kobelco final drive

Types of Kobelco final drives

A Kobelco final drive gives adequate torque to the undercarriage components of a digger, such as the crawlers and pinion. The following types are available to equip different types of excavators or track gear.

• Travel Motor

A travel motor is a type of final drive where the reduction gearbox is inside the travel motor. The motor connects directly to the drive sprocket of the track. Such a final drive offers a simple design with a reduced number of parts. However, it may have low torque and is more suitable for smaller capacity excavators.

• Worm Drive

A worm drive means that the drive shaft connects to a pinion, which meshes with a gear or wheel mounted on the frame of the machine, usually on a vertical axis. This type is applicable in Kobelco mini excavators and smaller models. The gear reduction ratio is high, which gives it the ability to transmit a high torque. The compact dimensions of the gearbox enable it to fit into smaller spaces.

• Integrated Final Drive

When the motor, gearbox, and axle are assembled as a single unit, it is known as an integrated final drive. It is sometimes called a travel drive. An integrated final drive helps to simplify the engineering of a component. Many different types of final drives are made by combining gearboxes and motors. This assembly helps to reduce the installation time of the drive and adjacent parts, thus lowering manufacturing costs.

• Planetary Gear Final Drive

Planetary gear drives have a gearbox with three satellite gears. The gear reduction is high. It is commonly used in large Kobelco excavators. This kind of final drive is large, and tracks are attached directly to its output shaft. High torque is available for moving large, heavy loads.

Specifications and maintenance of Kobelco final drives

Specifications

• Models: The final drive models Kobelco consists of various model numbers. They are likely to differ in dimensions, weight, and performance capabilities.
• Capacity: The carrying capacity of Kobelco final drives is indicated by working loads. They can meet the established working load requirements.
• Speed: The final drive output speed determines how quickly it can move the driven equipment or vehicle.
• Power Transmission: The method and efficiency of transmitting power from the motor or engine to the final drive.
• Gear Ratio: Gear ratios of Kobelco final drives are designed to match the characteristics of different working environments.
• Operating Environment: Final drives can be adapted to work in a range of temperature and humidity conditions, as well as in special environments such as water or dust.

Maintenance

• Lubrication System:Regularly check the oil level and oil quality of the lubrication system, ensure sufficient oil level, and replace the oil if necessary to keep the final drive properly lubricated.
• Seal Check: Inspect and clean seals to ensure they are still intact and free of damage. Repair or replace them in time to avoid oil leakage and contaminants.
• Fasteners: Check and tighten the bolts and fasteners to ensure that they remain stable and do not loosen, which affects the operation of the final drive.
• Wear Parts: Periodically inspect and replace worn components such as sprockets and chain links to ensure the stability and reliability of power transmission.
• Dust and Water Prevention: Regularly clean the dust and sand on the surface of the final drive and check for water ingress to keep the equipment clean and dry, avoiding damage and failure.
• Preventive Maintenance: Develop a planned maintenance schedule and carry out regular inspections and maintenance on schedule to discover potential problems in time and take appropriate measures to avoid accidents.

Applications of Kobelco Final Drives

Final drives are key components of excavators, which may be applicable in the following scenarios:

• Earth Excavation: Final drives help to transfer the power of the main engine to track motors. They enable excavators to dig massive amounts of earth in foundation digging, trenching, and land leveling.
• Material Movement: Final drives allow the rotation and movement of excavator arms for the loading of materials. This applies in scenarios such as loading of rocks, gravel, or debris onto trucks or piles, as well as unloading of materials from ships at ports.
• Demos and Deconstruction: Excavator final drives enable the rotation of the mounted demolition or the dismantling of structures. In scenarios such as dismantling of buildings, bridges, or infrastructure, excavators equipped with final-drive demolition facilitates the quick and efficient demolition of targets.
• Production and Mining: The motor’s movement enabled by the final drive also applies to mining operations as excavators(Caterpillar excavator final drives) are used for opening up of underground ore bodies and digging of access tunnels.
• Compaction: Hydraulic final drives can be coupled with compactors to perform soil compaction. Excavator compactors are used in foundation preparation, backfilling, and road construction to enhance soil stability and reduce settlement.

Choosing the right Kobelco final drive

The Kobelco final drives can be a big investment for business buyers. Making the right choice requires careful research and consideration of the following factors.

• Buying from a reliable supplier: Business buyers should get direct drives from a trusted and reliable supplier. Taking the time to find a reputable supplier will help in the long run. A good supplier will sell quality products that perform well and last a long time. A final drive from a reliable supplier will be more dependable, helping to keep the excavator working smoothly and without major repairs.
• Warranty: A warranty is different from a guarantee in that it covers certain defects for a set period. A warranty shows the supplier's confidence in the product and provides customers with some financial safety and peace of mind.
• Experience of the supplier: When purchasing a Kobelco final drive, it is crucial to consider the supplier's experience in the industry. An experienced supplier with long industry knowledge will likely understand customer needs better and offer only those products that have been thoroughly tested and proven to work well. Their extensive time in the market also means they have established a strong network of dependable manufacturers, allowing them to provide customers with a wide selection of quality products at fair prices.
• Customer service: It is also important to consider the supplier's customer service when selecting the right Kobelco final drive. The quality of service offered will be crucial in supporting business buyers throughout the purchasing process and beyond, giving them added confidence in their decision. Good customer service means that all questions will be answered in a friendly and professional way, making buying easier and safer. A helpful and knowledgeable customer service team will be there to help with any problems or worries that arise after the purchase, ensuring business buyers get the help they need when they need it.

Q & A

Q1: What are some symptoms of a failing or damaged Kobelco final drive motor?

A1: Common signs of a bad final drive are fluid leaks, grinding or knocking noises, overheating, vibration, slippage, or erratic motion. The marching may also get stuck or not respond as it should. If the troubleshooting steps above reveal any of these issues, then the final drive is likely damaged.

Q2: What is the working principle of the final drive?

A2: The final drive combines planetary gear systems and hydraulic motors. The hydraulic motor in the final drive receives high-pressure fluid from the excavator's hydraulic system. The motor converts this hydraulic energy into rotational motion. The rotation of the hydraulic motor drives the sun gear of the planetary gearbox. In the gearbox, the sun gear drives the planet gears that are mounted on the planet carriers. The planet gears rotate around the stationary rim gear. As the planet gears rotate, they revolve around the sun gear and the motion drives the final drive output shaft. This shaft is connected to the track or wheel, propelling the excavator forward.

Q3: How long does a new final drive last after installation?

A3: A new final drive will typically last between 3 and 5 years if it is well maintained. Good maintenance practices may also extend its lifetime up to 7 years.

Q4: Which manufacturers make the Kobelco final drives?

A4: Several manufacturers make supreme-quality final drives that are compatible with Kobelco excavators. They include SEPB, Sdlg, Wj Sepeb, and Tianjin Huabei.

Q5: How do users ensure the final drives made by other manufacturers are compatible with the Kobelco excavator?

A5: To ensure compatibility, they should obtain the part numbers. They should compare the part numbers of the final drives to be replaced with the part numbers of the new final drives. They should also check the specifications, including the dimensions, gearbox ratio, and hydraulic connections.