How To Choose Reducer/Gearbox Gearing Parts
Whether your conveyor is working to transport sand, gravel, wood, paper, gold or sugar, it’s crucial that you can rely on it to work effectively. There are numerous moving parts that enable your conveyor to perform reliably and efficiently, transporting product over considerable distances. Some of the most important components that you’ll want to ensure your conveyor has in good working order are reducer gearing parts.
Selecting Reducer/Gearbox Gearing Parts
The type of gearing that’s best for your conveyor largely depends on your reducer/gearbox preference and/or the specific conveyor application. Gears vary by more than just specific part numbers, but also by manufacturer, model, the number of teeth, and composition. Regardless of their overall makeup, reducer/gearbox ratios play a critical role in reducing speed and applying torque to the conveyor’s overall operations. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know when choosing reducer gearing parts.
Factors To Consider In Choosing Reducer/Gearbox Gearing Parts
- What’s the typical output speed and torque?
- What types of conditions is your conveyor running in?
- Will it be exposed to more demanding conditions, such as shock and vibration?
- How long will it run each day?
- Is corrosion a concern?
- What type of reducer/gearbox does your conveyor have or what type of gearbox does it need (i.e., parallel shaft, planetary, right-angle, worm, etc.)?
Remember, gear reduction is accomplished when rotational speed decreases – and this largely begins in the reducer/gearbox. Hence, a big part of choosing the right reducer gearing part is first selecting the right reducer/gearbox for your conveyor. In order to select the right gearbox, it’s important to weigh factors such as:
- Mechanical and thermal horsepower requirements
- Application details
- Reduction ratios
- Shaft sizes
- Input
- Flange style
- Mounting positions
- Safety features
Gear Types
- Spur gears
- Helical gears
- Worm gears
- Bevel gears
There are also single and double gear reducers to choose from, each of which has their pros and cons.
Other Considerations For Selecting Reducer/Gearbox Gearing Parts
Once you know the best type of reducer/gearbox for your conveyor and the general direction that you want to take, there are a variety of other considerations to account for when it comes to reducer gearing parts.
Material
Reducer/gearbox gearings often come in aluminum and cast iron, among other metals. Before making your choice on parts, know if said parts are at risk for corrosion and other environmental effects that may occur relative to the environment in which they’re performing. The right material can directly lead to less maintenance and therefore less downtime for your conveyor.
Brand
There are many brands available, such as Dodge, Falk, Foote Jones, Hansen, Rexnord and Browning, just to name a few. Is there a brand that you’ve had a good experience with? Brand quality is more important than low price. This is also where a trustworthy, credible supplier comes in handy, as they can work with you to learn more about your conveyor operations and point you to the right reducer gearings.
Operating Style
Helical, parallel, worm, etc., operating styles all have their various pros and cons. Make sure you know the pros and cons of each when you’re weighing the right one for your conveyor, as this can help maximize productivity and limit profit-reducing downtime. Downtime doesn’t just cut into your overall productivity, but it also can result in greater maintenance costs, which can put a hit on the bottom line.
Selecting The Right Reducer/Gearbox Gearing Parts
The components that you integrate into your conveyor — like reducer gearing — shouldn’t be an afterthought, but a priority. In order to make a selection, you must accurately evaluate the needs and requirements of your conveyor to guarantee parts perform as expected without damaging any other components of the system. West River carries a full line of new and used Reducer/Gearbox Gearing parts.