SOURCE: Sew-Eurodrive | August 27, 2026
Cement kilns operate under extreme temperatures and require continuous rotation for reliable operation. Many plants still rely on legacy drivetrain systems with external auxiliary drives, clutches, backstops, and couplings that are maintenance-intensive and difficult to upgrade. When critical components become obsolete, replacement often requires extensive equipment and foundation modifications.
Such was the case for Argos Cement. SEW-EURODRIVE offered a solution that replaced their legacy drivetrain with a single integrated solution that eliminated more than 5,000 pounds of auxiliary equipment, preserved the existing foundation, and cut lead time more than half.
Challenge:
Obsolete Gearbox And High-Risk System Reconfiguration
Argo’s existing kiln drive system consisted of approximately eight separate drivetrain components mounted on individual foundations, including an auxiliary drive, clutch, backstop, couplings, and support structures. When the primary gearbox became obsolete, the customer faced either a costly replacement, requiring major foundation and drivetrain modifications, or a solution that modernized the system without disrupting existing infrastructure. SEW-EURODRIVE was the only supplier able to provide a true drop-in replacement without major structural changes.
- Obsolete gearbox with long replacement lead times.
- Complex drivetrain with multiple failure points.
- Multiple foundations increased alignment and replacement costs.
- Significant labor and downtime risSolution:Complete Integrated Kiln Drive Retrofit
SEW-EURODRIVE delivered a fully integrated ML-Series kiln drive solution with a built-in auxiliary drive system. By integrating auxiliary drive, clutch, braking, and backstop functions into a single gearbox, the solution eliminated multiple external components while remaining compatible with the existing installation.
- Integrated auxiliary drive with internal gearing.
- Internal clutch with automatic engagement/disengagement.
- Built-in centrifugal brake and backstop.
- Drop-in retrofit with a custom base, extended output shaft, and existing height/alignment maintained.
- Reuse of existing motors to reduce cost and simplify installation.
- ML-Series Integrated Gear Unit
Motor power: 350 HP
Output speed: 1200 rpm
Ratio: 29.21
Output torque: 1,165,000 lb-inComplete engineered system delivered as a single integrated solution, not just a gearbox.Results:Lower Total Cost, Faster Delivery, and Simplified OperationSEW-EURODRIVE replaced a complex, multi-component kiln drivetrain with a single integrated solution, reducing installation risk while improving cost, delivery time, and long-term reliability.
- Drop-in replacement preserved the existing plant layout; no reconfiguration required.
- Simplified the drivetrain by replacing ~8 components with one integrated unit, eliminating 5,000+ lbs. of auxiliary equipment.
- Reduced lead time from 52 weeks to 25 weeks.
- Lowered project costs by eliminating external clutches, backstops, and other auxiliary components.
- Reduced installation time and downtime with minimal alignment requirements.
- Improved reliability with fewer components and failure points.
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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.
