What is a Crane Slew Bearing?
A crane slew bearing, also known as a slewing ring or turntable bearing, is a large, specialized rotational bearing used in cranes to enable the smooth and controlled rotation of the boom, jib, or other components. It supports heavy loads and facilitates rotation while managing axial, radial, and tilting moment loads simultaneously.
Types of Crane Slew Bearing
Crane slew bearings can be classified into several types based on design, configuration, and features:
Single-row four-point contact ball bearings: These bearings are designed with four contact points between the balls and raceways, making them ideal for accommodating combined loads with moderate axial and radial forces.
Double-row ball bearings: Featuring two rows of balls, these bearings offer higher load capacities, making them ideal for heavier duty applications.
Crossed roller bearings: In this design, cylindrical rollers are arranged in a crossed configuration, providing high stability and supporting high axial, radial, and tilting moment loads. They are suitable for applications requiring high precision and minimal deflection.
Triple-row roller bearings: These bearings consist of three separate roller rows, offering high load capacities and robustness, particularly for applications with heavy loads and large diameters.
Features of Crane Slew Bearing
Some key features of crane slew bearings include:
Load Capacity: Designed to support heavy and combined axial, radial, and tilting moment loads while ensuring smooth rotation.
Low Friction: Engineered to provide low friction and minimal wear during operation, ensuring a longer service life and efficient performance.
Compact Design: With their various configurations and designs, slew bearings offer relatively compact solutions for managing large, combined loads.
Sealing and Lubrication: Proper sealing systems and lubrication options protect the slewing bearing from contaminants and maintain optimal performance.
Customization: Slew bearings can be customized in terms of dimensions, materials, gearing options, and load capacities to suit specific crane applications.
Functions of Crane Slew Bearing
Crane slew bearings serve various critical functions, including:
Rotation: Facilitate the controlled rotation of the crane boom, jib, or other components.
Load Management: Manage heavy, combined axial, radial, and tilting moment loads during crane operation.
Stability: Provide stability and precision during lifting operations, minimizing deflection and vibrations.
Reliability: Ensure reliability and durability in demanding work environments and applications.
How to Choose Slew Bearing for Cranes
When selecting a slew bearing for cranes, consider the following factors:
Load Capacities: Analyze the axial, radial, and tilting moment loads that the crane is expected to handle to choose a suitable slew bearing type with adequate load capacities.
Crane Type: Consider the type of crane (crawler, tower, mobile, etc.) and its specific rotational requirements.
Operating Environment: Assess the environment in which the crane operates, considering factors such as exposure to contaminants, temperature, or corrosion to select appropriate materials and sealing systems.
Precision and Speed: Determine the necessary rotational precision and speed capabilities for the crane's given application.
Size and Weight: Evaluate the size and weight constraints of the crane and match them with the appropriate slew bearing dimensions.
Customization: Identify any unique application requirements that may necessitate a customized slew bearing solution, such as specific gearing or diameter options.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select the appropriate slew bearing that optimizes performance, reliability, and safety for your crane application.
Supplier of Crane Slew Bearings
ZENITH-DRIVE is a professional manufacturer of crane slew bearings and we can design and manufacture slew ring bearings, precision bearings, slew drives and custom bearings for construction, engineering, mining, marine, chemical, military, wind turbine, medical equipment, and many other industries.
By virtue of expertise team, advanced manufacturing technologies and strict quality management system, ZENITH-DRIVE takes the lead in the R&D of slewing bearings, which are designed with reasonable construction, light weight, good load carrying capacity and high versatility. The bearings’ diameters range from 200 to 10000mm and the accuracy covers PO, P6 and P5 class. Now, we can manufacture CCS, ABS, BV, GL and other certified bearings.