Excavator Travel Reducer

a. Material, hardness, and defects. The material of the gears does not meet the requirements; The main factor affecting the contact fatigue strength of gears is the lower hardness after heat treatment, which cannot guarantee the expected contact fatigue strength of gears. In addition, defects on the surface or inside of the teeth are also one of the reasons for insufficient contact fatigue strength.
b. Poor gear accuracy. The gear processing and assembly accuracy do not meet the requirements, such as poor meshing accuracy and motion accuracy. The center distance error of the shell of the circular arc gear is too large.
c. The lubricating oil does not meet the requirements. The grade of the lubricating oil used is incorrect, the viscosity of the oil is low, and the lubrication performance is poor.
d. The oil level is too high. If the oil level is too high and the temperature of the oil rises, it reduces the viscosity of the lubricating oil, damages the lubrication performance, and reduces the working thickness of the oil film.

1. The lubricating oil is unqualified or has been used for too long.
2. Excessive lubricating oil is not conducive to the heat dissipation of the gearbox mechanism.
3. Damaged parts. Mechanical damage includes severe gear pitting, tooth breakage, damage to bearing cages, inner and outer rings, ball bearings, and severe bearing locking or shaft deformation.
4. The outside of the box is covered with debris or dust. When things are piled up around the gearbox or the surface of the body is not cleaned for a long time, it is possible that the incomplete heat dissipation of the gearbox may be caused by debris or dust coverage, resulting in an increase in oil temperature
5. The cooling device is blocked or malfunctioning. The cooling device, like the gearbox, is placed in a dusty factory building. If the internal pipelines are not cleaned for a long time and the cooling device is blocked or damaged, it will cause an increase in the temperature of the gearbox oil

1.The gears adopt two forms of lubrication: oil pool lubrication and circulating lubrication. Lubricating oil is selected according to the equipment instructions. The soft tooth surface and medium hard tooth surface reducers use N100-150, while the hard tooth surface and planetary reducers use N220-320.
2. Lubricating oil should be regularly checked and replaced. When a newly installed reducer is first used, it must be replaced with new oil after 10-15 days of operation. In the future, the quality of the oil should be checked regularly (2-3 months), and if it does not meet the requirements, it should be replaced immediately. Generally, the oil should be changed at least every six months. When testing the quality of oil, if one of the following situations occurs, the lubricating oil must be replaced in a timely manner:
- Foreign matter content in lubricating oil exceeds 2%;
- Metal abrasives in lubricating oil exceeding 0.5%;
- The water content in lubricating oil exceeds 2%;
3. The daily maintenance and upkeep of the reducer mainly includes inspecting for oil leakage, timely checking the liquid level in the box, checking for good lubrication, checking the firmness and integrity of screws in all parts, regularly checking the temperature of the equipment, and using lead wire to bite into the meshing position of the gear during operation to measure tooth wear.

a. Insufficient lubricating oil. When the lubricating oil level is insufficient or cannot reach a reasonable height due to gearbox oil leakage, it may cause high temperature or noise in the bearing area of the gearbox;
b. Friction on the bearing cover or sealing part. When the bearing is installed improperly, the bearing cover is not upright, or there is wear on the bearing cover or sealing part and the connecting part due to long-term use, it may cause high temperature or noise in the reducer bearing;
c. Damaged or worn bearings. The main content of this item is that the retainer of the bearing is damaged, the inner and outer rings are worn or deformed, and the ball bearings are worn or dropped out, all of which can cause the reducer to malfunction normally;
d. The bearing clearance is too large or too small. When long-term use leads to an increase in the gap between the ball and inner and outer rings of the reducer bearing, or between the inner and outer rings of the bearing and the shaft, as well as between the bearing and the end cover, the above symptoms may occur;
e. The helical gear key handle is loose. Loose helical gear key handle can cause loose fit between the gear and shaft, leading to bearing overheating or noise;

An excavator travel gearbox typically has specifications such as gear ratio, torque capacity, input and output speeds, load capacity, lubrication type, weight, dimensions, material, and compatibility with specific excavator models. These details ensure optimal performance and should be checked in the manufacturer's manual.

To handle overheating in an excavator travel reducer, start by checking the lubrication. Ensure the reducer has the correct type and amount of lubricant, as overheating can often result from insufficient or inappropriate lubrication. Additionally, inspect for any oil leaks that could lead to inadequate lubrication.

Next, clean the cooling components to ensure they are free from debris, which can impede heat dissipation. Verify that the excavator is not operating under excessive load or speed, as this can cause the reducer to overheat. Properly aligned components also prevent excessive friction, so check the alignment of the travel reducer with the motor and other parts.

Lastly, inspect the bearings and gears for wear or damage, as these can increase friction and lead to overheating. Ensure the reducer and its surroundings have adequate ventilation, and verify that any thermal protection features are functioning correctly. By systematically addressing these factors, you can effectively manage and prevent overheating in the excavator travel reducer.

The excavator travel gearbox and the final drive are both crucial components of an excavator's propulsion system, but they serve different functions and have distinct characteristics.

The travel gearbox is a part of the overall drive system that manages the speed and torque transmitted from the hydraulic motor to the tracks. It plays a vital role in controlling the movement of the excavator by adjusting the gear ratios to provide the necessary torque and speed for various operating conditions. Essentially, it ensures the excavator can move smoothly and efficiently across different terrains.

On the other hand, the final drive is the last stage in the power transmission process, located at the end of the drive system. It further reduces the speed and increases the torque before the power is transferred to the tracks. The final drive typically includes a set of gears and bearings that convert the rotational power from the travel gearbox into the linear motion needed to propel the tracks. It is designed to handle high loads and provide the necessary traction for the excavator to move effectively.

In summary, while the travel gearbox manages the speed and torque from the hydraulic motor, the final drive is responsible for the final reduction in speed and increase in torque that propels the tracks. Both components work together to ensure the excavator moves efficiently and effectively.