Maintaining Your Excavator Slew Ring
Large slew ring bearings used in heavy-duty machines such as excavators are prone to premature failure, particularly if proper maintenance is not performed.
Due to their size, slew rings are not a cheap component to replace. Scheduling checks on lubrication and torque settings on the bolts is important both if the equipment is being used regularly or if the machine is idle for some time.
We have set out some regular checks to help maintain your excavator slew ring;
Bearing Lubrication – The bearing should be lubricated every 100 hours of operation using a heavy-duty, extreme pressure grease. While adding grease, the bearing should be rotated to spread it throughout. Add enough grease to purge the old grease out through the seals. This helps to clean out contamination. Over long periods of time, grease can dry out and condensation can form within the bearing. To avoid this, grease should be introduced at least every 6 months, whether the machine is operating or idle.
Gear Lubrication – Because the meshing action of the teeth tends to squeeze out lubricant, the gears should be lubricated more frequently than the bearing – every 8 hours. Small amounts of grease should be introduced at the point of mesh between the gear and pinion.
Bolts – Checking bolt torques is a vital part of your routine maintenance as there are so many factors that can affect performance and safety. Vibration and shock tend to loosen bolts, scheduled torque checks will ensure that the correct preload level is maintained. Mounting bolts should be torqued to correct level and checked regularly to ensure good pre-tension and avoid risk of failure which can damage equipment and cause injury. Bolts that are too tight can creep or elongate over time which would reduce preload.
Seals – Visually inspect that your bearing seals are fully intact. These seals aid in preventing bearing raceway contamination.
Due to the working conditions and size of an excavator slew ring, it will become worn over time. However, you can extend the life of your slew ring considerably by performing these routine checks and minimise the risk of premature failure and subsequent cost in replacing it. With over 10,000 slew ring options listed, Plant Parts has a replacement solution for your excavator. Search our live inventory using our online Slew Ring Finder.
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