When you purchase an industrial gearbox, you are making an investment. You want the gearbox to last as long as possible. Industrial gearboxes have a variety of lifespans, but you can ensure that yours will last as long as it should by performing regular inspections and maintenance. Both inspections and maintenance can help prevent breakdowns and downtime that could cost you more time and money than you should spend. The following tips can help you get your maintenance and repair issues in order so you can keep your industrial gearbox running for as long and possible.
Maintenance and inspection may not be at the top of your mind on a daily basis. It is important to keep records of what needs to be done and when it should be done. Only qualified individuals should inspect and maintain any industrial gearbox. These professionals should keep track of their inspections on regulated forms so everyone involved with the gearbox will know who performed each task. The records will help prevent overlap and will allow professionals to predict where maintenance will be needed.
Industrial gearboxes often operate in dusty, dirty areas and that cannot be avoided. However, you can minimize the effects that the environment has on your unit. Dust and clean your gearbox on a regular basis and make sure it is free of debris. Make sure those who work around your equipment do not drop anything on the parts that rotate. Also, professionals that run inspections need to close ports when the industrial gearbox is in operation.
Simply looking at the gear teeth on a regular basis is an important aspect of maintenance. By checking on the tooth patterns of contact, it is easy enough to see where there might be a misalignment. Keep records of the patterns so those who work around your gearbox can tell when misalignment is taking place. This step will ensure the unit can be fixed before it causes further damage.
Oil leaks can occur at any time and you can detect them through the shaft seals. Leaks often show that seals are broken and water, dust, and other debris can leak in as the oil leaks out. Check the seals on a regular basis to ensure that your gearbox will not be damaged by a leak.
The breather portion of an industrial gearbox needs to be protected in order to prevent permanent damage to the equipment. Situate the breather in the cleanest area of the factory and keep it away from water and dust if at all possible. When you wash your industrial gearbox, make sure water does not get into the breather.
If an industrial gearbox gets too hot and overheats, it can cut back on its life expectancy. There are a number of maintenance checks you can run to prevent overheating. It is a good idea to watch the temperatures that are recorded from the box. When measurements occur, spray your gearbox with water in order to gauge the temperature. If this step is done on a regular basis, you will know what the normal temperature is and will be able to see when it rises.
The proper lubricant should be added on a regular basis so your industrial gearbox can operate efficiently. The lubricated areas need to be tested on a regular basis as well so you can ensure everything is running as effectively as possible.
If you follow these tips, you can add years to the life of your industrial gearbox. Your equipment will work more effectively and efficiently as well. Make sure you take all of the manufacturer’s specific instructions into consideration as you form a maintenance plan.
At Amarillo Gear Service, we work with our clients to ensure their industrial 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 industrial gearboxes perform better once they are returned and are less prone to damage and further problems.
Amarillo Gear Service is a division of Amarillo Gear Company, which has been in continuous operation since 1917. The name “Amarillo” has become a global benchmark for quality gears and drives that companies rely upon. For more information, give us a call at (806) 622-1273. You can also Contact Us via email and view the regions we service. We will be glad to tell you more about the quality workmanship we can bring to the renewal of your drive.
