Our customer advised us that his machine would not slew. Without rotational capacity in the cab, each operation becomes a question of lining up the machine at the correct angle. To fix the problem, we repaired the swing motor unit.
Many plant machines rely heavily on hydraulics to slew, with swing motors having an essential role in operating tower cranes, rotating platforms, offshore rigs and excavators. When a swing motor breaks, the boom becomes stuck at a particular angle. Raising and lowering may still operate, but without slew, most tasks are impossible.
On stripping the Kayaba swing motor, it was evident that the slewing control was failing due to a loss of preload, the force applied through the internal parts. Because the parts were heavily worn away, the swing motor couldn’t gain traction, preventing the machine from slewing.
We discovered that the excessive wear on the gears and bolts was caused by burnt or contaminated oil in the system. When oil oxidises, it becomes more acidic, causing premature wear and corrosion to softer metal parts. This can appear as pitting or discolouration and is one reason why regular oil changes are so important.
As always, we dismantled the motor to assess the problem. Part by part, we stripped and cleaned and found extreme wear on the connecting faces. Once the diagnosis was complete, we contacted the customer to explain the fault and offer a repair quote.
We cleaned and lubricated all parts, replacing the worn components along with all bearings and seals. All swing motor repairs use genuine OEM parts, as these offer reliable performance and strength.
After rebuilding the reconditioned unit, we load-tested it on our purpose-built testing rig. This can handle hydraulic units from any brand to make certain our repairs can handle the loads required.
We advised our customer on the importance of regular oil changes to prevent future wear, and to drain the hydraulic tank and system completely before refitting the unit. The customer was also advised to clean out the system thoroughly, replace hydraulic filters and fill the tank with fresh oil.
Once this was all complete, we refitted the reconditioned motor onto the machine.
The reconditioned unit was fully capable of handling the pressure and loads required to create radial motion in the machine. Our customer was happy with the service and received a fully repaired KYB MSF-85P swing motor in OEM standard condition for a much more affordable price than the cost of a brand-new unit.
All our repairs use genuine parts approved by the OEM from more than twenty engineering brands. This means customers can count on proper functionality and a long lifespan when their hydraulic parts are repaired at CJ Plant.
A quality repair is more cost-effective than a full replacement in most cases, as this extends the lifespan of your hydraulics and avoids wasted spend.
Guaranteed quality with proper care and attention is something our customers value.
CJ Plant is built on quality relationships with suppliers and customers alike. As a family business, we understand the pressures our clients are under and provide quick, reliable repairs to keep their businesses moving. Our customer service supports heavy plant operators before, during and after repairs.
At CJ Plant, we specialise in hydraulic pump repair, and can recondition hydraulic motors, swivel joints and final drive units. Our UK customers rely on our honest, transparent repair service to provide lasting quality.