Yesterday, 04:01 PM
The Spicer 7036 Axle and Its Industrial Role
The Spicer 7036 axle, manufactured by Dana Corporation under the Spicer brand, has been widely used in mid-size construction and material handling equipment since the 1980s. Dana, founded in 1904, is a global leader in drivetrain and axle systems, supplying OEMs like GEHL, Lull, and Terex. The 7036 model is a planetary drive axle designed for high torque loads and durability in rough terrain. It was commonly installed in telehandlers, rough-terrain forklifts, and compact loaders.
This axle series is known for its modular design, allowing for variations in brake type, hub configuration, and spindle geometry. The two most common variants are:
Operators and technicians often face difficulty sourcing affordable replacement parts for Spicer 7036 axles. While service manuals are readily available, parts books with Spicer-specific part numbers are harder to find, especially for older units. Many equipment manufacturers, such as GEHL, rebrand Spicer components under proprietary part numbers, leading to inflated costs.
For example, ordering a spindle or axle shaft through GEHL may cost 2–3 times more than sourcing directly through a Dana distributor. This markup stems from catalog exclusivity and bundled service agreements.
Strategies for Affordable Parts Sourcing
A technician in Connecticut contacted a company specializing in Lull axles to cross-check compatibility between the 070BP201 and 070BP202 variants. While the brake assemblies differed slightly, the spindle dimensions matched, allowing him to source parts at half the cost of GEHL’s catalog.
In another case, a fleet manager in Florida rebuilt three Spicer 7036 axles using parts from a Dana surplus distributor. He saved over $6,000 by avoiding OEM markup and documented each part number for future reference.
Recommendations for Long-Term Maintenance
Maintaining Spicer 7036 axles with outboard dry disc brakes requires diligence in parts identification and sourcing. By bypassing OEM markups and working directly with Dana distributors, operators can significantly reduce costs and improve service turnaround. With proper documentation and supplier relationships, even legacy axles can be kept in reliable working condition.
The Spicer 7036 axle, manufactured by Dana Corporation under the Spicer brand, has been widely used in mid-size construction and material handling equipment since the 1980s. Dana, founded in 1904, is a global leader in drivetrain and axle systems, supplying OEMs like GEHL, Lull, and Terex. The 7036 model is a planetary drive axle designed for high torque loads and durability in rough terrain. It was commonly installed in telehandlers, rough-terrain forklifts, and compact loaders.
This axle series is known for its modular design, allowing for variations in brake type, hub configuration, and spindle geometry. The two most common variants are:
- 070BP201: Equipped with outboard dry disc brakes
- 070BP202: Typically used in Lull machines, with slight differences in brake and spindle setup
Operators and technicians often face difficulty sourcing affordable replacement parts for Spicer 7036 axles. While service manuals are readily available, parts books with Spicer-specific part numbers are harder to find, especially for older units. Many equipment manufacturers, such as GEHL, rebrand Spicer components under proprietary part numbers, leading to inflated costs.
For example, ordering a spindle or axle shaft through GEHL may cost 2–3 times more than sourcing directly through a Dana distributor. This markup stems from catalog exclusivity and bundled service agreements.
Strategies for Affordable Parts Sourcing
- Identify the Original Spicer Part Number
Use casting numbers, axle tags, or teardown comparisons to match components with Dana’s legacy catalogs. Many parts have stamped identifiers near the hub or brake assembly.
- Contact Dana/Spicer Distributors Directly
Regional distributors often have access to archived part numbers and can cross-reference OEM codes. Some specialize in legacy axles and offer refurbished or aftermarket options.
- Compare Brake Configurations
The presence of outboard dry disc brakes affects spindle and hub compatibility. Confirm whether your axle uses hydraulic or mechanical actuation, and whether the brake caliper mounts externally or internally.
- Use Lull Parts as Reference
Since Lull machines used the 070BP202 variant, comparing their parts may help identify interchangeable components. However, always verify dimensions and spline counts before ordering.
- Request Component Drawings or Exploded Views
Some distributors can provide technical diagrams that help confirm part compatibility. This is especially useful when dealing with spindle assemblies or axle shafts.
A technician in Connecticut contacted a company specializing in Lull axles to cross-check compatibility between the 070BP201 and 070BP202 variants. While the brake assemblies differed slightly, the spindle dimensions matched, allowing him to source parts at half the cost of GEHL’s catalog.
In another case, a fleet manager in Florida rebuilt three Spicer 7036 axles using parts from a Dana surplus distributor. He saved over $6,000 by avoiding OEM markup and documented each part number for future reference.
Recommendations for Long-Term Maintenance
- Create a parts logbook with verified Spicer numbers and supplier contacts
- Inspect axle tags and casting stamps during routine service
- Avoid proprietary catalogs unless cross-referencing is impossible
- Join equipment forums and distributor networks to share part sourcing tips
- Consider aftermarket spindle kits if OEM parts are discontinued
Maintaining Spicer 7036 axles with outboard dry disc brakes requires diligence in parts identification and sourcing. By bypassing OEM markups and working directly with Dana distributors, operators can significantly reduce costs and improve service turnaround. With proper documentation and supplier relationships, even legacy axles can be kept in reliable working condition.
