VE Series Slew Drives: Vertical Mounting Performance with Built-in Efficiency
What is a VE Series Slew Drive?
The VE Series Slew Drive is a specialized rotary drive solution designed for vertical installation. Featuring a fully enclosed housing and integrated worm gear system, the VE (Vertical Enclosed) series is optimized for applications where the drive axis must remain upright, such as tower-top trackers, vertical axis wind turbines, and vertical conveyors.
By incorporating high-torque worm gears and slewing bearings in a sealed configuration, VE drives provide long-term performance, safety, and torque retention in vertical orientation systems.
Unique Design Features and Benefits
Vertical Orientation Optimization
Engineered for gravity-sensitive applications, the VE series is structurally reinforced to operate upright without deformation or gear slippage.
Self-Locking Worm Drive
The worm gear prevents back-driving, enhancing safety in vertical lifts and hoists. It also ensures position holding without additional brakes.
IP66 Enclosure
The sealed cast housing resists dust, rain, and salt fog, extending product life in marine and industrial environments.
High Axial Load Support
VE drives are designed to carry downward forces effectively, making them suitable for load-bearing vertical installations.
Multi-Motor Compatibility
VE drives can be paired with hydraulic motors, DC motors, and AC servos depending on user preference and control needs.
Application Scenarios
Tower-Top Vertical Solar Trackers: Trackers that rotate along the vertical pole for seasonal tilt or azimuth.
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs): Supporting the rotation and alignment of wind blades around vertical shafts.
Vertical Lifts and Hoists: Industrial and warehouse lifting systems with vertical drive requirements.
Maritime Cranes and Deck Equipment: Rotational systems mounted in upright orientation.
Heavy-Duty Display Systems: LED or camera towers requiring stable, upright rotation.
LDB’s VE Series Slew Drive Solutions
LDB’s VE Series comes in sizes ranging from VE3 to VE18, with torque capacities engineered specifically for vertical thrust loads and axial torque retention. Housing materials can be selected based on application (standard cast iron or marine-grade aluminum).
Technical Specs:
Torque Range: 1.0 kNm to 45.0 kNm
Gear Ratios: 30:1 to 120:1
Seal Rating: IP66 as standard, IP67 optional
Gear Material: Carburized alloy steel with induction hardening
Lubrication: Long-life synthetic grease with optional auto-lube fittings
Customization is available for flange orientation, bolt pattern, color coatings, and gearbox ratios.
Price, Supplier, and Manufacturer Overview
As a trusted manufacturer and global supplier, LDB delivers VE Series Slew Drives to industries ranging from clean energy to marine logistics.
Pricing Factors:
Torque rating and gear ratio
Enclosure material and sealing level
Custom motor or encoder integration
Mounting pattern and environmental coating
Typical Price Range: USD $300 to $4,000 depending on size and configuration.
LDB provides global support, including CAD documentation, pre-assembly, and international shipping. Clients can contact LDB directly via www.ldb-bearing.com for pricing and design support.
Why Choose LDB VE Drives?
Engineered for vertical loads and secure positioning
Field-tested in solar towers and port automation
In-house motor integration and testing
Available with dual-output or encoder-ready interfaces
LDB’s VE Series has been adopted in utility-scale vertical trackers in North America, crane systems in Southeast Asia, and automated logistics hubs in Europe.
Conclusion
VE Series Slew Drives provide dependable vertical mounting performance with superior protection, torque, and efficiency. With LDB’s experience as a global supplier and precision manufacturer, your vertical motion challenges are met with confidence, reliability, and engineering precision.
