Travel motor gearbox

Types of Travel motor gearboxes

A travel motor gearbox is the supporting frame of a travel motor. It is mainly used in excavators. Gearboxs help to descend, ascend, and move the working frame and cabin of the excavator freely. Two main types of travel motor gearboxes exist: planetary travel motor gearboxes and worm gear travel motor gearboxes.

• Planetary travel motor gearboxes

A gearbox's design consists of a sun gear at the center, a planet carrier, and planet gears that are attached to the planet carrier, and an outer ring gear. The name "planetary gear" comes from the way the arrangement looks as if it is a solar system, with the sun sitting in the center and planets revolving around the sun. Gear ratios for planetary gearboxes are usually high. They mean the gearbox will have more speed than usual. This is important for an excavator to function properly.

• Worm gear travel motor gearboxes

A worm gearbox consists of two parts: a worm screw and a worm wheel. The speed is reduced when the worm turns, or rolls, onto the wheel. The rolling motion creates friction between the two components. This may create a gear ratio between 5:1 to around 100:1. More reduction is possible but less efficiency will be present. Gear ratios for a worm gearbox are usually lower than those found in planetary gearboxes. The gearbox can change the direction of the torque and turn sharp angles. This makes it suitable for heavy machinery like excavators that need to dig at sharp angling positions.

Specifications and Maintenance of Travel Motor Gearboxes

The travel motor gearbox specifications vary depending on the intended application. Here are some common specifications corresponding with their applications:

• Frame Size

  Mini excavator models usually have a smaller frame size compared to standard ones. Hence, their travel gearboxes are smaller than those used in standard excavators. Standard travel motors are found in 2-4 ton excavators.

• Speed

  Travel motors with high speed are preferred in applications that require quick workflow, such as road construction. Low-speed travel motors are used in applications that require more control, such as urban infrastructure development to minimize negative impacts on people's houses.

• Flow Rate

  High flow rate travel motors are more efficient. As a result, they are commonly used in excavators and crawler cranes. Low flow rate travel motors are used in compact excavators and rubber track excavators, which usually operate in confined spaces.

• Output Torque

  High torque travel motors are used in heavy machinery, such as wheeled excavators, off-road excavators, and large-tonnage excavators. Low torque travel motors are used in mid-tonnage excavators, such as 8-ton or 10-ton excavators, that don't require high torque.

• Gear Ratio

  High gear ratios are common in machinery requiring high speeds, such as large and mid-sized bulldozers, loaders, and excavators. Low gear ratios are found in machinery used in rocky terrains that require more power.

Maintenance

The lifespan of travel motor gearboxes can be prolonged with proper maintenance. Additionally, the overall performance of heavy equipment can be improved. Here are a few tips on maintaining travel motor gearboxes:

• Check for damage or leaks regularly to avoid further damage.
• When greasing the gearbox, ensure that only the recommended grease is used and apply it in the right amount.
• Ensure that all screws and bolts are tightened to avoid loosening with use.
• Always replace the oil filter after every oil change.
• Keep a maintenance log to track repairs and services.

Scenarios

• Excavation and Mining:

  Travel motors are utilized in the crawlers of excavators. They function by changing the directional forces of the hydraulic pistons to let the tracks move and propel in dig and extraction tasks in ore mines, trenches, and pits.

• Earthmoving and Construction:

  By allowing the crawler to travel left and right, the travel motor gearbox provides the excavator with a rotating feature essential for earthmoving and construction projects where such operations are crucial.

• Demolition:

  Travel motors drive the tracks of demolition excavators. Their role is to enable the mobility and the destruction of structures during demolition activities undertaken by demolition excavators.

• Farm Operations:

  Travel motors are incorporated into agricultural machinery, for instance in tractors and harvesters. They perform by allowing the movement and rotation of the machinery, thus facilitating various farming operations such as land preparation, crop harvesting, and tractor mobility.

• Drilling Operations:

  Travel motors may be employed in drilling rigs, for instance in rotary drilling rigs. Their function is to drive the drill string and facilitate the operation of deep soil and rock exploration, as well as resource extraction like oil and gas ventures.

• Hydraulic Excavators:

  The travel motor gearbox itself changes the speed and torque of the gearbox's output part. It is connected to the crawler or track of the hydraulic excavator, changing the hydraulic piston’s forces into directional movements.

• Material Handling:

  Travel motors are used in the handling parts of material handling equipment, for instance in stackers or ship unloaders. They perform by enabling the movement, stacking, and unloading operations of materials, thus facilitating the handling and logistics of materials at ports and storage facilities.

• Mining Excavators:

  Travel motors are part of the crawling system in mining excavators. Their role is to drive the tracks and move the mining excavators. Such operations enable ore extraction at open-pit mines.

• Track-Laying Vehicles:

  Travel motors are the driving system for tracks in track-laying vehicles, for instance in military tanks. Their role is to propel and maneuver the vehicle, thus ensuring movement across various terrains.

How to choose travel motor gearboxes

For business buyers who need to source travel motors for construction equipment, these tips can help.

• Check compatibility with construction equipment

  When selecting travel motors, the business buyer needs to check their compatibility with the construction equipment. The motor travel gearbox should match the specific part of the construction equipment that it will serve. Gearboxes are usually the link between the hydraulic system and the crawler drive motor. Each type of construction equipment has specific requirements. Therefore, it will need travel motors with a gearbox that is compatible with its design and operational specifications.

• Consider the capacity and specifications

  Consider the characteristics of the construction equipment, such as the weight it has to move, its operating speed, and the hydraulic pressure of the system. After this, look for travel motors with gearboxes that have the capacity to support the equipment's functions. Choose travel motors manufactured by suppliers who adhere to established quality standards. The manufacturing process should comply with the specifications of recognized quality assurance standards. The materials used should have known performance standards and be suitable for their intended use.

• Investigate the supplier’s reputation

  A supplier’s reputation and the services of the brand in question should strongly influence the buyer's choice. Research the suppliers by looking at reviews from other users of the travel motor gearboxes. Assess the level of support offered by the suppliers. Some key indicators are responsiveness and technical support services. Ensure that the chosen supplier can be relied upon for timely delivery during the purchasing process. Also, make sure that they are available to help with the solution of technical challenges that may arise after use.

Travel motor gearbox Q & A

Q1. How does a travel gearbox work?

A1. The travel gearbox changes the travel motor's speed and torque, determining how fast and with what force an item will move. Gearboxes may employ several gear ratios to provide high torque at low speeds.

Q2. What's the difference between a travel motor and a swing motor?

A2. A travel motor moves an item in a forwards or backwards direction, usually located at the base of a gearbox. A swing motor rotates it around a pivot point. Swing motors are typically found in objects that must rotate, such as excavator gearboxes.

Q3. What materials are used in travel gearboxes?

A3. Durable alloys like carbon steel are manufactured for the heavy industry and are designed to withstand the forces involved when changing speed and torque. Gearbox components may have special heat treatment to improve wear resistance.

Q4. Are travel gearboxes waterproof?

A4. Travel gearboxes have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that tells how dust and moisture resistant they are. For example, an IP67 rating means the gearbox is dust tight and can be immersed in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, indicating a high level of protection.