Slewing Drive

A slewing drive is a gearbox designed to handle radial or axial loads with high rotational torque. In addition, the slewing ring bearing at the heart of the drive enables it to withstand high cantilever or moment loads. A descendant of the “worm” lead screw, slewing drives are found in construction machinery, manufacturing, military equipment, and many other applications where strength and precision are required.

The physics of slewing drives make them a versatile solution for many applications. In operation, the axial motion of the slewing drive, or motion about its axis, interacts to generate radial torque. This action occurs by meshing the grooves of the horizontal screw with the teeth of the vertical gear. When turning, the axial movement of the worm gear transfers the amplified torque force to the radial gears. The number of threads on the horizontal screw and interacting gears will determine the speed ratio set.

The list of active applications for slew drives is extensive. Several industries require some form of slew drive to make their operations more efficient. Equipment for mining, construction, metalworking, and other applications that require unrelenting strength combined with faultless precision use slewing technology for safety and accuracy. Powerful devices like aerial lifts, rotating forklifts, truck-mounted cranes, cable winders, fire trucks, hydraulic machinery, and utility equipment depend on the safety and strength of slew drives.