Preliminary

L495 Rotary Table

Operating and Maintenance

Manual

Nabors
L495-113

6500 Brittmoore, Houston, Texas 77041 PO Box 41343, Houston, Texas 77241-1343
832-872-6500 1-866-946-5333 FAX: 832-782-6627
www.letourneau-inc.com/drilling pumps@let-tech.com
 Preliminary

Table of Contents
Warnings, Responsibilities, and Procedures ..................................................................1
Owner and Operator Responsibilities .........................................................................................1
Accessories and Safely Equipment.............................................................................................1
Servicing Procedures ..................................................................................................................1
Installation ..........................................................................................................................2
Lubrication..........................................................................................................................2
Draining and Filling the Reservoir ..............................................................................................2
Reservoir Lubricant .....................................................................................................................3
Reservoir Capacity.......................................................................................................................3
Rotary Table Locking Mechanism...............................................................................................3
Contaminated Gear Oil ................................................................................................................3
Maintenance Schedule.......................................................................................................4
Disassembly .......................................................................................................................5
Assembly ............................................................................................................................7
 Preliminary

Warnings, Responsibilities, and Procedures

Warning
Carefully read and understand the operation and maintenance
instructions. Failure to follow these instructions may cause serious
equipment damage and severe personal injury, or loss of life.

Owner and Operator Responsibilities

It is the buyer’s and operator’s responsibility to obtain all accessories and safety devices
necessary to complete the application, so this product can be safely operated.
Accessories and Safety Equipment
This product is supplied in accordance with the Buyer’s specifications and does not necessarily
include all accessories and safety devices required to put this product into operation.

Safety devices such as, but not limited to, rotating equipment guards, chains, cables, and
wrenches are available from other suppliers.

Servicing Procedures
• This product and many of its parts are both heavy and difficult to handle.
Plan lifts carefully and use proper lifting gear to avoid severe personal injury. Provide safe
supports for all equipment and parts.
• Do not lift the rotary table by the table cover.
Use the lifting holes provided in the bottom corners of the rotary table housing.
• Lubricate the rotary table before starting operation.
Prior to shipment, all lubricant is drained from the rotary table. Before starting operation, it
must be lubricated as outlined in the lubrication instructions.
• Shut down drilling equipment and disconnect power during maintenance.
In order to prevent personal injury during maintenance or inspection, all drilling equipment
should be shut down or turned off and the power disconnected. Use good mechanical
practices when making maintenance repairs and adjustments.
 Preliminary

Installation
Safety guards should be installed for all moving parts. Decking around the rotary table should
provide safe and secure footing.
1. The rotary table should be set level. Angular or tilted operation may be detrimental to the
lubrication system and result in serious damage to the rotary table. Lubricant leakage
indicates a serious problem.
2. The rotary table housing must be properly supported. The skid or foundation must be
sufficient size and design to maintain the equipment free of strain. The housing must be
adequately secured to the foundation. Locating devices and high-strength fasteners should be
used.
3. The rotary table must be properly aligned to the driving equipment.
4. There should be adequate clearance around the rotary table housing and support frame to
prevent drilling mud buildup. Provide ample clearance between the bottom of the rotary table
and the top of the bell nipple to prevent overflow of drilling mud from reaching or building
up on the under side of the rotary.
Lubrication

Caution
Lubricate the rotary table before starting operation. All lubricant is drained
from the product before it is shipped. Operating the rotary table without
lubricant will cause serious damage to the table and potential injury to
personnel.

Proper lubrication is essential to trouble-free performance of the rotary table. All rotating
components (main bearing assembly, gears, and pinion bearings) are lubricated by a single oil
bath reservoir. The table locks are lubricated with grease.

When the reservoir is properly filled with oil, the lower part of the pinion is submerged in the oil,
and, as it rotates, it carries the oil up to the gear. A portion of the excess oil is deposited on the
main bearing; this oil drains downward through the up-thrust bearing and returns to the reservoir.

Another portion of the oil is gathered by a collector on the upper portion of the pinion housing.
This oil is directed into the pinion housing and lubricates the pinion bearings. Oil overflows from
the pinion housing back to the reservoir.

Draining and Filling the Reservoir

Draining
1. Open the valve on the side of the reservoir and remove the plug from the end of the
pinion cartridge. Both must be opened to completely drain the reservoir.
2. Carefully inspect the oil and magnetic plug for contamination with mud, water, or metal
particles.
3. If the oil is contaminated, see the flushing instructions later in this section.
4. Clean the magnet on the plug, replace the plug, and close the valve.
 Preliminary

Filling
1. Fill the reservoir through the 1-in pipe plugs, located on front of pinion cartridge and the
fill opening located on the top of the rotary near the pinion end Fill the pinion cartridge
first and then pour the remainder of the oil into the fill opening located on top of the
rotary table.
2. Use high-temperature, extreme pressure gear oil as specified in the lubricant chart below.
3. When the specified volume is used, the oil level should be within the scribed area on the
gauge stick.
4. Operate the rotary at a medium speed for 5 minutes.
5. Stop and check the oil level again.
6. Adjust the oil level as necessary to remain within the scribed area on the gauge stick
Reservoir Lubricant

Temperature Lubricant
+20° F. and AGMA No. 6 EP or ASTM/ISO-VG Grade 320
Above (Viscosity 1533-1881 SSU at 100°F)
Non-Corrosive, Anti-Foaming Gear Lube
-20° F. to +60°F AGMA No. 2 EP or ASTM/ISO-VG Grade 68
(Viscosity 318-389 SSU at 100°F)
Non-Corrosive, Anti-Foaming Gear Lube
Reservoir Capacity
L495 Rotary Table ............ 30 gallons

Rotary Table Locking Mechanism

The rotary table locks are accessible through slots in the top cover at the right and left side near
the pinion end. Each lock has two (2) grease fittings: one for the lock pivot and one for the lock
actuator. Apply one (1) shot (approx. ¼ cu. in.) of NLGI Grade 2 Extreme Pressure Lithium
Base Grease to each fitting. See Maintenance Schedule.

Contaminated Gear Oil

When contaminated gear oil is observed, the rotary table should be removed from service
immediately. If the rotary table cannot be released from service long enough to properly clean
the reservoir, use the following procedure.

1. Drain the contaminated gear oil from the rotary.

2. Fill the reservoir to the normal operating level with 20W or 30W mineral oil.
3. Operate the rotary under no load, at 20-30 RPM for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Drain the reservoir.
5. Refill the reservoir with the normal gear oil and proceed.
6. As soon as practical, remove the rotary from service, disassemble, and clean the oil sump and
inside the pinion capsule.
 Preliminary

Maintenance Schedule
A careful preventive maintenance program will contribute to reduced downtime and lower the
cost of repairs. The following represents a minimum program for the maintenance of the rotary
table assembly. Careful attention by the owner/operator will indicate necessary adjustment
and/or addition.

Daily
• Check the oil level and adjust as necessary. If there is evidence of contamination, drain
and flush the reservoir as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the gears and
bearings of the rotary. See the Contaminated Gear Oil section of the Lubrication
Instructions.
• Lubricate the rotary table locking mechanisms.
• Check for oil leaks at the pinion shaft seals and at the labyrinth seals at the top and
bottom of the rotary table.
• Lubricate the adapter bushing, master bushing, and bushing locks with pipe joint
compound or equivalent.
• Check the unit for cleanliness.
Monthly
• Drain a small amount of oil from the reservoir and check for contamination. If there is
evidence of contamination, follow the instructions for contaminated gear oil instructions
in the Lubrication section.
• Do not ignore contaminated lubricant. Serious damage can occur to the gears and
bearings.
Six Months
• Change the oil.
• Clean the magnetic plug.
• Check all fasteners for proper tightness.
• Check drive chain, sprockets or drive coupling as necessary.
Twelve Months
• Remove the rotary table from the housing; inspect the interior of the reservoir for
contamination and debris. Clean as necessary.
• Inspect the gears for proper operation and wear pattern.
• Check the clearance in the rotary table bearing assembly, and adjust as necessary.
• Check the pinion bearings for excessive clearance, and replace as necessary.
• Check the backlash in the gear set and adjust as necessary.
 Preliminary

Disassembly
1. Remove any bushings from the table bore.
2. Place the rotary on supports that allow access to the under side of the rotary.
3. Follow support instructions given in the Warning Section.
4. Preserve and protect any parts removed from the rotary for future use.
Remove the Gear Table from the Housing
1. From the top of the rotary, remove the four (4) 1-in. socket head screws holding the
top cover plate assembly to the rotary.
2. Remove the top cover plate assembly.
3. From the bottom of the table, remove the lower table retaining ring by removing the
¾-in. bolts.
4. Remove the 1-in. socket head screws holding the lower table bearing retainer.
5. Screw two (2) 1-in. NC thread lifting eyes into the top of the rotary table.
6. Lift the table straight up.
There may be some resistance, because the rotary table is a snug fit into the table
retaining ring and has an O-ring seal. After the rotary table has cleared the housing,
carefully set it aside for further disassembly as required.
7. Remove the rotary table shim pack(s) from the shelf at the lower end of the lower
bearing retainer.
Carefully retain these shims because they will be used during the reassembly of the
table. There are 10 shim packets, approximately 1.5 x 2.5 in., located at the bolt holes.
Remove the Bearing Race and Gear from the Table
1. From the top of the table, remove the six (6) 1-in. socket head bolts.
2. Put 4 to 6 thin wedges between the table and the gear to encourage movement.

Caution
Be sure that the torch moves constantly over the entire surface of
the gear. Do not overheat—any change in color (yellow or blue)
has permanently damaged the gear.

3. Gently heat the gear with a rosebud torch and a reducing flame. Keep the torch
moving at all times. The gear should fall from the table when free.
4. The bearing race may be removed by gently heating in the same manner.
5. Be sure that the torch moves constantly over the entire surface of the bearing race. Do
not overheat—any change in color (yellow or blue) has permanently damaged the
part.
 Preliminary

Remove the Main Bearing from the Housing

1. With the rotary table removed from the table housing, lift out the balls and ball
retainer of the main bearing.
2. Remove the six (6) ¾-in. socket head cap screws and bearing retainers that hold the
main bearing race in the table housing.
3. Pull upward on the lower bearing retainer to remove the remainder of the bearing
assembly and the lower bearing retainer.
4. After the bearing assembly has cleared the housing, carefully set it aside. The bearing
and retainer parts are not attached and will slip apart easily.
5. Remove the main bearing shim pack from the shelf in the table housing that supports
the main bearing. Retain these shims because they will be used during reassembly.
Remove the Table Lock Assemblies
1. Unscrew the hex-head lock pin from the right and left side of the rotary housing.
2. Remove the lock from the top of the housing.
Remove the Pinion Cartridge
1. Remove the eight (8) ¾-in. bolts holding the pinion cartridge in the table housing.
2. Screw four (4) ¾-in. jack screws into the jackscrew holes in the pinion cartridge
flange.
3. Remove the pinion cartridge from the rotary table housing.
4. Remove and retain the shims between the cartridge flange and the rotary table
housing.
Disassemble the Pinion Cartridge

Caution
Disassembly of the pinion cartridge requires the application of low
heat. Make sure to move the torch moves constantly over the
entire surface of the gear. Do not overheat. Any change in color
(yellow or blue) has permanently damaged the pinion.

1. Remove any sprocket or hub that is installed on the pinion shaft.

2. Remove the pinion shaft key.
3. Restrain the shaft to prevent rotation and unscrew the pinion lock nut using a spanner
wrench.
4. Remove the eight (8) ¾-in. bolts holding the pinion retaining flange to the cartridge
and remove the retaining flange.

Note

After moving 3 to 4 in., the bearing on the pinion end will

disengage. After moving 4 to 6 in., the shaft end bearing will
disengage and the shaft will move freely.
 Preliminary

5. Press the shaft out of the pinion cartridge toward the pinion end.
6. Remove the pinion shaft from the cartridge.
7. Remove the four (4) 5/8-in. bolts and the two (2) inner-end bearing retainers.
8. Press the inner and outer bearings from the pinion cartridge.
9. Slide the pinion shaft spacer off the shaft.
10. Pull the inner race of the pinion end bearing away from the pinion gear and off the
shaft.

Note
The application of low heat will be required.

11. Press the shaft out of the pinion gear.

Assembly
All parts must be clean and free of burrs or paint coating on contact faces. Follow part
and assembly support instruction given in the Warning Section. Lubricate bolts with 30-
weight oil, or equivalent, before assembly in accordance with the following torque
values, unless directed otherwise.

Fastener Size Torque (ft-lb)

5/8 in. 159
¾ in. 282
1 in. 682
Assemble the Pinion Cartridge
1. Place the pinion shaft on a firm support that will prevent lateral and longitudinal
motion of the shaft.

Caution
Use an oil bath or inductive heater to heat bearings. Do not use a torch
directly on the bearing, because the flame will permanently damage the
bearing beyond repair. Do not overheat. Any change in color (yellow or
blue) has permanently damaged the part

2. Use an oil bath or inductive heater to heat bearings. Do not use a torch directly on the
bearing, because the flame will permanently damage the bearing beyond repair. Do
not overheat. Any change in color (yellow or blue) has permanently damaged the
part.
3. Gently heat the pinion gear to 300°F above room temperature.
4. Place the pinion gear on the shaft, large diameter first, until the small diameter face of
the gear is flush with the end of the pinion shaft.
 Preliminary

Caution
Do not quench with water.

5. Allow the gear to cool slowly in air.

6. After the pinion assembly is cool, warm the pinion end (straight roller) bearing inner
race and place it on the shaft behind and firmly against the gear.
7. After the bearing is cool, place the pinion shaft spacer on the shaft.
8. Press the outer race and roller assembly of the pinion end (straight roller) bearing into
the pinion end of the pinion cartridge.
9. Install the two (2) inner-end bearing retainers, torque and wire the four (4) 5/8-in. x
1-in. bolts to 159 ft-lb.
10. Press the heavier (thicker) end of one of the outer races of the outer pinion bearing
into the outer end of the pinion cartridge. The heavier (thicker) of the race goes in
first.
11. Insert the pinion shaft into the pinion cartridge as far as it will go.
12. Warm the inner race and roller assembly of the outer bearing. Install the small end
(numbered end) first and press firmly against the spacer or shoulder on the pinion
shaft. Do not overheat; i.e., change color.
13. Hold the bearing against the shoulder until it is cool.
14. Move the shaft and bearing back into the pinion cartridge until the bearing firmly
contacts the outer race.
15. Press the outer race spacer and the other outer race into position.
16. After the shaft assembly has cooled, press the pinion oil seal into the pinion retainer
flange. Be sure that the oil seal lip is facing inward toward the bearing when installed.
17. Install the pinion flange retainer gasket and bolt the pinion retainer flange to the
pinion capsule with eight (8) ¾-in. x 1 ½-in. bolts, tightened to 282 ft-lb torque.
If the pinion retainer flange has a cutout, be sure the cutout is aligned with the drain
plug in the pinion capsule.
18. Screw the pinion shaft nut on the pinion shaft and tighten to 150 ft-lb.
19. Align one of the slots in the nut with the keyway in the shaft and insert the key.
 Preliminary

Install the Pinion Cartridge in the Rotary Housing

The face of the pinion gear is stamped with the part number, the mounting distance,
and the backlash. Note and record the mounting distance and the backlash for later
use.

1. Make a trial installation of the assembled pinion cartridge into the rotary housing
(shims and O-rings not installed). Be sure that the dowel in the pinion cartridge aligns
with the hole in the rotary housing.
2. Install at least four (4) ¾-in. bolts equally spaced on the pinion capsule. Tighten
firmly.
3. With a depth micrometer, measure the distance from the inside diameter of the rotary
table housing, adjacent the pinion gear, to the face of the pinion gear. See Fig. 1
below. The largest inside diameter for the L495 is 65.5 in..

Fig. 1 Pinion Cartridge Depth Measurement

4. Add the depth micrometer measured distance to 32.75 in. Subtract the result from the
pinion mounting distance (recorded earlier). The result is the required thickness of the
shim pack between the pinion cartridge and the rotary housing.
L495 Rotary Table Example
M-(D+32.75)=Shim thickness
D = Depth micrometer measured distance = 0.485 in.
D + 32.75 = 33.235
M = Mounting distance stamped on pinion = 33.500
M – 33.235 = 0.265 = Shim Thickness
Resykt
33.500
0.485+32.75. = 32.235
33.500-32.23 5 = 0.265

5. Place the required shims on the pinion cartridge. Install the O-rings on the cartridge.
Grease the O-rings and install the cartridge.
6. Repeat the above procedure to confirm the correct mounting distance has been
obtained. Tighten the cartridge mounting bolts to 282 ft-lb torque.
 Preliminary

Install the Upper Main Bearing Race and Gear on the Table

Caution
Use an oil bath or inductive heater to heat bearings. Do not use a
torch directly on the bearing because the flame will permanently
damage the bearing.

1. Place the table, with the top side down, on solid supports. Make sure that there is
access to the top of the table.
2. Gently heat the upper main bearing race gently to 150°-200°F.
3. Lower the race into place on the table. Make sure that it is firmly seated on the table
and hold it so that it stays firmly seated on the table as it cools.
4. Heat the gear to the same temperature. Lower the gear on the table until it rests firmly
in place. Make sure that the bolt holes in the gear align with the holes in the table.
5. After the gear has cooled, install and torque the six (6) 1-in. x 2 ½-in. socket head
bolts to 682 ft-lb torque from the top of the table.
Set the Main Bearing Internal Clearance
1. After the bearing race, the gear, and the table have cooled, place the balls and ball
spacer on the upper race; add the middle race, the lower ball spacer and balls, the
lower race, and the lower bearing retainer.
2. Install the ten (10) 1-in. x 2 ¾-in. socket head screws in a crisscross order and tighten
them to a maximum of 100-150 ft-lb. Do not warp the lower bearing retainer.
3. Use a feeler gauge to measure the clearance between the bottom of the table and the
lower bearing retainer in several places around the circumference of the table. These
measurements must not vary more than 0.005 in. If the variation exceeds 0.005 in.,
remove the parts and reassemble, making sure that all parts are properly seated and
that the lower bearing retainer is moved down evenly on the table.
4. Add 0.007 in. to the feeler gauge measurement. This is the shim pack thickness. The
shim pack will compress when tightened to give an internal bearing clearance of
0.001 in. to 0.003 in. This should be checked after the bolts have been tightened to
their proper value.
5. Remove the lower bearing retainer, the lower race, the lower ball spacer and balls, the
middle race, and the upper ball spacer and balls from the table.
Set the Gear and Pinion Backlash
1. Set the main bearing clearance shims aside and retain them as a set for later use.
2. Install the lower bearing retainer, the lower race, and the lower ball spacer and balls
in the rotary housing.
3. Place 0.140-in. shims on the main bearing support in the rotary housing.
4. Install the middle race and the upper ball spacer and balls in the rotary housing.
5. Set the table with upper race and gear installed into the rotary housing.
6. Rotate the table to make sure that the bearing is fully seated and that the gears are
meshed.
 Preliminary

7. Gently rock the pinion shaft back and forth. Do not move the table.
This movement is determined by the backlash in the gear set. When the movement is
measured at a distance of 9 in. from the center of the pinion shaft, it should be equal
to the backlash stamped on the pinion gear. If the backlash is not correct, shims must
be added or removed from the shim pack on the main bearing support. Adding a
0.001-in. shim will add approximately 0.001 in. to the backlash.
8. After the backlash is properly set, remove the table. Install the six (6) main bearing
retainer blocks and ¾-in. x 1.5-in. socket head screws and torque to 282 ft-lb.
Install the Table
1. With the main bearing and bearing retainer in the rotary housing, install the main
bearing clearance shim pack in the lower bearing retainer, making sure that the bolt
holes are in alignment.
2. Install the table O-ring on the skirt of the table and grease thoroughly.
3. Lower the table into the bearing assembly and make sure that the holes in the table
skirt are aligned with the holes in the lower bearing retainer.
4. Install the ten (10) 1- x 2 ¾-in. socket head screws in the lower bearing retainer and
torque to 682 ft-lb.
5. Check the gear backlash again.
Install the Table Lock Assemblies
1. From the top of the housing, place the right and left locks into position.
2. Insert the hex-head lock pin into the housing and the lock from the right and left side
of the rotary housing.
3. Tighten to 100 ft-lb.
Install the Top Cover Assembly
1. Set the top cover plate assembly on the base with the brand and size on the pinion
shaft end of the base.
2. From the top of the rotary, align the cover with the table and the four (4) mounting
bolt holes.
3. Install the four (4) 1- x 2-in. socket head screws (Grade 8) holding the top cover plate
assembly to the rotary.
4. Check the operation of the right and left rotary table locks.