LTZC Slewing Bearing Solutions for Cranes

What is the slewing of a crane?

In the global crane industry, cranes are a cornerstone of infrastructure construction, energy development, port logistics, and heavy manufacturing, capable of lifting heavy objects. Every crane relies on a critical rotating component: the slewing bearing, also known as the crane slewing ring. 

Crane slewing bearings must perform multiple functions simultaneously:

Supporting the extreme axial loads generated by lifting heavy objects

Absorbing radial forces from wind, dynamic motion, and braking

Withstanding the overturning moments generated during lifting and slewing

Maintaining precise rotational accuracy to ensure safe positioning

In many crane designs, the slewing bearing is not just a rotating component; it is also a load-bearing structural component directly integrated into the crane's superstructure.This dual role, combining both mechanical and structural functions, places demands on the bearing far exceeding those of ordinary bearings.

What Makes LTZC a Trusted Slewing Bearing Manufacturer?

LTZC  is a specialized bearing manufacturer founded in 1992, focusing on large-diameter, high-load, and precision slewing bearings.

Core product range includes:

Slewing bearings (ball & roller types)

Crane slew rings with internal or external gears

Cross roller bearings

Thin-section precision bearings

Customized non-standard bearing solutions

With production capabilities covering diameters from 300 mm up to 13,000 mm, LTZC serves industries such as:

Mobile cranes and tower cranes

Offshore and marine lifting equipment

Port cranes and ship unloaders

Wind energy and heavy industrial machinery

What bearings are used in cranes?

Depending on crane type and application, LTZC supplies:

Four-point contact ball slewing bearings：Compact structure, cost-effective,Suitable for medium-duty cranes

Cross roller slewing bearings:Higher stiffness and load capacity,Preferred for heavy-duty and high-precision cranes

Three-row roller slewing bearings:Maximum load distribution,Ideal for large crawler cranes and offshore cranes

Each design can be configured with internal gears, external gears, or gearless designs.

LTZC Customized Slewing Bearing Solutions for Cranes

Every crane project begins with a detailed technical consultation. LTZC gathers the following information:

Crane type and configuration

Maximum lifting capacity and load diagram

Slewing speed and duty cycle

Environmental conditions (temperature, corrosion, dust)

Using this data, LTZC engineers conduct a detailed analysis and design the bearing drawings. If the specific module is unknown, the LTZC team can send engineers to conduct on-site measurements and provide CAD drawings on-site.

Contact LTZC engineers for crane slewing bearing solutions

How does LTZC ensure the precision and reliability of its manufacturing process?

Multi-stage machining, supplemented by CNC precision control

Raceway grinding to achieve uniform contact geometry

Advanced CNC gear grinding machines to optimize tooth profile and backlash

Each crane slewing bearing undergoes the following inspections: dimensional inspection, hardness testing, non-destructive testing (NDT), functional rotation and clearance checks. This ensures that each bearing meets design specifications and international quality standards. LTZC bearings are certified by international organizations such as ISO, CCS, ABS, and BV.

Case Study: LTZC Slewing Bearing Solution for Heavy-Duty Cranes

What Was the Customer’s Challenge?

A global crane manufacturer required a customized slewing bearing solution for a new generation of heavy-duty cranes used in infrastructure projects.

Key challenges included:

• Extremely high tilting moments

• Low-speed, high-load operation

• Long expected service life with minimal maintenance

• Precise gear meshing under fluctuating loads

What Solution Did LTZC Provide?

LTZC proposed a cross roller slewing bearing with external gear, featuring:

• Optimized roller arrangement for uniform load distribution

• Induction-hardened raceways with deep hardened layer

• High-precision external gear with controlled backlash

• Customized sealing system for harsh outdoor environments

The bearing was designed and manufactured entirely in-house, ensuring full traceability and quality assurance.

How Did the Bearing Perform in Real Operation?

After installation and commissioning, the slewing bearing demonstrated:

• Stable rotation under maximum rated loads

• Minimal wear during long-term testing

• Excellent gear engagement with low noise

• Reduced maintenance requirements

The customer reported improved crane reliability and extended service intervals, reinforcing confidence in LTZC as a long-term bearing partner.

Contact LTZC engineers for crane slewing bearing solutions

Conclusion: A Trusted Partner for Crane Slewing Bearing Solutions

Slewing bearings are mission-critical components in crane systems, demanding unmatched reliability, precision, and engineering expertise.

Through advanced manufacturing, deep application knowledge, and a commitment to customization, LTZC delivers slewing bearing solutions that meet the real-world demands of modern cranes.

For crane manufacturers and operators seeking a trusted bearing manufacturer, LTZC stands as a proven partner—engineering rotation, supporting load, and building confidence with every crane slew ring delivered.

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