CATALOGUE

SLEWING RINGS

INSTALLATION OF
A SLEWING RING
 INSTALLATION OF A
SLEWING RING

CONTENTS
1.1. Recommendations on supports����������������������������������������������������� Page 3
1.2. Transport / storage�������������������������������������������������������������������������� Page 5
1.3. Mounting��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Page 7
1.4. Maintenance�������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Page 11

Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring 2

 1.1. Recommendations on supports
1.1.1 Chassis design
The slewing ring has moderate axial stiffness: the diameter is large compared to the section. It must be mounted on machined
supports which guarantee sufficient stiffness in relation to the transmitted constraints. This ensures that the pressures are
evenly distributed and that any deformation during operation is prevented, which would be detrimental to the correct
functioning of the slewing ring.

A lack of stiffness in the supports can lead to increased forces on the bearings and thus have a significant impact on the
service life of the slewing ring.

Flexible supports

Rigid supports
Contact forces of rolling elements (N)

Angular position of rolling elements (deg)

It is therefore necessary to use supports whose minimum thickness should not be less than the values in the table below:

Average diameter DM 125 375 625 875 1,125 1,375 1,750 2,250 2,750 3,250 3,750 4,250 4,750 5,250 5,750
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(mm) 374 624 874 1,124 1,374 1,749 2,249 2,749 3,249 3,749 4,249 4,749 5,249 5,749 6,249
Support thickness
20 25 30 35 40 50 60 70 80 95 105 115 125 140 150
min (mm)

The width of the mounting surfaces must be at least equal

to the one of the slewing ring.

We recommend structural reinforcements in the form of

circular rings that are vertically aligned with the raceway.
For better load uniformity, thick rings are preferred to thin
reinforcements with ribs.

3 Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring

1.1.2 Shape tolerances
Defects in the shape of the supports lead to deformations in the raceway, causing hard spots or blockages, which can affect
the service life of the bearing. The maximum flatness defects must not exceed the values in the table below:

Average diameter DM 125 375 625 875 1,125 1,375 1,750 2,250 2,750 3,250 3,750 4,250 4,750 5,250 5,750
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(mm) 374 624 874 1,124 1,374 1,749 2,249 2,749 3,249 3,749 4,249 4,749 5,249 5,749 6,249

Max. short BALLS 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.10 0.11 0.12 0.13 0.13 0.14 0.14 0.14
defects
(mm) ROLLERS 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.09 0.10 0.10 0.11 0.11

Max. long BALLS 0.08 0.12 0.17 0.21 0.25 0.28 0.33 0.38 0.42 0.46 0.50 0.53 0.55 0.56 0.57
defects
(mm) ROLLERS 0.07 0.10 0.12 0.15 0.18 0.20 0.25 0.29 0.32 0.35 0.37 0.39 0.41 0.43 0.44

Max. taper defect (mm) 0.01 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.13 0.15 0.18 0.20 0.23 0.25 0.28 0.30

The shape tolerance applies to all ranges except for the precision range.

For precision slewing rings or specific slewing rings with reduced axial run-out, the shape tolerances of the supports must be
smaller than the tolerances of the mounting surfaces indicated on the slewing ring drawings (for Rollix RT, see IT-ETR-244).

Example of a "short" defect Example of a "long" defect

1.1.3 Stiffness tolerances

The stiffness of the slewing ring support unit must be such that under maximum loads the deflections do not exceed those
shown in the table below:

Average diameter DM 125 375 625 875 1,125 1,375 1,750 2,250 2,750 3,250 3,750 4,250 4,750 5,250 5,750
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(mm) 374 624 874 1,124 1,374 1,749 2,249 2,749 3,249 3,749 4,249 4,749 5,249 5,749 6,249
Max. deflection
0.20 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.45 0.55 0.65 0.80 1.00 1.15 1.30 1.45 1.60 1.75 1.90
under load (mm)

1.1.4 Plastic cements

In cases where the above tolerances cannot be achieved under good conditions, epoxy-type resins can be used to level the
contact surfaces. Several products are available depending on the size and type of defects to be corrected. Please contact
our sales department for further details.

Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring 4

 1.2. Transport / storage
1.2.1 Transport
Our slewing rings are carefully packaged to prevent damage during transport. There are three types of packaging:

1. On pallets 3. Customised (stillage, tarpaulin for inclined trans-

port, vacuum aluminium tarpaulin)

2. In crates

5 Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring

Transport and storage are carried out in a horizontal posi-
tion. For large diameter slewing rings (Ø>2.4 m), they can
be transported on a stillage or tilted trailer to reduce the
dimensions of the exceptional transport.

Rollix offers specific packaging for long term storage, sea

transport or outdoor storage. Please contact us for more
information.

Slewing rings must be handled with care and shocks must

be avoided. They should be handled using accessories
appropriate to the weight of the part, as indicated on the
identification label.

1.2.2 Storage
Except in specific cases, packaged slewing rings have been given a temporary anti-corrosion surface protection that allows
them to be stored for 6 months in a covered, tempered room (Rollix recommends a humidity < 85% and a temperature
> 12°C). Specific packaging is required for long term storage, sea transport or outdoor storage. Please contact us for more
information.

Lubrication is required every 18 months (see section 5.4.1 for maintenance and lubrication).

Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring 6

 1.3. Mounting
1.3.1 Retrieval and preparation 1.3.2 Identification and installation
markers
Watch our video tutorials:
Each slewing ring is individually identified by a metal label
riveted close to the filler plug on the non-geared ring.

Manufacturing date
Slewing ring part number

In accordance with the IT-ETR-940 maintenance manual:

When unpacking the slewing ring:

1. Take care not to cut the protective seals when

removing the wrapping paper.

2. Cut the packaging, preferably on the outside

diameter, not on the sides.

When degreasing the slewing ring:

1. Use a standard commercial thinner; thinners contai-

ning chlorinated solvents should be avoided.

2. Take care not to spill any thinner under the seals or Serial number Any comments
in the raceways. (customer ref., grease, etc.)

3. Before installing greasing ports or connecting Weight in kilograms

pipes, remove the plastic plugs or Hc bolts from
the lubrication holes.

The use of a structural adhesive such as Loctite 586 is

a good way of limiting relative movement between the
slewing ring and the supports. See our technical leaflet
IT-ETR-521, available on request.

Positioning

The soft zone, marked by a red line on the geared ring, or

the filler plug, visible on the other ring, must be positioned
at 90° to the main axis of the loads or the arm suppor-
ting the load (see diagram below), except for Rollix RT
series slewing rings, which have no filler plug or soft zone.

Main axis of loads

Filler plug position

Soft zone

7 Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring

Installation markers

To ensure correct installation of the slewing ring, Rollix applies the following markings to its slewing rings, with the exception
of ranges 21 to 39 (light series and light series square sections):

1. Gear run-out: the maximum point (furthest from the centre of the slewing ring for external gear and closest to the
centre for internal gear).

2. Soft zone: non-hardened area of the raceway.

Filler plug for rolling elements

Gear run-out Soft zone

The maximum gear run-out point is marked by: 1. For the non-geared ring, it is located near the
rolling elements' filler plug.
1. Two blue lines at the top of the corresponding gear,
2. For the geared ring, it is marked by a red line on
2. By an iron-stamped O on the side opposite the the front or by the number stamped on the front.
support.
If possible, these zones should be placed in the neutral
The run-out of the drive pinion must be adjusted at this axis of the loads: at 90° to the main axis of the loads.
point.

1.3.3 Installing the slewing ring

Structure

1. Ensure that your structure is suitable with our recommendations (flatness & stiffness). See chapter 5.1.

2. Check that there are no chips, weld spatter, traces of corrosion, etc.

3. Check that the slewing ring is correctly fitted to the support parts.

Pilot diameter

Where radial forces are significant, particularly if the slewing ring is placed vertically, it is necessary to use the pilot diameter
for this purpose.

Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring 8

 1.3.4 Bolt tightening
1. Check that the fixing bolts are of the specified quality (marked 10.9 on the head) and that the threads are correctly
lubricated.

2. For normalised steel type Z or N slewing rings, it is necessary to use treated flat washers so that:

- The elastic limit is greater than or equal to 600 MPa.

- And diameter DR = 2d.

Elastic washers such as Belleville, Grower or others of any

type or model are absolutely prohibited and will invalidate
any warranty. Nord-Lock type ramp washers may be used:

1. Fit all the bolts and tighten lightly.

2. Then tighten the bolts using a properly calibrated

tool. Hydraulic devices are recommended.

3. Using the "star" method ensures even tightening

all the way round.

Tightening torque

Rollix recommends tightening the bolts to the tension indicated in the table below (corresponding to 73% of the elastic
limit Re).

For guidance, Rollix indicates the appropriate torque value assuming a coefficient of friction under the bolt head of 0.12
and a coefficient of friction in the thread of 0.14. For values with different coefficients of friction, contact the design office
for the appropriate tightening torque.

Several tightening methods can be used to control the recommended tension:

• Tightening with a hydraulic tensioner (recommended in order to limit uncertainty about tightening tension)

• Torque tightening with controlled coefficients of friction

Diameter
6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 52 56
(mm)
Tension
14 25 40 58 79 108 132 168 208 242 315 385 476 561 670 769 896 1,011 1,206 1,393
(N)
Torque*
15 35 70 120 191 293 408 573 778 987 1,440 1,964 2,646 3,409 4,396 5,454 6,771 8,202 10,496 13,086
(N.m)
*Coefficient of friction under the bolt head of 0.12, coefficient of friction in the thread of 0.14

9 Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring

1.3.5 Installation of the pinion
1. The pinion must be positioned approximately
90°C from the main axis of the loads.

2. Adjust the pinion to the point of maximum gear

run-out of the slewing ring, marked with a blue line.

3. At this point, the gear backlash adjusted with a set

of standard gauge blocks must be within the cal-
culated values or at least 0.05 x module.

4. When several pinions are used, each pinion must

be adjusted under the same conditions.

5. During testing, make sure that the pinion and

slewing ring axes are correctly aligned to ensure
permanent contact between pinion and slewing
ring accross the entire gear width.

Ge
ar
ba
ckl
6. Lubricate the gears of the slewing ring and pinion

ash
before starting up (see section 5.4 Maintenance).

1.3.6 Controls after installation

Once all the fixings have been tightened:

1. Turn the slewing ring at least three times and check that there are no hard spots to verify that the rotating torque is
even.

2. Double check the gear run-out value over one complete revolution.

3. Measure the total deflection under a known load by marking the measurement points.

These values are usefully recorded in the machine's inspection booklet, see our "delivery form",
ref. IT-DTR-19.005.

Methodology Checking deflection under load of mounted

slewing ring
1. Place a measuring instrument between the two
rings as close as possible to the raceway in the main
load axis: accuracy class 0.1 mm minimum.

2. Calibrate to zero with no load.

3. Apply known load.

4. Read the deflection value at the point being

considered.

5. Carry out several surveys at different points that

have been permanently marked out in advance.

6. Please note that the deflection of the chassis and

the elongation of the support could have an impact
on the measurement.

Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring 10

 1.4. Maintenance
1.4.1 Relubrication
Proper lubrication is essential for the longevity of raceways and gears. In fact, lubrication is an integral part of the slewing
ring and enhances its performance. Operating conditions such as loads, temperatures, speeds, vibrations, etc. determine
the choice of lubricant.

Raceway

Unless otherwise specified, slewing rings are supplied lubricated with MOBILUX EP2 grease.

In our experience, the lubricants listed in the table below are compatible with each other and with the components of our
slewing rings.

MANUFACTURER RACEWAY LUBRICATION GEAR LUBRICATION

BECHEM High Lub L474 Berulit GA 400

Spheerol EPL 2
CASTROL Molub-Alloy 936 SF Heavy
Tribol GR-100-2 PD

MOBIL MOBILUX EP2 Mobilgear Series

MOTUL IRIX L130-2 IRIX EVO LCX 920-000

SHELL Gadus S2 V220 2 Shell naturelle S2 Grease A600P

Lical EP2
Céran range (AD+, XS320,…)
TOTAL Copal EP2
Multis Complex SHD
Bio Multis EP2

Other lubricants may be used, provided they are miscible Lubrication holes
with the Rollix standard recommendations.
Radial or facial, these holes are generally tapped M10 or
Recommended characteristics for regreasing: M8 at 1.00 pitch and sealed with Hc screw or plastic plugs.
These plugs should be removed when the slewing ring is
1. Lithium soap-based grease fitted with lubrication ports or connected to a centralised
lubrication system.
2. Minimum base oil viscosity 150 mm²/sec
The filler plug for rolling elements has a threaded hole.
3. Grade NLGI 2 This is not a lubrication hole.

4. Anti-wear and extreme pressure additives

Lubrication method
Greases containing molybdenum disulphide MOS2 are not
recommended. Lubrication must be carried out during rotation at low
speed, over a minimum of two revolutions, through all
the lubrication holes.
Gear

A temporary protection against oxidation is applied on

delivery. The gear must be permanently covered with
grease.

Depending on the environmental conditions, the gear

can be protected by a casing to limit the risks of grease
contamination.

11 Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring

Lubrication frequency of the raceway
Lubrication frequency varies according to use and environment. Refer to the table below:

OPERATING CONDITIONS REGREASING INTERVALS

Every 150 hours of operation,

Dry, clean manufacturing halls (turntables, robots, etc.)
but at least every 6 months

Harsh outdoor conditions (cranes / excavators, etc.)

Harsh climatic conditions
Every 50 hours of operation,
Marine / desert / arctic environment
but at least every 2 months
Very dirty environment
More than 70 hours of operation per week

Extreme conditions (tunnel boring machines / steelworks, wind tur- Continuous lubrication (by centralised lubrication or
bines) cartridge lubrication)

Regreasing is necessary before and after long periods of downtime. During periods of prolonged shutdown, it is necessary
to regrease in rotation every six months.

These frequencies are given for information only. Depending on the conditions in which the slewing ring is used, Rollix may
recommend a specific regreasing frequency.

Amount of regreasing Specific applications

Raceway: On request, the Rollix design office can provide solutions

(such as oil bath lubrication) for extreme applications:
The quantity of grease is defined by the design office temperature, speed…
when specifying the slewing ring. In all cases, a slight bead
of new grease should appear on the outer edges of the
protective seals.

In the case of a perfectly sealed slewing ring, ensure that

the volume of used lubrication is equivalent to the volume
of new lubrication. Systems for recovering used grease
are available. Please contact us for more details.

Gear:

Whether sprayed or applied by brush, the grease must

cover the pinion and slewing ring flanks completely and
permanently.

Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring 12

 1.4.2 Preventive control 1.4.3 Limitations of use

Seal monitoring Deflection monitoring

A visual inspection will ensure that the protective seals Rollix supplies its slewing rings with a built-in preload to
are intact: ensure correct operation and optimum safety. During the
service life of the product, the preload decreases and its
1. No excessive tension or tears evolution results in a significant increase of the deflection
under load. When this deflection is no longer compatible
2. Correct positioning with correct operation and the safety conditions required
for the type of equipment used, the slewing ring must be
3. Wear rate of the friction lip. replaced.

If necessary, replace the seals. After regreasing, remove In order to quantify the rate of wear, it is necessary to know
any wasted grease and check that there is no contamina- the deflection under load:
tion such as sand, carbon, metal particles, etc.
1. When new: J0

Fastening monitoring 2. At time of monitoring: J1

Since the bolts that secure the slewing rings are subject These measurements are carried out under the same
to fatigue, it is particularly important to check that the conditions after checking the fastening bolts. The values
required pretension is always maintained in the bolts. measured are recorded in the machine's inspection
Rollix recommends checking the bolts within the first booklet.
100/150 hours of operation on 20% of the bolts spread
over 360°: Wear and tear is the difference: u = J1 - J0

1. If a bolt is loose, the adjacent bolts must be

checked. Deflection monitoring interval under load
2. If 10% of the bolts are loose then 100% re-tighte-
ning is required. WEAR RATE MONITORING INTERVAL

This can be repeated every six months. u ≤ J0 Annual

Slewing monitoring J0 < u < 1.5 J0 6 months

During cleaning prior to the gear regreasing:

3 months - Consider replacing
1. Check that there are no foreign bodies between
1.5 J0 < u < 2 J0 the slewing ring
the pinion and the slewing ring's teeth that could
cause gearing issues.
u > 2 J0 Mandatory replacement
2. Check the evenness of the longitudinal bearing
of the pinion over the entire width of the slewing
ring gear and correct the alignment of the axes In all cases, refer to the regulations in force depending
if necessary. on the application.

3. Check the gear backlash value (see diagram in

section 5.3.5 Installation of the pinion).

13 Rollix - Installation of a slewing ring

 ROLLIX expert in slewing rings

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with their customers. Our approach is based on
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the moment you express your requirements. Our
technical involvement optimises project management,
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more cost effective.

EXCELLENCE
Rollix has been developing its expertise in slewing
rings for over 50 years, applying it to a wide range of
industries. We strive for excellence, and our solutions
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