CAM SHAFT

711 997 34 CAM SHAFT Located inside the rock drill's rotation gear housing, this shaft's primary job is to engage with another gear or shaft to transfer power from the rotation motor to the drill shank. The 'claws' are essentially teeth that lock together, creating a solid connection for transmitting high levels of torque. Without this positive lock, the drill steel would not be able to turn effectively under the heavy loads of drilling.

Wear on the claws directly impacts drilling performance. As the edges of the claws round off, they can start to slip under load, causing intermittent rotation and a loss of torque at the bit. This not only slows down drilling but can lead to the drill string getting stuck in the hole. A failing CAM SHAFT is a common reason for a complete loss of rotation, bringing the entire operation to a halt.

Symptoms of a worn CAM SHAFT include loud clicking or grinding noises from the drifter during rotation, or a complete failure to turn the drill steel. During any major drifter service, it's essential to inspect the claws for chipping or excessive wear. Replacing a worn shaft in time prevents catastrophic failure and damage to more expensive components in the rotation gearbox.