Replacing a Blown Drive Hose on a Case TR270 Compact Track Loader

[MikePhua]

The Case TR270 and Its Hydraulic Drive System
The Case TR270 is a compact track loader designed for high-performance grading, lifting, and material handling in confined spaces. Introduced in the early 2010s, it features a Tier 4 diesel engine, electro-hydraulic controls, and a hydrostatic drive system that powers each track independently. The machine’s drive relies on high-pressure hydraulic hoses routed from the pump to the drive motors mounted near the track frames.
These hoses are critical to mobility. When one fails—especially a pressure line to the drive motor—the machine becomes immobilized, often in the middle of a jobsite. Hydraulic fluid loss can also pose environmental risks and damage surrounding components.
Symptoms and Immediate Response
A blown hydrostatic hose typically presents as:

• Sudden loss of drive on one or both tracks
  
• Visible hydraulic fluid pooling beneath the machine
  
• Whining or cavitation noise from the pump
  
• Warning lights or fault codes on the operator display
  
• Inability to move the machine under its own power
  

In such cases, the first step is to shut down the engine immediately to prevent further fluid loss and damage. Attempting to drive or operate hydraulics with a compromised hose can lead to pump failure or contamination of the entire system.
Accessing the Drive Hose and Disassembly Requirements
On the TR270, the drive hoses are routed through the undercarriage and connect to the drive motors via a hardline plate bolted to the chassis. Unfortunately, these lines are not easily accessible. To reach the failed hose:

• The track must be removed to expose the drive motor
  
• The drive motor itself may need to be unbolted and shifted
  
• The hardline plate must be loosened to access hose fittings
  
• Debris and mud must be cleared from the chain case area
  

This design, inherited from skid steer architecture, places the hoses in a protected but cramped location. While it shields them from external damage, it complicates repairs. Technicians often recommend sleeving all accessible hoses during reassembly to prevent abrasion and extend service life.
Hose Specifications and Replacement Strategy
The drive hose is typically a high-pressure, two-wire braided hydraulic line rated for 3,000–5,000 psi. It must be:

• Cut to exact length to avoid kinking or tension
  
• Fitted with correct JIC or ORFS ends depending on motor type
  
• Routed with minimal bends and secured with clamps
  
• Pressure-tested after installation to verify integrity
  

Using OEM hose assemblies ensures compatibility, but custom hydraulic shops can fabricate replacements if the fittings and specs are known. Always replace both hoses on a motor if one fails, as the companion line may be weakened or contaminated.
Preventive Measures and Long-Term Reliability
To reduce the risk of future hose failures:

• Inspect hoses quarterly for wear, cracking, or bulging
  
• Clean the undercarriage regularly to prevent mud buildup
  
• Sleeve exposed hoses with abrasion-resistant wrap
  
• Avoid sharp turns or high-speed operation on rough terrain
  
• Monitor hydraulic fluid levels and filter condition
  

One fleet manager shared that after multiple hose failures on TR270s, they began replacing all drive hoses every 2,000 hours as part of scheduled maintenance. This proactive approach reduced downtime and improved machine reliability.
Field Anecdotes and Recovery Tips
In one case, a TR270 blew a drive hose while grading a slope. The machine was stranded mid-hill, unable to move. The operator used a winch and a second loader to drag it to level ground before beginning repairs. The hose had ruptured near the fitting, likely due to vibration and age.
Another technician noted that the hardest part wasn’t replacing the hose—it was cleaning out the chain case to access the fittings. He recommended using a pressure washer and compressed air before disassembly to avoid contaminating the hydraulic system.
Conclusion
A blown drive hose on a Case TR270 is a serious but solvable issue. With careful disassembly, proper hose fabrication, and preventive maintenance, operators can restore mobility and avoid future failures. While the repair is labor-intensive, it’s also an opportunity to inspect and upgrade other hydraulic components. In compact track loaders, the drive system is the heart of productivity—and keeping it sealed and strong is the key to keeping the job moving.