Product Details

A vertical slew drive system is a mechanical system designed to achieve rotation in the vertical direction. This technology provides unique solutions for a variety of industrial and scientific applications, allowing mechanical equipment or tools to be flexibly rotated in a vertical orientation, thereby expanding their application range and versatility.

In the field of solar energy, vertical slew drive systems are widely used in solar tracking systems. The solar panel is driven by vertical rotation and can move up and down following the sun’s trajectory, ensuring that the photovoltaic panel always faces the sun. This design can capture solar radiation to the maximum extent and improve the efficiency of solar power generation. For the field of wind power generation, some vertical wind turbine generators also use vertical slew drive systems. This design enables the wind turbine to rotate vertically, better adapting to winds in different directions and optimizing the capture of wind energy.

In the field of scientific research laboratories, some experimental equipment may need to be adjusted in the vertical direction. The vertical slew drive system provides flexibility here, allowing researchers to easily adjust the height and angle of the instrument to meet the requirements of the experiment. For example, the vertical rotation of microscopes, experimental tables and other equipment can make it easier for scientists to observe and manipulate samples.

Specification

In terms of features, the VE series vertical slew drive system has several notable features:

First of all, the most outstanding feature is its vertical rotation function. This allows the device to flexibly rotate in the vertical plane, providing solutions for a variety of vertical work tasks.

Secondly, the vertical slew drive system helps to make better use of space. In highly constrained or space-constrained environments, the application of such systems can work more efficiently. For example, at construction sites or scientific research laboratories in cities, vertical slewing drive systems can better fit into limited spaces.

Secondly, this type of drive system usually has high positioning accuracy. Mechanical equipment can accurately stay at the required position through vertical rotation, thereby supporting fine and high-precision work tasks.

In addition, the vertical slew drive system also has the characteristics of multi-angle adjustment. The equipment can be adjusted at various angles in the vertical direction to adapt to different working needs and environments.

Model	Output Torque	Tilting Moment Torque	Holding Torque	Gear Ratio	Tracking Precision	Weight	Drawing
VE5	4.8 KN.m	3300 N.m	15 KN.m	55:1	≤0.3°	35kg
VE5	3542 lbf.ft	2435 lbf.ft	3066 lbf.ft	55:1	≤0.3°	35kg

When To Choose This Structure — Slewing Bearing

Sheet 01 · Selection Guide

When Should I Choose This Structure?

Before you place an order, check whether a triple-row roller slewing bearing actually matches your equipment’s duty conditions — faster than reading any spec sheet.

Your equipment needs continuous 360° rotation under high torque, heavy-load conditions — e.g. cranes, excavators, tunnel boring machines, wind turbine yaw systems.
Installation space is limited, and axial load, radial load and tilting moment must be carried by a single bearing rather than a separate bearing-plus-gearbox assembly.
The equipment needs a built-in slewing drive gear (internal or external), eliminating extra transmission components and simplifying assembly.
The operating environment involves dust, moisture, or large temperature swings, requiring a bearing with built-in sealing and lubrication channels.
The project has clear requirements for rotational accuracy and adjustable clearance — e.g. medical equipment, solar tracking mounts, precision turntables.

One-line summary

If your equipment needs to “rotate and carry heavy loads at the same time,” a triple-row roller slewing bearing is usually the most direct, integrated solution.

Typical equipment

Tower crane slewing platforms, crawler crane turntables, excavator upper structures, TBM cutterhead drives, wind turbine yaw/pitch systems, stacker-reclaimer slewing bodies.

When NOT To Choose It — Slewing Bearing

Sheet 02 · When Not To Use

When Should I NOT Choose It?

We’d rather help you find the right solution than sell you the wrong one. Here’s when a slewing bearing may not be the best fit.

If your rotational speed requirement exceeds the typical design range for slewing bearings (e.g. high-speed rotating platforms), a cross roller bearing or dedicated high-speed structure is usually a better fit.
If overall weight is extremely sensitive for the machine (e.g. drone gimbals, small precision instruments), a thin-section or angular-contact bearing combination may be lighter and more suitable.
If budget and production volume favor a standard bearing plus external gear assembly, that may be more cost-effective for non-heavy-duty, non-harsh-environment applications.
If installation space is extremely constrained and cannot meet the minimum installation diameter, confirm with our engineers whether a compact custom design is available.

Not sure which case applies to you?

Send us your equipment’s duty conditions (load / speed / space / environment) and our engineers will tell you within 24 hours whether it fits — not just try to sell you something.

Free Duty Assessment →

Required Data For Selection — Slewing Bearing

Sheet 03 · Selection Data

Required Data For Selection

You don’t need a finished drawing to get started — tell us what you already know, and our engineers will help fill in the rest.

Category	Data Needed	Why It Matters
Load Parameters	Axial load, radial load, tilting moment	Determines the number of rows and raceway design
Envelope Dimensions	Installation OD / ID, installation height, bolt hole pattern	Determines whether a standard size fits or custom sizing is needed
Speed & Duty	Operating speed (rpm), continuous or intermittent duty, environment	Affects lubrication method and seal grade
Drive Type	Internal-tooth / external-tooth / no gear (bearing only)	Determines gear module, tooth count and precision grade
Precision	Rotational accuracy, clearance range (negative clearance required?)	Affects manufacturing process and inspection standard
Drawing / Reference Part	Existing drawing, old bearing model, or competitor part number	Allows a direct 1:1 match or replication — the fastest path to selection

No drawing on hand? That’s fine — send us the parameters you know, or a photo of your old bearing’s nameplate.

Send Data Now →

Materials, Hardness, Clearance & Gear — Slewing Bearing

Sheet 05 · Material & Process

Materials / Hardness / Clearance / Gear Treatment

Every batch ships with a material certificate, hardness test report and NDT report — third-party re-inspection is welcome.

01 · MATERIAL

Ring Material

42CrMo / 50Mn (specifiable)

Determines overall strength and fatigue life. Heavy-duty applications use alloy structural steel with quenching & tempering.

02 · HARDNESS

Raceway Hardness

HRC 55–62, depth customizable

Medium-frequency induction hardening gives more uniform hardness than through-hardening, avoiding soft spots.

03 · CLEARANCE

Clearance Grade

Standard or negative, P0–P6

Heavy-duty, low-speed equipment usually uses negative clearance for higher stiffness; precision equipment can go tighter.

04 · GEAR

Gear Treatment

Q&T or induction-hardened teeth

Frequent start/stop or heavy-duty drive applications benefit from hardened tooth flanks for longer life.

Related Applications — Slewing Bearing

Sheet 06 · Applications

Related Applications

Don’t see your industry? Applications go far beyond the examples below — tell us what your equipment does.

Cranes

Excavators & Construction

Wind Turbines

Solar Tracking

Port Machinery

Rotary Platforms

Real Project Case — Slewing Bearing

Sheet 07 · Project Reference

Real Project Case

More project photos, inspection reports and customer references are available on request — happy to sign an NDA if needed.

Custom triple-row roller slewing bearing manufactured for a stacker-reclaimer, Southeast Asia port project

Case File · Port Machinery

Stacker-Reclaimer Slewing Bearing — Custom Project, SE Asia

Background: The customer was using an imported triple-row roller slewing bearing with a 4-month lead time and a high price point.
Requirement: Find a faster-to-deliver alternative while keeping the original installation dimensions and load parameters unchanged.
Solution: Based on the customer’s original part drawing, we replicated the key dimensions and gear geometry 1:1, and raised raceway hardness to HRC 58–62.

45 DaysLead Time

1:1Dimensional Match

2ndRepeat Order

Slewing Bearing Model Finder

Model Finder

Slewing Bearing Model Finder

Filter 463 catalog specifications by dimension. Results update instantly — no page reload, no server round-trip.

Outer Diameter (mm)

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Inner Diameter (mm)

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Height (mm)

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Geared Type

Module (mm)

Number Of Teeth

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Matching 463 / 463 models

Model	Structure	Geared Type	OD (mm)	ID (mm)	Height	Module	Teeth	Weight (kg)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Insights and Reliable Solutions to Your Most Common Questions.

1. What types of slewing bearings does FDON GROUP provide?

FDON GROUP supplies a full range of slewing bearings to meet different industrial needs:

Single row four point contact slewing bearings Application: medium loads, precise rotation.
Double row ball bearings Application: higher radial and axial loads.
Cross roller bearings –Application: high rigidity, suitable for robots and machining centers.
Three row roller bearings – Application: extreme loads in heavy equipment.
Ball combine roller bearings –Application: precise rotational adjustment applications.
Customized bearings – tailored for specific equipment requirements.

2. How do I choose the right bearing for my application?

Typical selection parameter for FDON clients:

Load type: axial, radial, and tilting moment.

Rotation RPM: ensures long service life.

Installation space & mounting dimensions: inner/outer ring diameter, bolt circle.

Precision & rigidity requirements: critical for cranes, excavators, and robots.

FDON engineers provide professional selection guidance according to your equipment and drawings.

3. What materials does FDON GROUP use for slewing bearings?

FDON GROUP selects materials for strength, wear resistance, and long-term durability:

Slewing ring: 42CrMo, 50Mn, C45N, 40CrNiMo, C48E.

Special forging spare parts: carburized/hardened steels for gear teeth (20CrMnTi, 18CrNiMo7‑6).

Corrosion resistant: SS 304, 316L, duplex stainless steel.

Surface treatments: heat treatment, quenching, carburizing, induction hardening, and surface coating(Four-Layer Packing, Strong Anti-Rust Oil, Black Oxide Treatment, Jet Black Paint Finish, Hot-Dip Galvanizing (CGL), Electro-Galvanizing (EGL), Hot-Dip Galvanizing + Paint Finish)

4. How can FDON GROUP achieve maximum service life?

Correct installation with flat surfaces.

Proper lubrication using grease.

Avoid overloading or shock loads over capacity.

Monitor operating conditions regularly to prevent debris entry.

5. What causes abnormal noise or vibration in bearings?

Typical factors observed by FDON engineers:

Insufficient or incorrect lubrication.
(dust, metal particles) in raceways.
Rolling element or track damage.
Uneven mounting surfaces or misalignment.
Incorrect bolt torque(below grade 8.8) or preloading.

6. What are lead times and lifetime guarantee?

In-stock: 3–7 days.

Custom: 2–6 weeks depending on size, load, and precision.

Warranty: 1 year

Lifetime Free Spare Parts: Glue, seals, steel ball

7. Does FDON provide installation and technical support?

Yes — FDON GROUP offers:

Detailed installation manuals.

Online engineering support.

Guidance for lubrication, maintenance, and troubleshooting solution.

8. How do FDON Group differ from competitors?

Full range of materials and heat treatments for various load conditions.

High precision and strict quality inspection standards.

Engineering support before and after delivery.

Customization to exact equipment requirements.

Proven performance in cranes, excavators, robotics, wind turbines, and heavy machinery etc.

FDON MANUFACTURING CO., LTD

Leading Slew Drive & Slewing Bearing Manufacturer in China.

FDON products are applied globally in solar tracking systems, wind power systems, satellite communications, and numerous other globally connected industries.