A drive pod system for an excavator includes a first drive pod, a second drive pod, and a central gearbox. The first drive pod includes a first drive mechanism and a first drive pod frame, the first drive mechanism coupled to the first drive pod frame. The second drive pod includes a second drive mechanism and a second drive pod frame, the second drive mechanism coupled to the second drive pod frame. The central gearbox receives power produced by the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism and transfers the power to a ground manipulator apparatus of the excavator. The first and second drive pod frames are coupled to an excavator frame of the excavator.