Constant velocity drive shaft

A constantly recurring issue regarding the drive system for slurry mixers is the selection of a suitable drive shaft. The type of drive shaft is defined by the power that has to be transmitted and the degree of angling when the mixer is in operation. While the power requirement can be measured and normally lies within the 55 - 75 kW range (depending upon the propeller blade diameter and speed of rotation), determination of the angling is, depending upon the specific application, not so straightforward. This is because the angle between the tractor and the mixer changes constantly during operation. This may be caused by leaking tractor hydraulics (internal leaks), by moving the tractor, through different operating heights, through vibrations and through the changing consistency of the slurry.

The correct drive shaft must be determined taking these conditions into consideration.

1. Standard drive shaft

A standard drive shaft is characterised by irregular rotation when it is angled. The undesired consequences that result from this, such as vibrations, noises and alternating loads, become worse as the speed and rotating masses increase. Eventually, this will lead to the destruction of the drive shaft, the machine itself and the power take-off shaft of the tractor. The torsional vibrations that this generates limit the extent of the angling of the joints to 2 x 10°. It is possible to counteract this if both angles are the same and if they cancel each other out. Because it is impossible to fulfil these conditions it is not, in accordance with the explanations above, using a standard drive shaft is not recommended.

2. Single-sided wide-angle drive shaft

The use of a single-sided wide-angle drive shaft places certain requirements on the way in which it is used. The universal joint should be kept as straight as possible so that serious torsional vibrations do not arise in this joint. Slight angling of up to 12° at 540 rpm, to 5° at 1000 rpm is permissible. The large angle is bridged by the wide-angle constant velocity joint. This ensures that the drive shaft, tractor and mixer are not damaged during operation, even if the angle changes autonomously. The angle of the universal joint must however be regularly checked, and re-adjusted if necessary. The wide-angle constant velocity joint may only be allowed to operate at a large angle for a short period of time.

3. Double-sided wide-angle drive shaft

If the conditions for the use of a use of a single-sided wide-angle drive shaft cannot be fulfilled, then the use of a wide-angle drive shaft on both sides is necessary.

All drive shafts comply with the latest quality and safety regulations.

The high torque transmission in the same position and the usually aggressive environmental conditions make it imperative to regularly grease the drive shaft at short intervals.

Observe the separate user instructions from Buschmann in addition to the operating instructions from the drive shaft manufacturer.

The patentedcomparisonconditions50° wide-angle universal joint exhibits less wear in with an 80° wide-angle universal joint, even under of latent permanent angling.
The patentedcomparisonconditions50° wide-angle universal joint exhibits less wear in with an 80° wide-angle universal joint, even under of latent permanent angling.

The patented 50° wide-angle universal joint

Strong, single or double-sided wide-angle drive shafts with the patented 50° wide-angle universal joint are available now. The perfect interplay of ball and ball head result in much lower wear than with conventional 80° wide-angle joints fitted with control discs. In the case of permanent angling in particular, these drive shafts offer the advantage of working without the sensitive control disc.

Technical data - Constant velocity drive shaft

Specifications are subject to change without notice.