Assembly and disassembly of Tecma Drive: tools, steps and common errors that shorten service life

Before assembling a Tecma Drive slewing ring, verify that the support surfaces are clean, free of burrs and with adequate flatness. An uneven base generates point loads that reduce the bearing's service life. Also check that the threaded holes match those of the structure and that the bolt or screw is of the correct grade. If you are replacing an existing slewing ring, compare the dimensions and hole pattern with the original before disassembling.

Assembling a slewing ring requires that the work area be clear and that you have the necessary lifting equipment. These parts are heavy and a sudden movement can damage the raceways or the gear teeth. Use suitable slings and attachment points that do not deform the ring. If the slewing ring comes with through holes, first align with guide pins to avoid cross-threading.

A common error is tightening the fastening screws randomly or with excessive torque. The recommended approach is cross-pattern tightening in stages, following the equipment manufacturer's specifications. If you do not have the torque data, request it along with the slewing ring quote. At MR we guide you with the assembly parameters for each model, such as the E.750.20.00.C or the I.650.20.00.C.

To assemble a Tecma Drive slewing ring you will need a calibrated torque wrench, socket or impact wrenches, and a set of hex or Torx sockets depending on the screw type. It is also advisable to have a caliper or micrometer to measure axial and radial clearance after assembly. If the slewing ring is large in diameter, add a precision level and a dial indicator with magnetic base to verify the flatness of the seat.

During disassembly, the most important tool is a suitable puller that does not strike the raceways. Never use a torch to heat the slewing ring, because localized heat deforms the ring and ruins the seal. If the slewing ring is stuck due to corrosion, apply a penetrant and let it act before forcing. For drive units such as the TD-W9-RA, disassembly usually requires disconnecting the drive before removing the bolts.

A frequent error is using reused or questionable-quality fastening screws. High-strength screws work near their elastic limit and must be replaced if they show stretching or corrosion. Store the old screws in a labeled bag to compare them with the new ones. If you have doubts about the tightening torque or the screw grade, consult us at MR before assembling.

First, clean the contact surfaces with a degreaser and verify that there is no paint or loose rust. Present the slewing ring on the base and align the holes with guide pins. Place all screws by hand, without tightening, to ensure the thread has engaged properly. Then, apply the torque in three or four stages, following a cross or star pattern. Finally, verify that the slewing ring rotates smoothly without hard spots.

On toothed slewing rings, check the backlash between teeth with the drive pinion. Excessive backlash produces impacts and premature wear; insufficient backlash generates overload and heating. The correct backlash depends on the tooth module and the slewing ring diameter. If you do not have that data, request it along with the part.

After assembly, measure the axial and radial clearance with a dial indicator. The values must be within those indicated in the technical documentation for each model. If the clearance is greater than admissible, there may be a problem with the flatness of the base or uneven torque. Correct it before putting the equipment into operation. A careful assembly prevents most premature failures in slewing rings.

Before disassembling, mark the relative position of the slewing ring with respect to the base and the pinion. This will be useful if the slewing ring is to be reused or to diagnose wear. Disconnect the motor power and lock the equipment so it does not rotate. Loosen the screws in a cross pattern and in stages, but do not remove them all at once: leave two or three opposite ones to hold the slewing ring while you prepare the lifting.

Once the slewing ring is free, use slings or a hoist to lower it carefully. Do not drop it or rest it on the teeth. If the slewing ring is to be repaired or inspected, store it horizontally on wooden blocks. For slewing rings such as the I.650.20.00.C, coordinate the disassembly with suitable lifting equipment and trained personnel.

A common error is forcing the removal with levers or sledgehammer blows. That damages the raceways and seals, and can chip the teeth. If the slewing ring is stuck due to corrosion, use penetrant and wait. At MR we advise you on the correct procedure for each Tecma Drive model, including drive units such as the TD-R7-RL.

Tecma Drive drive units integrate the slewing ring and its drive mechanism into a compact unit. Their assembly is simpler than that of a separate slewing ring, but requires correctly aligning the output shaft with the load. Verify that the coupling is concentric and that there are no stresses on the fastening bolts. This applies to models such as the TD-E7-RL.

To disassemble a drive unit, first disconnect the power and the drive. Loosen the fastening bolts in a cross pattern and remove the unit with a hoist if it is heavy. Do not hang it from the shaft or the cables. If the unit is to be inspected, consult us at MR and we will guide you.

A typical error is not respecting the torque of the unit's fastening bolts. Low torque allows micro-movements that wear the contact surfaces; high torque can deform the housing. Tecma Drive indicates the tightening torque in its technical documentation. If you do not have it, request it along with the unit quote.

The most serious error is assembling the slewing ring on a base that is not flat. A minimal deviation in the seat generates localized loads that destroy the raceways in a short time. Before assembling, measure flatness with a precision level or a straightedge. If the base is deformed, correct it with machining or shims.

Another frequent error is not correctly lubricating the slewing ring after assembly. Although the slewing ring has initial lubrication, periodic re-greasing is the user's responsibility. Use the recommended grease and respect the intervals according to working conditions. Lack of lubrication produces abrasive wear and pitting in the raceways.

It is also common to ignore abnormal noises or vibrations after assembly. A humming or knocking sound when rotating indicates a problem with alignment, excessive clearance or tooth damage. Stop the equipment and check before the failure progresses. At MR we help you diagnose the problem and get the correct replacement part.

To get a quote for a Tecma Drive slewing ring, send the code engraved on the ring or on the label. If it is not legible, send the main dimensions: outer diameter, hole circle diameter, number and diameter of holes, and gear type (external, internal or without gear). With that data we identify the exact model, such as the E.750.20.00.C.

For drive units, indicate the gearmotor code and the reduction ratio if you know it. A photo of the identification plate also helps. If you are replacing a part from another brand, send us the original code and we look for the Tecma Drive equivalent. MR is the exclusive representative of Tecma Drive in Argentina: we quote you the original brand part.

Write to us via WhatsApp or email with the part data and quantity. We will respond promptly with the quote. If you have doubts about assembly or disassembly, we also guide you. We work with Tecma Drive slewing rings and drive units for industrial equipment, from Buenos Aires, Argentina.