GFT Gearbox Failure? How to Identify the Right Replacement Without Downtime Delays

Decoding the Bosch Rexroth GFT Model Code

GFT stands for “Getriebe Fahrantrieb” (German for travel drive gearbox)—indicating that this is Rexroth’s integrated planetary final drive unit designed for tracked and wheeled mobile equipment. The number following GFT represents the torque class in increments of 100 Nm. Common examples include:

• GFT36: Rated output torque around 3,600 Nm—suited for small mini excavators and compact track loaders
• GFT60: Approximately 6,000 Nm—targeted at mid-sized compact tracked equipment
• GFT80: Roughly 8,000 Nm—commonly used in medium excavator track drives
• GFT110: About 11,000 Nm—found on large compact track loaders and medium piling rigs
• GFT160: Around 16,000 Nm—applied in heavy excavators and large tracked carriers
• GFT220: Approximately 22,000 Nm—used on large piling rigs and heavy-duty tracked machinery

The torque value in the model code serves as a general class indicator rather than a precise rated figure—actual output torque at 10,000 hours can vary within the same GFT frame class depending on the specific configuration and series generation. Always verify the rated torque from the nameplate rather than relying solely on the model code.

We are not a seller of Bosch Rexroth products. All brand references are provided solely for cross-reference convenience and do not imply any infringement.

GFT Cross-Reference: Key Nameplate Information to Collect

To accurately cross-reference a GFT unit with an equivalent replacement, five pieces of information are needed beyond the model code:

Common Failure Patterns in GFT Travel Drives

Failures in GFT track drive units typically fall into three main categories:

• Output shaft seal failure followed by gear oil contamination: This is the most frequent failure path. Travel gearboxes are mounted directly in the chassis frame, where they are exposed to impacts from debris and ground materials. The output shaft seal takes repeated hits from stones and abrasive material. Once the seal is compromised, gear oil leaks out while water and contaminants enter—leading to accelerated internal wear within 200 to 500 operating hours.
• Planet carrier pin wear due to extended oil change intervals: GFT units in track drive applications require oil changes every 1,000 hours. Machines that follow general service schedules aligned with hydraulic oil changes at 2,000 hours often end up with gear oil that remains in the travel gearbox far beyond its intended life—a common contributor to premature planet carrier and bearing wear.
• Parking brake disc wear from slope holding under load: When machines are regularly parked on inclines with the engine off, the spring-applied parking brake handles all holding forces. Repeated engagement and thermal cycling gradually wear the brake discs, eventually reducing braking torque below the required holding capacity.

How to Order a Verified GFT Replacement

The quickest way to confirm a GFT replacement is to take a clear photo of the nameplate and send it to us along with the machine’s make, model, and year. For standard GFT frame sizes ranging from GFT36 to GFT220, our engineering team can verify dimensional compatibility and identify the matching equivalent from our track drive and travel gearbox series within 4 hours.

Before order confirmation, we provide a dimensional drawing of the proposed replacement—detailing output flange bolt circle diameter, pilot diameter, motor SAE flange, housing length, and all critical mounting surfaces. For emergency orders where equipment is down, in-stock GFT equivalent units are available for air freight dispatch within 4 to 7 business days to destinations such as Australia, Canada, and Europe.

Browse the inline planetary gearbox and track drive series on our product page, or explore the complete planetary gearbox range to view all available series. Contact [email protected] for a GFT cross-reference and replacement quote—we’ll respond within 24 hours.