What is excavator slew ring？

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An excavator slew ring, also known as a slewing bearing or turntable bearing, is a crucial component in the construction of excavators. It is a rotational rolling-element bearing that typically supports a heavy but slow-turning or slow-oscillating load, often a horizontal platform such as a conventional crane, a swing yarder, or the wind-facing platform of a horizontal-axis windmill.

Features of Excavator Slew Ring

  1. High Load Capacity: Slew rings are designed to withstand axial, radial, and moment loads, making them suitable for the heavy loads and complex load combinations experienced by excavators.
  2. 360-degree Rotation: They enable the excavator’s upper structure (including the cab and boom) to rotate fully relative to the undercarriage.
  3. Compact Design: Despite their load-bearing capabilities, slew rings are relatively compact and integrate seamlessly into the excavator’s design.
  4. Sealed and Lubricated: They are generally sealed to prevent dirt, debris, and water ingress and are pre-lubricated for long life and reduced maintenance.
  5. Durability and Reliability: Made from robust materials, slew rings are built to withstand harsh working environments and repetitive use.

Types of Excavator Slew Ring

  1. Single-row Ball Type: Features a single row of steel balls. It’s the most common type, suitable for light to medium loads and offers smooth rotation.
  2. Double-row Ball Type: Contains two rows of balls, which can handle larger loads than the single-row type and provide better stability and load distribution.
  3. Crossed Roller Type: Rollers are arranged in a crossed pattern to increase load capacity and rotational accuracy. Ideal for applications requiring high precision under high loads.
  4. Three-row Roller Type: This type has three rows of rollers, maximizing load capacity and stiffness. It’s used for very heavy-duty applications.

Standards of Excavator Slew Ring

Slew rings are manufactured according to various international standards to ensure quality, compatibility, and safety. Some common standards include:

  1. ISO 9001: Quality management systems standards that help ensure manufacturers meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders.
  2. ISO 14001: Pertains to effective environmental management systems.
  3. JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) and DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung): Specific standards that provide guidelines on dimensions, tolerances, load capacities, and material properties.

How to Select Slew Ring for Excavators？

Selecting the right slew ring for an excavator involves several considerations:

  1. Load Calculations: Understand the maximum loads the slew ring will need to support. This includes axial, radial, and moment loads.
  2. Size and Space Constraints: The size of the slew ring must fit within the excavator’s designated space without interfering with other components.
  3. Sealing and Lubrication: Depending on the operating environment, choose a slew ring with appropriate sealing and lubrication for optimal performance and durability.
  4. Material and Coatings: Select materials and coatings that can withstand the environmental conditions (e.g., corrosion-resistant coatings if used in marine environments).
  5. Manufacturer’s Reputation and Support: Choose a manufacturer known for quality and reliability, and ensure they offer adequate technical support and warranty.
  6. Rotation Requirements: Consider the required rotational speed and precision, which will affect the choice between ball and roller types.

By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that the chosen slew ring will meet the operational demands of the excavator and provide long service life.

Excavator Slew Ring Manufacturer

LDB Bearings is a professional slew ring, slew bearing, and slew drive manufactuer provides high quality and cost effective slew rings for excavator, if you are looking for slewing ring for excavator, feel free to contact us.