SAFETY & TECHNICAL
GEARBOX
The gearbox is an important component in the drive line of many agricultural and industrial machines.
The most common use is to take rotary motion from a drive source such as a tractor PTO shaft or electric motor and apply this rotary motion to assist with the function of the machine.
Methods of application may include:
– Reverse direction of rotation
– Transmission of drive rotation at an angle.
– Changing speed or torque properties of the input drive.
SAFETY
When designing, modifying or repairing any machine SAFETY must be taken into account. Rotating shafts and driveline components can be hazardous. Appropriate guarding must be fitted and maintained at all times. Appropriate safety warning signs and instructions should also be supplied with the machine.
To assist with the attachment of guarding the general range of Aline Trading P/L gearboxes are supplied with threaded holes suitable for mounting safety guards. Aline Trading P/L also offer a selection of plastic bucket guards (sold separately) to further shield the drive line.
If you are unsure of the necessary safety requirements for your machine please seek further advice form a qualified mechanical design engineer or OH&S approved authority before proceeding with construction or use of the machine.
LUBRICATION
Gearboxes supplied by Aline Trading P/L are shipped without oil. This removes issues involved with shipping “Dangerous Goods” and allows the purchaser to select their preferred brand of oil.
Warning: Gearboxes must be filled with the appropriate volume of oil before running.
SAE 90EP (Extreme Pressure additive) oil is recommended by Aline Trading for our standard range of gearboxes. (See note below for worm wheel reduction gearboxes.)
The quantity of oil to use is determined by the level plug and is approximately indicated on our web site for each model.
Overfilling with oil does not improve the lubrication. In fact it can do the opposite by causing heat build-up and increased internal pressure.
Over heavy or thick oil can also cause overheating issues.
Recommended oil changes are after the first 50 hours and then periodically every 500 hours of as operating conditions may require.
Note: Worm wheel reduction gearboxes should be filled with the appropriate oil to the centre of the oil gauge before putting into service.
Excessive oil levels result in higher operating temperatures and are as undesirable as using too little oil.
After approximately 85 hours of operation the reducer must be drained, flushed thoroughly with light oil and refilled with fresh recommended oil. This flushing and refilling should be repeated every 2500 hours.
Aline Trading recommend SAE 320 oil for most normal applications.
OPERATING TEMPERATURES
Heat generated by the movement of the internal components of a gearbox during operation is a result of the power being applied. The temperature of the gearbox during operation will depend on its ability to exchange heat with the atmosphere and is related to the ambient conditions.
With ambient temperatures between -10 and +50 degrees C the temperature limit of the gearbox during normal working conditions is 90 degrees C.
This max operating temperature is set to prevent premature wear of the seals and to keep within the viscosity rating of the oil. Heat causes expansion of the air in the gearbox which increases internal pressure. Oil seals are normally capable of withstanding pressures up to 7.25 psi. This is why gearboxes designed for heavy duty applications are fitted with a breather plug to relive the internal pressures as required.