Types of Swivels

Types of Swivels

Hydraulic swivels are rotating mechanisms that eliminate twists, kinks and bends in hoses that deliver hydraulic fluid. These specially designed fittings transmit pressurized fluid from a stationary to a rotational system or machine element. 

Properly performing swivels can help prevent hose damage, which leads to costly repairs, premature replacements and project delays. They promote a more efficient hydraulic fluid flow by eliminating the need for bent tubing. Because swivels typically connect directly to the fluid line without adapters, they're relatively simple to install.

 

About the Different Types of Swivels

Depending on your hydraulic system application, you'll need one of the three types of swivels for your hydraulic hoses. 

1. Coaxial Swivels

A coaxial swivel transmits hydraulic fluid between two aligned conduits. One conduit is stationary while the other rotates via bearings. Specially designed seals direct the flow and prevent leaking. 

2. Side Port Swivels

These swivels feature a bearing-guided mandrel that rotates inside a housing. The hydraulic fluid travels between an axially oriented passage in the mandrel and a radially oriented point in the housing. Sealing between the mandrel and housing guides the fluid flow. 

3. Diverters

A diverter is a pump that communicates with the annual region in the hydraulic cylinder. They work by changing the direction of the hydraulic fluid flow as needed.

 

Common Swivel Applications

Swivels can meet the needs of businesses for a wide range of industrial applications:

  • Wastewater equipment: Swivels work with the slew rings used in the vacuum trucks when handling heavy-duty sludge and liquid cleanup tasks.
  • Earthmoving machinery: Excavators and other construction machines use swivels when operating various hydraulic components.
  • Cranes: Swivels and slew rings support various crane movements and weight balancing processes, such as enabling the machine to rotate up to 360 degrees.
  • Robotics: These mechanisms assist robotic arms in swiveling up and down at the elbow and shoulder joint and opening and closing the gripper.
  • Automation: Hydraulic swivels perform numerous roles in today's automated plant technology. Examples include bottling in the food and beverage industry and sorting on assembly lines.
  • Welding positioners:  Swivels allow welders to use positioning equipment for rotating the workpiece to enhance comfort, reduce fatigue and improve productivity.
  • Wind turbines: Wind-generating equipment utilizes swivels for hydraulic hoses and assemblies in gearbox cooling systems, braking systems and blade pitch control mechanisms.
  • Medical devices: Swivels and slew drives support heavy, rotating loads in medical products and devices such as imaging machines, surgical and treatment delivery tools, hospital beds and physical therapy equipment.
  • Agriculture: Hydraulic swivels are essential in high-torque applications requiring maximum rotational accuracy in various agricultural equipment, including manure pump units, grain carts, planters and tillage tools.
  • Aerial lift equipment: Slew drives and hydraulic swivels help provide rotational torque when operating man lifts or other aerial work platforms.

 

Choose SlewMaster for Hydraulic Swivels

As a leading designer and manufacturer of slew drives, slew rings and hydraulic swivels, SlewMaster Inc. can provide high-performing diverters, coaxial swivels and side port swivels you can count on for your applications. We offer stock and custom solutions to meet your company's specific requirements. 

Get competitive pricing and a one-year product warranty for your protection and peace of mind. Contact us today to request additional product and pricing information or schedule a consultation.