The Komatsu PC200-8 earns its keep on long tracking days, and its two final drives take every one of those hours. When one starts to go, the machine slows, pulls to one side or stops. This guide covers what the final drive does on this model, how to identify the right replacement, the wear signs to watch for, and what Astrak supplies.
The final drive on a Komatsu PC200-8 is the travel motor. There are two, one each side, and the sprocket bolts straight to them. Astrak lists a replacement for the PC200-8, PC200-8 MO, PC200LC-8 and PC200LC-8 MO, built to OEM specification, supplied with a fitting kit and instructions, and backed by a 12 month warranty. To confirm fitment we need the serial number and a photograph of the drive tag plate.
What the final drive does on the PC200-8
A final drive is the travel motor. It is a hydraulic unit with a motor side and a gearbox side, and it turns the sprocket. The sprocket bolts to the final drive and its teeth engage with the links in the track as the final drive turns to give the machine motion.
The PC200-8 carries two, one each side of the track frame. Each has a motor side facing inwards and a gearbox side facing outwards carrying the sprocket. That matters for identification, because the tag plate sits on the motor side.
Identifying the right final drive for your PC200-8
Astrak lists separate final drives for the PC200-8, PC200-8 MO, PC200LC-8 and PC200LC-8 MO, alongside the earlier PC200-3, PC200-5, PC200-6 and PC200-7. The model decal is a start, but we confirm fitment from the drive itself.
What we need from you
- Machine type, model and serial number.
- Dimensions A, B and C of the frame mounting flange, and D and E from the flange to the sprocket.
- The number of bolt holes and the bolt size on both flanges. We are generally looking for equally spaced bolt holes, so if you count nine equally spaced holes and one that is not, report it as nine equally spaced bolt holes.
- Whether the existing final drive is single speed.
- A clearly legible photograph of the drive tag plate.
Finding the tag plate
The identification tag is usually mounted on the side of the drive facing inwards, the opposite side of where the sprocket is bolted. Remove the teardrop-shaped cover plate, usually held on by three bolts, to access it. There should be two tags, one on the gearbox side and one on the motor side. With those details we confirm the unit, the fitting kit and availability before you commit.
Wear and failure signs on a PC200-8 final drive
A final drive rarely fails without warning. It fails after a run of small signals that are easy to explain away, and a drive that lets go on site takes the machine out of work until a replacement arrives.
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Grinding or growling | Metal-on-metal contact from worn bearings or damaged gear teeth, usually following contamination or neglected oil changes |
| Clicking or knocking, worst on a turn | Loose or broken internal components, damaged bearings or broken gear teeth |
| Oil behind the sprocket | Failed floating face seal |
| Overheating | Lack of lubricant, hydraulic oil entering the gear case, or a clogged case drain filter |
Drain the gear oil and look at what comes out. Fine steel particles on the magnetic plug are normal. Brass or bronze shavings, chips or slivers are not, and point to fragments coming off bearing surfaces or gear teeth. Before condemning the drive, rule out loose sprocket bolts, over-tight tracks, worn rollers and idlers, low hydraulic pressure or flow, and a brake that is not releasing. Our guide to the signs of failure in a final drive covers each check.
Replacing a PC200-8 final drive: what to consider
When a final drive fails, metal particles pass into the hydraulic circuit. Before installation, make sure the hydraulic oil is not contaminated with metal particles from the previous drive's breakdown. We strongly recommend a complete change of hydraulic oil and a new hydraulic filter when a final drive is changed. Clean dirt from the installation area, particularly around the hoses. Ingress of dirt will cause early failure.
Connecting the hoses
Astrak final drives use a port colour code. Blue marks the drain ports: use the uppermost connection so trapped air and pressure can escape. Red marks the second speed port, which is one size only, so do not exchange the valve or the supplied fitting. Green marks the main feed ports, the two thickest hoses from the valve control. Reversing them swaps the direction of travel.
All drives are two speed. On a one-speed machine the red port is unused and a hose from the free blue port to the red port avoids pressure build-up. If single speed was specified at order, this is done before the unit leaves the warehouse.
After installation
Check the oil level in the final drive and top up with SAE 85W/90 or standard gear oil. Run the excavator backwards and forwards at minimum revs, then check with a pressure gauge that the hydraulic circuit conforms to the machine manufacturer's specification. Gear oil change intervals are machine-specific, so follow the operator's manual.
Incorrect piping will result in non-warranty failure. Check the port colour codes before you connect anything. The fitting kit and instructions supplied with every Astrak final drive cover this step by step.
What Astrak supplies for the Komatsu PC200-8
Astrak lists a Komatsu PC200-8 final drive built to OEM specification and supplied with a complete fitting kit and instructions for a precise, direct fit. It is a hydraulic final drive, two per machine, with a listed weight of 320 kg and a 12 month warranty. The same unit is listed for the PC200-8 MO, and separate listings cover the PC200LC-8 and PC200LC-8 MO. You can see the full range in our Komatsu final drives collection.
Astrak final drives cover machines from 0.8 to 50 tonnes. Many are manufactured by leading OEM suppliers including Eaton, Doosan, Nabtesco, Brevini and Trasmittal Bonfiglioli, in ISO 9001 approved production facilities. Stocked final drives are available for next working day UK delivery when ordered before 4.30pm.
Other hydraulic parts for the PC200-8
Hydraulic pump
Astrak lists a hydraulic pump for the PC200-8 and PC200-8 MO. Pumps carry a 12 month warranty. View Komatsu pumps.
Swing reducer
A swing reducer is listed for the PC200-8 and PC200-8 MO, and swing motors for the PC200LC-8. View Komatsu swing motors.
For the wider range see final drives and Terrapart Hydraulics, or read our guide to excavator undercarriage parts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the final drive on a Komatsu PC200-8?
The final drive is the travel motor. There is one on each side of the undercarriage, so a PC200-8 carries two. The sprocket bolts to the final drive and its teeth engage the track links as the drive turns, which is what moves the machine.
How do I know which final drive fits my PC200-8?
Send us the machine model and serial number, the mounting flange dimensions A to E, the number of bolt holes and bolt size on both flanges, whether the existing drive is single speed, and a clear photograph of the tag plate. Separate units are listed for the PC200-8, PC200-8 MO, PC200LC-8 and PC200LC-8 MO, so the exact variant matters.
What are the signs of a failing final drive on a PC200-8?
Grinding or growling from worn bearings or damaged gear teeth, clicking or knocking that is worst on a turn, brass or bronze debris in the gear oil, oil leaking from behind the sprocket, an oil level that rises on its own, overheating, and the machine tracking to one side. Rule out loose sprocket bolts, over-tight tracks, worn rollers and hydraulic pressure before condemning the unit.
Do I need to change the hydraulic oil when I replace a PC200-8 final drive?
Yes. We strongly recommend a complete change of hydraulic oil and a new hydraulic filter when a final drive is changed. Metal particles from the failed unit pass into the hydraulic circuit and will damage the replacement.
What warranty comes with an Astrak Komatsu PC200-8 final drive?
The Komatsu PC200-8 final drive listed on astrak.com is backed by a 12 month warranty and is supplied with a complete fitting kit and fitting instructions. The warranty depends on correct fitting: incorrect piping will result in non-warranty failure, so follow the port colour codes in the instructions.
Need a final drive for your PC200-8?
Send us the machine serial number and a photograph of the drive tag plate and we will confirm the right unit, the fitting kit and current availability.
Komatsu is a trademark of Komatsu Ltd. Astrak parts are non-genuine replacement parts manufactured to be compatible with Komatsu machinery. Astrak Group develops and manufactures products intended to be compatible with machinery and equipment from various manufacturers. Unless indicated otherwise, Astrak Group has no relationship, commercial or otherwise, with the owners of the trademarks.
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