[lanolot744Participant]

lanolot744

Hi everyone,

our open-pit copper mine’s main overland conveyor started jerking violently under full ore weight this morning. The electrical draw on the drive motor is spiking wildly, and the secondary housing is emitting a low, rhythmic grinding sound.

We drained a fluid sample from the lower sump, only to find fine metal silt along with small brass flakes. Our maintenance tech thinks the planetary sun gear is missing teeth, but I suspect the input shaft seal failed and allowed abrasive dirt inside. Should we flush the unit on-site, or is a full industrial gearbox repair unavoidable?

Thanks in advance

[hajisParticipant]

hajis

Hi everyone, violent jerking under heavy ore load combined with brass flakes in the sump means your planetary carrier bushings or thrust washers are actively disintegrating.

Abrasive mine dust mixed with oil acts like liquid sandpaper, quickly grinding down precision gear teeth and causing severe mesh binding. Never run a jerking drive unit under load, as loose metal silt will travel through the oil passages and ruin the main Cotta casing.

Immediately isolate the conveyor, pull the side inspection cover, and measure total shaft backlash. Booking a professional gearbox repair will prevent complete shaft seizure and protect your assembly. You will avoid massive plant downtime by completing a timely gearbox repair.