Excavator Slewing Ring: Complete Guide to Usage and Maintenance of the Rotating Core

  The slewing ring (commonly known as the big turntable), as the core connecting hub between the upper body and lower chassis of an excavator, has two key functions:

First, enabling 360° flexible rotation of the body to ensure full coverage of the operating range, making excavation, loading and unloading operations precise and controllable;

Second, stably transmitting excavation loads and body weight, bearing radial, axial and overturning forces under complex working conditions, and serving as the core support for safe and efficient equipment operation. Research in the global construction machinery industry shows that slewing ring failure is one of the main causes of equipment shutdowns. The cost of a single repair accounts for 15%-20% of the total maintenance cost of the machine's accessories, and the maintenance cycle is long, which seriously affects the construction progress, making standardized usage and maintenance crucial.

  Key taboos during use: It is strictly prohibited to accelerate rotation rapidly or stop suddenly under heavy load to avoid impact damage to the tooth surface; adjust the body to be level first during slope operations, and it is forbidden to operate with a single track suspended to prevent raceway wear and steel ball deformation caused by unilateral stress; lock the slewing mechanism with a special fixing device during transfer and transportation to avoid additional impact during jolting.

  Daily maintenance must follow fixed cycles and specifications: check the tightness of connecting bolts before daily operation, and tighten them to the specified torque immediately if looseness is found; clean tooth surface debris, check the integrity of seals weekly, and fill with special lubricating grease suitable for working conditions to ensure adequate lubrication; monitor operating sounds and measure slewing clearance monthly. If abnormal noise, shaking or rotation blockage occurs, stop the machine immediately for inspection to prevent minor faults from developing into serious damage. Standardized operation can reduce the failure rate by more than 60%, significantly extend the service life of the slewing ring, and reduce the overall operation and maintenance costs of the machine.