LIUGONG 46A0400C1 CLG965 Final Drive Sprocket Rim/Source manufacture and supplier-DPW Parts
Product Specifications
Professional Overview: LIUGONG CLG965 Final Drive Sprocket Assembly
The Final Drive Sprocket Assembly is a critical component in the travel system of a crawler excavator. For the LiuGong CLG965, a robust 16-ton class excavator, this assembly is the final reduction gear and the driving force that propels the machine. It is a single, integrated unit that combines a hydraulic motor, a multi-stage planetary gear reduction system, and the output sprocket.
1. Primary Function and Importance
The Final Drive Sprocket Assembly has one core function: to convert high-speed, low-torque power from the travel motor into low-speed, high-torque rotational force to drive the track chain and move the excavator.
Its importance cannot be overstated:
Power Transmission: It is the direct interface between the hydraulic system and the track.
Torque Multiplication: The internal gear reduction creates the immense torque needed to move the 16+ ton machine, especially under load, on slopes, or in difficult terrain.
Maneuverability: Independent operation of the left and right final drives allows for steering via counter-rotation and pivot turns.
Structural Component: It is a major structural mount, connecting the track frame to the excavator's mainframe and supporting a significant portion of the machine's weight.
A failure in the final drive results in a complete loss of travel on that side, causing significant downtime and costly repairs.
2. Key Components of the Assembly
The "Final Drive Sprocket Assy" is not just the visible sprocket; it is a complete, sealed unit consisting of several integrated parts:
Hydraulic Motor: A high-torque, low-speed hydraulic motor (often an axial piston or gerotor type) is directly flange-mounted to the gear case. This is the primary power input.
Multi-Stage Planetary Gear Reduction: This is the heart of the assembly. It typically consists of 2 or 3 stages of planetary gears housed within a robust gear case. Each stage significantly increases output torque while reducing speed.
Output Sprocket: The final component that meshes directly with the track chain's bushings. It is manufactured from high-carbon, heat-treated alloy steel (e.g., 40CrMnMo) to withstand extreme shock loads and abrasive wear.
Gear Case (Housing): A heavy-duty, cast steel housing that contains the gear reduction system and hydraulic motor. It is filled with gear oil to lubricate and cool the internal components.
Seals: Arguably the most critical maintenance point. A primary face seal or radial lip seal prevents gear oil from leaking out and contaminants (water, mud, abrasives) from entering the assembly. The integrity of this seal is paramount to the unit's lifespan.
Mounting Flange & Bolts: Large, high-strength bolts secure the entire assembly to the track frame. These bolts must be torqued to precise specifications to prevent failure from the immense operational stresses.
3. Technical Specifications & Performance (Typical for CLG965 Class)
While exact OEM specifications are proprietary, the final drive for a 16-ton excavator like the CLG965 will have characteristics typical for its class:
Reduction Ratio: A very high ratio, typically in the range of 50:1 to 70:1. This means the hydraulic motor rotates ~60 times for every single rotation of the output sprocket.
Torque Output: Capable of generating massive output torque, often exceeding 60,000 Nm (Newton-meters) to overcome inertia and friction.
Travel Speed: Contributes to the machine's typical travel speeds of approximately 4.5 - 5.5 km/h.
Operating Pressure: Designed to handle the hydraulic system's operating pressure, typically around 34.5 MPa (350 bar).
4. Design, Durability, and Common Features
Integrated Design: The "cartridge" style design allows for the entire unit to be replaced as an assembly in the field, minimizing downtime, though individual internal components can be serviced by skilled technicians.
Heat Treatment: The sprocket teeth and planetary gears undergo processes like induction hardening or carburizing to create a hard, wear-resistant outer surface while maintaining a tough, shock-absorbent core.
Bearing System: Utilizes large, heavy-duty tapered roller bearings to handle both the radial loads from the machine's weight and the axial (thrust) loads generated during digging and turning.
Serviceability: Includes check and drain plugs for oil changes and a breather plug to equalize internal pressure and prevent seal damage from pressure build-up due to heat.
5. Common Failure Modes and Maintenance Best Practices
Common Reasons for Failure:
Seal Failure: The most common cause. Once the main seal is compromised, gear oil leaks out and contaminants enter, leading to rapid wear of bearings and gears.
Contaminated Oil: Water or dirt in the gear oil drastically reduces its lubricating properties, causing accelerated wear and pitting.
Track Misalignment/Improper Tension: An over-tightened track places excessive strain on the final drive bearings and motor. A loose track can "derail" and impact the sprocket, causing catastrophic damage.
Shock Loading: Abusive operator practices like sudden direction changes or high-impact collisions with solid objects send shock waves through the gear train, potentially cracking teeth or housings.
Loose Mounting Bolts: If the mounting bolts become loose, the entire assembly can shift under load, leading to misalignment, broken bolts, and severe damage.
Essential Maintenance:
Regular Oil Checks/Changes: Follow the manufacturer's strict intervals for checking and changing the final drive gear oil. Use only the specified oil grade.
Visual Inspections: Daily check for oil leaks around the seal area and for any damage to the sprocket teeth.
Track Tension: Maintain correct track tension (sag) as per the operator's manual. Re-check tension after working in muddy conditions.
Bolt Integrity: Periodically check the tightness of the mounting bolts according to the specified torque values.
Cleanliness: Keep the final drive area free of packed mud and debris, which can trap moisture and accelerate corrosion against the seals.
