Hitachi. What that means for you in practice:

• Significant cost savings – aftermarket final drives typically cost well below dealer OEM pricing, without a drop in build quality
• Faster availability – no waiting on manufacturer backorder queues; we hold stock ready to ship
• Built to equivalent specifications – manufactured to match OEM fit, form, and function for the relevant Hitachi model
• Sensible for aging or high-hour machines – ideal when a machine’s resale value doesn’t justify dealer pricing

Why Buy From Arena Machinery

• Tested condition – every reconditioned unit is pressure-tested and inspected before it leaves our Hallam, VIC warehouse
• Broad model coverage – stock spanning Hitachi’s mini, midi, and large excavator ranges (EX and ZX series)
• New and reconditioned options – choose based on budget and how the machine is used
• Fast turnaround – well-stocked inventory means less time waiting and more time running
• Technical support – our team helps confirm the correct part against your model and serial number before you order, so you’re not guessing from a part number alone

Hitachi Excavator Models We Cover

Our aftermarket range spans Hitachi’s EX and ZX excavator families, from compact 1–5 tonne machines up to large-scale earthmoving units. Use the model search above or contact our team with your excavator’s model and serial number, since final drive specs can vary between production runs of the same model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a final drive the same as a travel motor?
Yes. “Final drive,” “travel motor,” and “track motor” all refer to the same assembly on an excavator — the hydraulic motor and planetary gearbox unit that drives each track. Suppliers and manufacturers use the terms interchangeably.

Are these genuine Hitachi parts or aftermarket?
These are high-quality aftermarket parts, not genuine Hitachi-manufactured components. We reference the Hitachi brand only to indicate fitment and compatibility — we are an independent aftermarket supplier and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Hitachi.

Will an aftermarket final drive fit and perform the same as an OEM one?
Our aftermarket final drives are built to match OEM fit, form, and function for the relevant Hitachi model, so installation and performance are equivalent for normal operating conditions — typically at a significantly lower cost than dealer OEM parts.

How do I know which final drive fits my Hitachi excavator?
Match it to your excavator’s exact model and serial number rather than the model name alone, since final drive specifications can vary within the same model line across different production years. Our team can confirm fitment before you order.

Should I choose a new or reconditioned final drive?
A reconditioned final drive costs less and suits machines in general operation, provided it’s been pressure-tested and inspected. A new aftermarket unit suits high-hour or continuous-use applications where maximum service life before the next rebuild matters more than upfront cost.

What causes a final drive to fail?
Most failures come from seal wear letting contaminants into the gear oil, running low on hydraulic fluid, or normal wear after thousands of hours of heavy-duty use. Regular oil checks and early attention to leaks are the main ways to extend service life.

Do you supply final drives Australia-wide?
Yes, we ship aftermarket Hitachi-compatible final drives and travel motors across Australia from our Hallam, VIC facility.

What’s the difference between a final drive and a swing motor?
A final drive powers the tracks for travel; a swing motor rotates the excavator’s upper carriage (house). They’re different components with different jobs, though both use a similar hydraulic motor-plus-gearbox design.