Gearboxes run cooler and quieter

A range of gearboxes has been launched that offer reduced noise, high reliability and improved cooling. Dean Palmer reports

A range of gearboxes has been developed that offer improved cooling, quieter operation and a rugged, reliable design. SM-Cyclo UK's 'Paramax 9000' range of gearboxes benefit from an improved cooling fan design, as well as a rigid housing and optimised gear teeth which, combined, reduce noise levels. Increased reliability comes from several new features, including high root strength gear teeth, heavy duty output bearings (as standard) and seals fitted with wear sleeves. The gearboxes are designed for demanding applications including mining and quarrying, materials handling, cranes, extruders, agitators, mixers, cooling tower drives, sugar processing and forestry equipment. Ratios are up to 500:1 with torque capacities up to 600,000Nm. The gears on the Paramax 9000 have a helix angle increased to 14 degrees, which results in a greater number of gear teeth in contact. This means higher performance and reliability, as well as reduced noise levels. A 25-degree gear pressure angle also ensures greater gear tooth strength, making the gearboxes suitable for high overload conditions. The optimised gears are enclosed in a universal cast iron (or optional ductile and fabricated) housing, which accommodates both right and left hand applications, as well as horizontal, vertical and upright mounting. Deflection under load is minimal due to the unit's rugged housing design. Also worth noting is the gearboxes have standardised gear sets, which means users benefit from "direct gear set exchange" between gearbox sizes. This means commonality of spares and reduced costs for companies that use multiple Paramax units in their application. There are 26 size variations as standard. There's also a new design of direct motor mount for right angle and parallel offset units. This means no couplings or alignment is required, resulting in a more compact drive assembly. The gearboxes are available as individual units with right angle or parallel shaft configurations, or as integrated drive packages.