Tunnel boring machine: powerfully driven, efficiently cooled

Modern tunnel boring machines consist of a rotating drill head followed by a main bearing and a propulsion system with downstream safety systems. The selection and the type of tunnel boring machine also depends on the geological conditions and the amount of groundwater present. The combination of durable bevel-helical gear units from the X series industrial gear unit and the P series planetary gear units are the optimal drive solution for every type of tunnel boring machine, regardless of how harsh the ambient conditions are. The huge range of available accessories and options reliably meet all your tunnel boring machine drive requirements.

The cutting ring or drill head on the tunneling machine generally has a circular drive: several pinions are installed on the circumference of the circular main bearing with internal gearing, which are hydraulically or electrically driven by planetary and bevel-helical gear units. Slip clutches with a slip monitoring system are also located between the motors and the gear units. This prevents the entire drive system from overloading if the cutting head becomes blocked.

This solid mechanical engineering technology requires industrial gear unit solutions that are just as solid and reliable. All of the components in our drive system have been built to withstand the challenging operating conditions. Our efficient cooling concept for tunnel boring machines ensures a high level of reliability and the long service life of your system - and you also save on the need for external cooling units and a larger gear unit.