Industrial gearboxes are a key component in many companies across a wide variety of industrial sectors. Whilst many companies employ engineers qualified to install and maintain their gearboxes, outsourcing this task to specialist gearbox firms is also fairly common. This is particularly true for SMEs who often simply do not have the budget to take on extra staff.
In order to understand exactly what is involved in industrial gearbox installation and make a sensible, informed decision on outsourcing such tasks, what follows is an overview of the steps involved in gearbox installation along with a few tips for installation companies themselves.
1. Fixings
The feet or pads of the gearbox must be fixed your equipment in line with the gearbox manufacturer’s specifications. Manufacturers typically provide a guide linking screw size to necessary tightening talk. Most manufacturers specify screws with an ISO grade of at least 8.8 must be used.
2. Motor Connections
The task of connecting an electrical motor should be carried out by an adequately qualified electrical engineer. Ensuring the correct cable size and electrical regulations are met is essential for safe motor and gearbox operation. The motor plate will specify the motor’s current rating in Amps.
3. Oil and Lubricant
Most industrial gearboxes are installed free lubricant, which is essential in gearbox operation. The manufacturer will specify the grade and amount of lubricant required for the gearbox operation: these guidelines should be followed exactly. An over application of lubricant can be as dangerous as under application, causing overheating and serious thermal degradation within the gearbox.
4. The Installation Process
The installation of foot mounted gearboxes is slightly different than shaft mounted units.
4.1 Foot Mounted Gearbox Units
A foot mounted unit should be bolted to its foundations once the shaft extensions and ventilator has been cleaned. Once the installer is confident that the baseplate is not distorted, the unit must be carefully aligned before the guards and safety features are installed. After thorough checks of the motor wiring the gearbox’s lubricant sump should be filled with oil in line with the manufacturer’s specifications.
4.2 Shaft Mounted Gearbox Units
Once the shaft extensions and ventilator have been cleared, the gearbox should be located as close as possible to the motor bearings. After securing the unit in place the installer should fit the torque arm and install the necessary guard and safety features. Finally, once the motor wiring has been thoroughly checked, the lubricant sump can be filled with oil in line with the manufacturer’s specifications
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