SlewPro Blog

Slewing ring bearings are critical components in heavy equipment, such as cranes, excavators, and wind turbines. Proper installation and maintenance of these bearings can significantly extend their lifespan and improve overall equipment performance. Here are some best practices to consider:

Slewing ring bearings, also known as turntable bearings or slewing bearings, are a type of rolling-element bearing designed to handle axial, radial, and moment loads simultaneously. Compared to other bearing types, slewing ring bearings offer several advantages, including:

No matter how great the product you’re ordering is, if it isn’t properly packaged, it’s most likely going to be rendered ineffective or even useless to your business. Product packaging is so much more than just aesthetics or a cog in the process of getting a product from point A to point B.

Without proper inventory management, your business is likely wasting a lot of money.

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

While slewing ring bearings do perform heavy-duty functions often under the worst possible conditions, they must be treated as delicate instruments to ensure their accuracy and a long operating life. Following the installation procedures precisely is critical to ensuring the best possible performance.

Growth can be painful. 2018 was a year full of many ups and downs. Through it all, our SlewPro team powered through. 2018 was our first full year in our new manufacturing facility, we put procedures in place to exceed our customers’ expectations and we found ways to improve our efficiency and do more with less.

Wind power and other alternative energy forms continue to grow in usage. Companies are increasingly using wind to power manufacturing plants and reduce  the need for nonrenewable energy sources. Slewing ring bearings play a necessary role in the production of wind power. But when the slewing ring bearings used in wind turbines don’t do their job, the cost of doing business can rise drastically and quickly.

Selecting the best slewing ring for your application takes more than knowing size and load capacity. Many factors will impact your bearing’s success and longevity — details that design engineers sometimes overlook. 

To ensure the slewing ring you choose will operate most effectively and safely, consider these five factors:

Expands and improves capabilities to serve wider range of customer needs

SlewPro, a precision manufacturer of slewing rings and slewing drives, and related products, has acquired the assets of Rhino Gear, a provider of steel pinions, gears, pulleys, sprockets, splines, and custom broached internal shapes. SlewPro will continue to use the Rhino Gear brand following the acquisition.