A gearbox represents a considerable investment in your industrial business. This equipment is a tool that you must be able to rely upon to perform at its peak performance level when you put it to work. The key to keeping your gearbox up and running is proper care and maintenance. First, select the right size gearbox. Next, align and secure the unit correctly. Then, check the oil level and replace the oil as necessary. Lastly, inspect the equipment regularly and store it properly.
One of the leading causes of gearbox failure is using one that isn’t designed for the jobs it is being asked to perform. Make sure your unit is properly sized, and correctly applied for the tasks you are performing. If your gearbox is underpowered, it will wear out quickly and often.
Making sure that your gearbox is aligned to the correct position is essential for both proper operation and longevity. Improper alignment increases wear and tear on the unit and will cause it to operate inefficiently and malfunction. Preventing this inefficiency requires pulling out the measuring devices and ensuring that everything is lined up the way it should be.
Be sure that your gearbox is set upon a strong, and rigid foundation. The unit should have no flex or give. This ensures that once your gearbox is aligned, it won’t shift out of alignment. Your equipment should be secured to the foundation using proper mounting bolts that are fully tightened.
As you use your gearbox, be sure to frequently check the footing to make sure that things haven’t shaken loose. If things have loosened, cease operations, resecure, and realign your industrial equipment.
Improper lubrication is a primary cause of gearbox failure. Too little lubricant, or improper lubricant, can cause the unit to break down.
Always check your oil level before operation and make sure that it is topped off without any leaks. Also, make sure that you are using the correct oil and viscosity grade. Remember, gearboxes will require different lubricant depending on the season and ambient temperature. As the seasons change, you will need to make sure to change your oil with it. Never neglect to monitor your unit’s oil, it can cause scuffing and serious damage to gears and bearings.
Typically, the oil inside a gearbox should be changed after 500 hours, or about six months of operation. Then, the oil should be changed a second time after 2500 hours, or another six months of operation. These times may vary depending on your particular model. Carefully read the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure that you are adhering to guidelines designed for your specific gearbox.
Keep a close eye on temperature, vibration, and noise while the gearbox is in operation. If you notice that temperatures are climbing, vibrations are increasing, and noise is becoming louder, cease operation immediately. Stopping operation can help protect your gearbox from further damage.
Be on the lookout for wear on soft parts, pitting, surface fatigue, breakage, and spalling. These problems should not be ignored as they are signs the gearbox is in danger of breaking down. If you discover these problems, it’s best to stop using the equipment and perform maintenance as soon as possible.
Gearboxes should be stored in dry, low-humidity conditions within a non-corrosive atmosphere. Whenever possible, you will want to protect this equipment from rapid changes in temperature. This protection helps keep the components in good condition and decreases the chance that components will break when they are put to use.
At Amarillo Gear Service, we work with our clients to ensure their gearboxes remain operational for the duration of their intended lifespan. We ensure that every unit we refurbish and repair leaves our facilities in near-new condition. If we notice potential causes of failure during the repair stage, we notify clients immediately. The result is that many of our gearboxes perform better once they are returned and are less prone to damage and further problems.
Give us a call today at (806) 622-1273 for more information about our services. You can also Contact Us via email and view the regions we service. With offices located around the world, our reputation for quality workmanship is one we know you will be happy to rely on. We will be happy to give you the answers you need to ensure your operations don’t come to a halt because your gearbox stops working.
