SOURCE: Quarry Magazine | October 18, 2026
Over the past three decades, Andrew Kurzem has worked closely with quarry operators, helping them select the right drive solutions as conveyor technology has evolved.
“In the early days, most quarries used gear units in which the input shaft was driven by an electric motor through an intermediate drive system incorporating pulleys or sprockets, belts or chains, and the necessary guarding,” Kurzem said.
“That was the standard approach because changing pulley or sprocket sizes made it easy to finely adjust conveyor speeds.
Traditional belt and pulley systems rely on multiple mechanical components that require ongoing maintenance and represent potential points of failure. Belt wear, slippage, misalignment and routine tension adjustments can contribute to costly downtime, while additional drive components also reduce overall energy efficiency.
As variable speed drive (VSD) technology has become more widely adopted, quarry operators have increasingly transitioned to close-coupled geared motors that eliminate these maintenance-intensive components.
By combining a geared motor with a VSD, conveyor speeds can be accurately controlled using a frequency inverter, allowing operators to optimise performance without mechanical adjustments.
“A VSD-controlled geared motor gives them the flexibility to fine-tune those speeds electronically while delivering a far more reliable drive solution,” Kurzem said.
Engineered for demanding quarry applications
SEW-EURODRIVE’s helical and bevel-helical gear units are designed specifically for harsh quarry environments, delivering high torque, exceptional durability and long service life.
The modular design accommodates high external loads while reducing installation and lifecycle costs, providing a complete drive solution for demanding conveyor applications.
To further improve reliability, SEW-EURODRIVE offers a range of application-specific options including:
Filtered gear unit breathers to minimise dust and moisture ingress.
Heavy-duty surface coating systems for protection against corrosion, UV exposure and abrasive quarry dust.
Externally rated IP66 motors fitted with drain plugs for harsh outdoor environments.
Heavy-duty bearing arrangements for higher radial and axial loads.
Integrated motor-brake systems and anti-runback bearings (backstops) for inclined conveyors and safety-critical applications.
Premium proprietary lubricants that can extend gearbox warranty coverage to up to three years when used in accordance with SEW-EURODRIVE’s service recommendations.
According to Kurzem, converting an existing conveyor from a legacy arrangement to a direct-coupled geared motor is often much simpler than many operators expect.
“Our experience as geared motor specialists allows us to analyse the operating speed of the existing conveyor and match it with the most suitable geared motor from our product range,” he said.
“We assess the existing head drum shaft dimensions and mounting arrangement, visit site if required, and accurately measure the installation envelope before selecting the best replacement solution.
“This approach enables a fast, straightforward installation with minimal disruption to production.
Locked In
One of the key advantages of SEW-EURODRIVE’s geared motor range is the availability of application-specific options, including motor adapters, specialised sealing systems, integrated motor brakes, backstops and the TorqLOC hollow shaft mounting system.
TorqLOC creates a secure, friction-based connection between the driven shaft and the gearbox hollow shaft, making installation and removal significantly easier than traditional keyed connections.
“When a traditional keyed shaft has been operating outdoors for many years, corrosion makes gearbox removal almost impossible,” Kurzem said.
“In many cases, customers have had no option but to cut the shaft to remove the gearbox, then manufacture a replacement shaft before the conveyor can be returned to service.
“With TorqLOC, removal is far simpler, reducing maintenance time and avoiding unnecessary component replacement.”
Feedback from major quarry operators has been overwhelmingly positive, with customers reporting reduced downtime, lower maintenance requirements and faster servicing.
Complementing its geared motor portfolio, SEW-EURODRIVE offers a comprehensive range of Variable Speed Drives designed specifically for quarrying and bulk materials handling.
The MOVITRAC frequency inverter platform provides flexible speed and torque control for conveyors, crushers, screens and other process equipment while improving energy efficiency and reducing mechanical stress.
By supplying the motor, gearbox and inverter as a fully integrated package, SEW-EURODRIVE ensures optimum compatibility between all drive components, simplifying commissioning while providing the confidence of a single supplier for engineering support, spare parts and nationwide service.
Local support
SEW-EURODRIVE backs its products with a nationwide network of sales, engineering, assembly and service facilities, supported by comprehensive local spare parts holdings.
This extensive support capability enables rapid response times and helps minimise costly production interruptions.
The company’s technical specialists work closely with customers to assess existing applications, verify operating requirements and recommend the most appropriate drive solution for each installation.
“The quarry industry demands equipment that is robust, reliable and capable of performing in extremely harsh conditions,” Kurzem said.
“That’s exactly what SEW-EURODRIVE delivers. Whether we’re visiting site or providing remote technical support, our focus is on helping customers keep their operations running with minimal downtime.”
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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.
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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.
