The excavator swing motor is important for allowing the upper structure of an excavator to rotate 360 degrees for accurate and flexible operations. Proper maintenance of this critical component can significantly improve the performance and life of the machine. The lubrication of the slew bearing is important for effective maintenance of the swing motor and allows for smooth rotation. In this article, we will discuss how good lubrication of the slew bearing can substantially improve the life of your excavator swing motor and provide you with some practical maintenance tips to help you maximize the longevity and efficiency of your equipment.
Slew Bearing and Swing Motor: Their Key Connection and Lubrication Importance
The swing motor provides rotation to an excavator's upper structure, and the slew bearing supports and bears axial, radial, and tilting loads at the same time. The close mechanical cooperation between the slew bearing and swing motor is critical for operation. According to industry data, lubricating the slew bearing every 250 to 500 hours of operation is recommended to reduce friction and wear, thus preventing premature failure. Insufficient or improper lubrication leads to increased bearing friction, contamination ingress, and seal damage. These issues can significantly escalate the load on the swing motor, reducing its operational lifespan and increasing the likelihood of costly repairs.
How to Lubricate the Slew Bearing
In this article, we will be looking at the lubrication process using the AHM AX-12B 13.5 HP mini excavator. It is generally advised to lubricate the slew bearing every 250 hours of operation for the machine to operate smoothly. It is also recommend to use lithium grease because it helps protect and maximize the lifespan of the components. Remember that lubrication intervals and grease versions can differ by mini excavator model and by the environment in which the mini excavator is used. Always check your own excavator manual to find the approximated recommendations for your equipment.
Note: Prevent possible injury from unexpected machine movement if controls are moved by another person. Lubricating the swing bearing gear and rotating the upper structure must be done by one person.
STEP 1: First, make sure to park your mini excavator on a flat and level surface.
STEP 2: Then, gently lower the bucket until it rests on the ground. Let the engine run at a low idle speed for about 5 minutes.
STEP 3: Next, turn off the engine by switching the ignition to OFF and remove the key for safety.
STEP 4: With the upper part of the excavator remaining stationary, pump lubricating grease at fittings (a) on the slew bearing until the grease seeps out of seal (b).
STEP 5: Now, start the engine again and carefully lift the bucket off the ground.
STEP 6: Slowly rotate the upper structure by 90 degrees and repeat steps 2-6 until a full 360° rotation of lubrication has been made.
STEP 7: After that, lower the bucket gently back onto the ground.
STEP 8: Finally, turn off the engine.
Other Maintenance Tips for Mini Excavator Swing Motor
Aside from lubricating the excavator swing motor, there are several additional practices that can help prolong its service life:
Regularly inspect and tighten slew bearing bolts to specified torque values. Swing motors can loosen under heavy load when not properly secured.
Maintain hydraulic system health by checking fluid levels, replacing hydraulic oil, and inspecting hoses to ensure optimal swing motor performance.
Monitor for warning signs like unusual noises, jerky swing motions, or increased resistance. These may indicate underlying problems that must be fixed right away.
Avoid operating the swing motor under excessive load or high speed, especially with a fully loaded bucket, as abrupt torque changes can damage the swing gear and bearing.
Conclusion
Proper lubrication of the slew bearing is crucial to prolonging your excavator swing motor life and overall stable operation of the machine. By adhering to manufacturer recommendations and incorporating additional maintenance practices, operators are able to avoid many premature failures, minimize repairs and ensure optimum performance levels. Therefore, taking these maintenance measures very seriously will ensure that your excavators investment remains efficient and reliable.
