FD Machinery receives contract to upgrade ERW tube mill drivetrain

Cleveland-based FD Machinery has received an order to replace the existing drivetrain on a Yoder HF ERW tube mill. The existing drivetrain is worn and undersized for the heavy-wall HSLA tubing the customer produces.

The new drivetrain will use gearboxes with spiral-bevel gears, as opposed to worm gears. The spiral-bevel gearboxes have a higher efficiency rating, can handle more torque, and will last three to four times longer than those they are replacing, states the company. In addition, the gearboxes use a sump-bath lubrication system, eliminating the need for a recirculation oil cooling system.