Types of Kobelco 350 Final Drives
The final drive is a key part of an excavator's working device. The primary function is to transfer the motor power of the swing and travel Motor to the pinion of the planetary gearbox, reducing the speed and increasing the torque, which ultimately drives the output shaft. The Kobelco 350 final drive consists of the final gearbox and the swing/ travel motor integrated into a single unit.
Based on their structure and working principle, Kobelco final drives can be divided into the following types:
- Separated final drives: Separarted final drives are the final drives where the swing/travel motor is separated from the gearbox. In this case, the motor would be mounted on the top or side of the gearbox through some couplings or brackets. This setup allows installing different types of motors as per requirements. It also allows easy maintenance and closer inspection of the motor and gearbox, so if there's anything wrong with any component, it can be fixed right away without wasting time or stopping production lines. However, this might take more space compared to integrated final drives.
- Integrated final drives: Integrated final drives combine swing/travel motors and gearboxes into one unit. Compared to separated final drives, these save installation space. They provide higher transmission efficiency, compactness, and light weight. Moreover, the integral motor and reducer units make installation easy, fast, and reliable. Kobelco 350 integrated final drive, for example, features a planetary structure that reduces speed and increases output torque. The motor is directly connected to the gearbox, which helps shorten the overall length. This helps lower the center of gravity of the excavator, increasing its stability. Gear reduction helps increase the output torque, gearbox smoothens the fluctuations in torque, and the motor provides the driving force, allowing the excavator to move freely on uneven terrain with a high load.
Specifications and maintenance of Kobelco 350 final drives
Specifications
- Machinery model:The model of the machinery that the final drive is applied to.
- Travel motor:The type of travel motor affects the power and performance of the final drive. For example, the Kobelco 350 final drive travel motor, which is normally used in an excavator, is a planetary motor.
- Reduction ratio:The reduction ratio determines how much the speed of the final drive will be reduced, which affects the rotating speed of the machinery.
- Operating temperature:The working temperature range of the final drive. If the temperature exceeds the specified value, it may cause damage to the mechanical parts.
- Oil seal:Oil seals are usually made of synthetic rubber to ensure that the oil does not leak and to keep the oil clean.
Maintenance
The maintenance aspects of the Kobelco 350 final drive mainly include two parts: regular maintenance and repair of failing parts or components.
Regular maintenance for Kobelco 350 final drives includes cleaning, lubricating, tightening, and replacing oil seals.
- Cleaning:Clean the outside of the final drive to remove dirt and contaminants. Pay attention to the cleaning tools, which should prevent damage to the oil seal and other parts.
- Lubrication:Final drives usually use grease or oil for lubrication. Confirm the lubrication method and apply an appropriate amount of lubricant to keep the final drive functioning smoothly.
- Tightening:Regularly check the bolts and connections of the final drive and ensure that they are tightened to prevent loosening or falling off.
- Replacement of oil seals:If the oil seals of the final drives are worn or damaged, they should be replaced promptly to avoid oil leakage or contamination of oil dirt.
Repair:
For damaged final drives, it is necessary to repair the damaged parts or components, such as replacing the gear sets, bearings, or seals.
In summary, maintaining the Kobelco final drive is crucial to the performance and lifespan of the machinery, so it is necessary to pay attention to maintenance and timely repair.
Uses of the Kobelco 350 final drive
The Kobelco 350 final drive is an important component found in several industries and applications that use driven machinery and equipment.
- Construction and excavation: In heavy construction equipment such as big hydraulic excavators and trenchers, the Kobelco 350 final drive is used to reduce the speed of the gear that transfers high torque to the wheels and tracks of the vehicle that movements and stability are of utmost importance.
- Agriculture: In agricultural equipment such as big tractors, the Kobelco 350 final drive aids in helping the machinery move with ease across land to plough and harvest with the necessary precision and efficiency.
- Mining: In the mining industry that uses excavators, crawler tractors and off-highway trucks that are driven by machinery with final drives, this component helps with easily extracting natural resources such as minerals, coal and ore from the ground with maximum efficiency.
- Marine: In big ships and vessels such as fishing boats, cargo carriers and tankers that carry a lot of weight, the Kobelco 350 final drive helps ensure that the ship moves smoothly, even when it's heavy.
- Renewable energy: In various wind turbines used to harness energy and power facilities, various final drives help convert the rotational energy of the turbine blades into electrical energy.
- Transportation: In large vehicles such as buses and trucks that carry a lot of weight, the final drive ensures that the vehicle goes smoothly in which cargo and goods are transported from one place to another.
How to choose Kobelco 350 final drives
Consider the following factors when buying Kobelo final drives:
-
Excavator model compatibility
Ensure the final drive matches the Kobelco excavator model. Drive performance, fit, and functionality depend on this.
-
New vs. remanufactured drives
Both types offer distinct benefits. New drives provide freshness devoid of use history, ensuring peak effectiveness upon installation. Their manufacturing precision guarantees an impeccable fit tailored to the excavator model. Meanwhile, remanufactured drives deliver a budget-friendly alternative without compromising quality. They undergo rigorous inspections and repairs, featuring new components where necessary. Opting for a remanufactured drive not only promises performance but also champions environmental sustainability through resource reclamation.
-
Warranty
A solid warranty indicates manufacturer confidence. Look for warranties with clear terms and reasonable coverage durations.
-
Order quantity and pricing
Negotiate pricing based on the required amount, but prioritize quality over cost-saving.
-
Supplier credentials
Research suppliers offering drives to ensure they sell quality products.
Q&A
Q1: What is the difference between the final drive and the travel motor?
A1: The final drive also referred to as the final reduction drive, is the component that reduces the speed of the motor and transmits power to the excavator's crawler wheels. On the other hand, the final drive consists of the gearbox and brake assembly, which are parts of the travel motor. In this case, the final drive is a part of the travel motor.
Q2: What are the parts of the final drive?
A2: The final drive comprises several parts, including the final drive gearbox, which reduces speed and boosts torque; the drive hub connects the gearbox to the track wheel; the bearing assembly supports the drive shaft; the brake system that halts the movement of the wheel; and the seal, which prevents leakage of lubricants. Some final drives may also include a swing gearbox that allows the upper structure of an excavator to rotate.
Q3: What are the signs that the final drive is damaged?
A3: A damaged final drive will make excessive noise during operation. There will be signs of wear, such as scoring or pitting on the seals or gearing. Oil and grease will leak out, or the excavator may become unstable as the final drive loses its ability to hold the track in place. Damage to the final drive may happen due to a lack of lubrication. Therefore, performing regular maintenance is essential to keeping the excavator stable.
