Stick-slip is a sometimes what is perceived as jerky or irregular motion that can occur when a hydraulic actuator, such as a cylinder or motor, alternates between periods of sticking (static friction) and slipping (overcoming kinetic motion). It can occur when the machine or motion is moving between static friction and dynamic friction in the system’s moving parts.
In an ideal hydraulic system, motion would be smooth and proportional to the flow of hydraulic fluid. However, if frictional forces at seals, bearings, or sliding surfaces exceed the hydraulic force momentarily, the component “sticks.” When the hydraulic pressure builds high enough to overcome this friction, the component “slips” suddenly. This cycle repeats, producing a chattering or jerking motion instead of continuous movement.
In a turret application it is where the stiction in the turret gears and bearing begins to bind causing it to stick, and then the resistive pressure builds beyond the load where it “slips” free again. Some typical causes could be: excessive seal drag or poor lubrication between the bearing seal and turret gear; low rotational speed making small friction differences more noticeable; uneven loading or frictional forces within the turret, where in some instances this could be alignment with the rotational gear drive mechanism.
During the 120 metric ton load situation, this may need to be evaluated with the system design parameters to determine if it is near a possible overlap condition. This condition could also be observed if the operational load is near a circuit/system relief setting.