SEW-EURODRIVE’s Smarter Gearbox Monitoring for Demanding Applications

X.e Series with DriveRadar®

Industrial drive systems in applications like cement production are exposed to some of the harshest mechanical, environmental, and thermal conditions in the field. Equipment must run continuously underload, often in dusty, high-heat environments where any unplanned downtime can cause significant disruption.

To meet these challenges, SEW-EURODRIVE has combined its rugged X.e Series industrial gear units with integrated DriveRadar® condition monitoring, bringing together proven mechanical performance and continuous digital oversight.

SEW-EURODRIVE’s X.e Series with DriveRadar®SEW-EURODRIVE’s X.e Series with DriveRadar®Purpose-Built for Heavy Industry

Recently deployed on a drag conveyor system at a U.S. cement plant, an X3FS170e/HU/B gear unit, capable of transmitting over 212,000 in-lbs of torque, was paired with DriveRadar® to deliver real-time visibility into gearbox performance.This installation demonstrates the value of condition monitoring in high-torque applications. While the gear unit handles the mechanical demands of the process, DriveRadar® tracks the health of internal components continuously, enabling a proactive approach to maintenance that protects uptime and reduces the risk of failure.


What DriveRadar® Monitors

DriveRadar is configured to monitor key operating metrics around the clock:

  • Bearing vibration
  • Gear mesh condition
  • Oil temperature and level
  • Oil life forecast
  • Input and output shaft speeds
  • Ambient temperature

Additional process-related variables, like material throughput (tons/hour) or belt speed (ft/min), can also be monitored when integrated with site systems.

SEW-EURODRIVE’s X.e Series with DriveRadar®Data is visualized through a secure web dashboard and mobile interface, making it easy for plant personnel to stay informed without opening the gearbox. Maintenance teams are alerted to any abnormal trends well before they become critical issues, shifting the maintenance model from reactive to condition-based.

How the Technology Works

The DriveRadar system includes pre-installed sensors, a processing unit, and a secure data connection to SEW-EURODRIVE’s cloud platform. The data collected is encrypted and transmitted for analysis, with alerts and trends available to both the customer and SEW engineers for remote support and diagnostics.

This system enables users to track gear and bearing wear, oil degradation, and thermal trends in real time. It also supports forecasting for oil change intervals and bearing life, allowing service to be scheduled based on actual condition, not just time or runtime hours.

Supporting Smarter Maintenance

With DriveRadar®, gearbox health becomes a visible part of operations. Instead of relying on calendar-based service intervals, customers can align maintenance plans with real system conditions. That means fewer unnecessary shutdowns, longer component life, and fewer surprises in critical operations.

As Austin Burdette, Product Manager for Heavy Industry Gearing at SEW-EURODRIVE, puts it:

“DriveRadar® gives end users the insight they’ve been asking for: what’s happening inside the gearbox, in real time. We’re excited to see more customers integrating this technology across high-torque applications.”

Backed by SEW-EURODRIVE Engineering

All X.e Series gear units are engineered for long-term durability, featuring optimized bearing preload, improved housing design, and optional cooling systems. DriveRadar® extends that engineering with 24/7 data and early warning tools.

When paired with SEW-EURODRIVE’s technical support, local service teams, and optional +24 Smart Warranty coverage, customers benefit from faster response times, predictive diagnostics, and reduced lifecycle costs.

Conclusion
SEW-EURODRIVE’s X.e Series with DriveRadar®The X.e Series with DriveRadar® offers a complete solution for industries where uptime is critical. It delivers the mechanical strength needed for demanding applications and the intelligence to keep it running longer, safer, and with fewer surprises.

Click below to learn more or reach out to your local SEW-EURODRIVE representative.

  • X.e Series
  • DriveRadar for Industrial Gearing
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    About SEW-EURODRIVE
    For over 95 years, SEW-EURODRIVE has been known as the standard in gearmotors and drive systems. With our diverse portfolio of tough and reliable drive and automation products, we move countless applications in every industry. With 17 production plants and 81 Drive Technology Centers in 52 countries, we’re at your service on every continent and in every corner of the world. Gear units and automation controls from SEW-EURODRIVE have a reputation for unmatched quality, even in the harshest operating conditions.

    Our range of services:
    With 1 manufacturing facility and 5 assembly centers in the U.S., SEW-EURODRIVE delivers a wide range of power transmission and motion control systems, including gear units and gearmotors, inverters and controls, large industrial gear units, and drive maintenance and repair services.

    SEW-EURODRIVE … Driving the world.