Gyratory crusher bearings: arrangement, lubrication and failures
A primary gyratory crusher breaks quarry rock at the start of the cement process. A plant has only a few of them, and they work under heavy load, low speed and heavy dust. The pinion shaft, the eccentric bushing, the spider bearing and the step bearing are the key lubrication points.
Typical duty
| Speed | Load | Temperature | Typical life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Very heavy, with shock | Ambient to warm | Planned around a shutdown |
How the bearings are arranged
Gyratory crusher · eccentric, spider and step bearings
Used when: Primary crushing
The crusher head gyrates on an eccentric driven by a pinion and gear. The head hangs from a spider bearing at the top and rests on a step bearing at the bottom. Most of these are bushings and sliding surfaces, lubricated by oil or grease.
Common failures and how to prevent them
| Failure | What you see | Why it happens | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dust contamination Abrasive wear | Scored surfaces | Seal damage | Maintain seals and breathers |
| Film failure under shock Adhesive wear (smearing & skidding) | Smeared surfaces | Lubricant supply interrupted | Alarm on supply and flow |
| Gear misalignment Misalignment & distorted seats (edge loading) | Uneven tooth wear | Foundation settlement | Check alignment regularly |
Lubrication
Pinion and eccentric gears
Extremely high viscosity grease or circulation oil.
Bushings
Oil or heavy grease by central system.
Motor and gearbox
Per their own schedules.
Sealing
- Dust seals: Keep dust out of the sliding surfaces.
What to watch
- Lubricant supply and pressure.
- Vibration at the pinion and gearbox.
- Oil analysis.
Questions
Which bearings are used in gyratory crushers and apron feeders?
Gyratory crusher · eccentric, spider and step bearings: Primary crushing.
What are the common bearing failures in gyratory crushers and apron feeders?
Dust contamination: Seal damage. Film failure under shock: Lubricant supply interrupted. Gear misalignment: Foundation settlement.
How should gyratory crushers and apron feeders bearings be lubricated?
Pinion and eccentric gears: Extremely high viscosity grease or circulation oil. Bushings: Oil or heavy grease by central system.