How should the slewing drive be maintained?

The slewing drive device should be maintained in accordance with the regulations during use, so as to ensure the safe and normal operation of the equipment. The specific operations are as follows:

1. Check the gap

When the slewing drive is running, the teeth between the internal worm and the gear rub against each other, which will cause wear and tear, resulting in a rotation gap between the worm and the worm gear. If the gap is too large, it will pose a safety threat. Therefore, it is necessary to check it during use, and the frequency of inspection is generally after 700 hours of operation or every 6 months.

It should be noted that when measuring the rotation gap, the motor must be disconnected, the worm must be turned by hand, and the rotation angle of the worm relative to the previously specified starting position must be measured. If the gap reaches 15°, the previously specified inspection interval must be reduced to every 200 hours. If the clearance continues to increase, the inspection should be reduced to every 50-100 hours, and if the maximum allowable value is exceeded, the swing drive must be replaced.

2. Check the mounting bolts

Some equipment will have strong vibration during operation, which will cause the mounting bolts of the rotary drive to loosen. Therefore, after running for a period of time, the bolts should be re-tightened to the specified torque. Inspection frequency should be every 700 hours of operation or at least every 6 months. The inspection period should be shortened under special operating conditions. If bolts, nuts or washers are loose, all bolts, nuts and washers should be replaced with new ones.

3. Check the tilt clearance

The slewing bearing inside the slewing drive will wear the raceway after a long period of operation, resulting in an increase in the inclined clearance. It should therefore be checked after 700 hours of operation of the swing drive or every 6 months. The specific operation steps are as follows:

• The value of the measuring point determined after the installation of the slewing drive is taken as the basic value and deducted from the measured value.

• The difference between the last value and the first value must not exceed 0.2 mm.

• If the measured tilt clearance increases, the inspection interval should be reduced to 200 hours.

• If the tilt clearance increases further, the inspection interval should be shortened again to 50 – 100 hours.

• If the maximum allowable tilt clearance increases, replace the swing drive.

4. Lubrication frequency and oil injection amount of rotary drive

For relubrication of the worm, it is necessary to inject grease into all grease fittings while the swing drive is rotating, ensuring that the old grease can flow freely from the unit.

General recommended relubrication schedule:

• Worm gear bearings: 20 – 40 grams every 6 months or 300 hours.

• Worm gear teeth: 100 – 150 grams, every 6 months or 300 hours.

• Slewing Rings: 100 – 150 grams, every 6 months or 300 hours.

5. Check the seals

It is also important to check the seals during work on the slewing drive. If the seal is damaged, it will cause debris and moisture to enter the inside of the swing drive, causing unstable operation or direct damage to the swing drive. Damaged seals must therefore be replaced.