Gearboxes and motors are costly items of equipment, however, if proper care and maintenance are provided, the units will ensure years of productivity and long-term return-on-investment.

The benefits of regular gearbox and motor care and maintenance include; extended product lifespan, efficient and cost-effective service, reduced downtime and safer working environments.

According to SEW-EURODRIVE works manager Peter McEvoy, effective care and maintenance mean using the correct unit for the correct application and servicing it according to specified standards and OEM operating instructions.

“Operating instructions come with every unit, can be downloaded from the internet, and provide the end-user with comprehensive information on operation and maintenance,” he explains. Genuine parts and spares are also essential. McEvoy adds: “This provides the user with the peace-of-mind that all parts conform to the manufacturer’s international standards, thereby ensuring a maximised lifespan.”

McEvoy indicates that the company boasts an extensive stockholding to ensure minimal turnaround times. “In the event that the part is not available, we are committed to sourcing or importing it,” he continues. What’s more, a correctly specified, high-quality lubricant is vital to the performance of a geared unit. A damaged or contaminated lubricant will severely impact on the performance, lifespan and maintenance costs.

“We provide clients with a qualified field service team to do the required lubricant change on the site and assist in any other ways possible,” McEvoy concludes.

The table below stipulates inspection and maintenance intervals, and serves as a useful guideline for the appropriate measures to be taken:

Time interval	Action
Every 3 000 hours of operation – at least every six months	Check oil and oil level Check running noise for bearing damage Inspect seals for leakage Check and replace rubber buffers, if necessary, on units with torque arm
Every three years (At the latest, depending on operating conditions)	Change mineral oil Replace rolling bearing grease Replace oil seal (do not install it in the same track)
Every five years (At the latest, depending on operating conditions)	Change synthetic oil Replace rolling bearing grease Replace oil seal (do not install it in the same track)
Varying (Dependent on external factors)	Touch up or renew the surface’s anti-corrosion coating as and when required