We wrote a piece for Trenchless Technology magazine a couple months back, offering some general advice on maintaining pullback swivels. This applies to any size swivel, from the DUB-Lite series up to the Maxi DUB-Swivels.

Pullback swivels for horizontal directional drilling (HDD) can be relatively easy to maintain if a simple preventative maintenance routine is adopted. On the job site, follow a simple clean-up procedure:

- At the end of each pull, continue rotation and hose down the swivel.
- Wash all the mud and dirt from the groove, until clean water runs out.
- Lubricate the groove to keep the seal cavity from drying out.

Check the swivel and its pins for wear. Clevis pins are designed specifically for this application and contribute to the strength of the swivel. Never substitute with unapproved parts!

Between jobs, keep your swivel clean. Protect it from the elements and keep it oiled. Always fit a thread protector to the API threads.

Pump a little grease into the swivel to ensure the bearings remain packed. On large swivels, grease will typically exit through a relief valve – review your owner’s manual. Make sure the valve is clear. Use only the factory recommended grease for your swivel.

If the swivel is starting to hitch or grind, it must be serviced immediately. We have service kits for many of our products, or a better option is to schedule a service between jobs at our factory authorized repair facility.

Don’t risk a job on a piece of equipment that’s not functioning smoothly. Invest in a little preventative maintenance and you’ll see the benefits.

You can read the full text in the May 2009 edition of Trenchless Technology magazine or on their website. Call or email us if you have questions about your swivel.