The industrial gearbox market is set to see a massive spike in growth from now until 2023, from over $25 billion USD to an estimated $31 billion USD. This means Falk gearboxes and parts will continue to be in high demand as companies expand. If you’re in the agriculture, mining, shipping, paper, or wind power industry, you may have already noticed this trend.
If your company is in need of new Falk gearboxes, or additional gearbox solutions, it’s important to consider the application they will be used in. Additionally, know what gearbox-sizing parameters will be needed in order to clarify any questions the gearbox manufacturer might have. Knowing the answers to these two basic questions will set you on the right path to determining what gearbox to purchase.
Ask these questions before purchasing your gearbox.
Ask these initial questions before purchasing a gearbox:
- What lower cost alternatives are available based on the application’s requirements?
- Will the gearbox hold up in the operating environment?
- Can a smaller gearbox be selected based on the duty cycle?
You generally have three gearbox options: standard, modified standard, or complete custom. Which one you choose is determined by the application requirements, such as:
- The environment it will operate in.
- The output needed to complete the job.
- Current system integration needs.
What environment is the gearbox operating in?
The environment in which the gearbox will operate greatly influences the decision of which gearbox to choose. You will have to consider many things, such as how to seal a gearbox from foreign matter and how to prevent water from entering the system. Any food processing applications will require stringent cleanliness rules and possibly special lubricants. If the operating environment is below 20 degrees celsius, special low-temperature greases will be required to ensure smooth operation.
What is the length of your application’s operational needs?
Generally, full-time operation is considered eight to 12 hours five days a week. This is plenty of time for the gearbox to reach its maximum heat. You need to consider if your gearbox is going to be used in high duty cycles for short periods of time, or if it will be on low duty cycles for long periods of time.
Check with the manufacturer about the gearbox’s wear strength and with the needed output for your project. Don’t be surprised if you actually need a smaller gearbox than you initially thought.
How can you lengthen the lifespan and improve the performance of your Falk gearbox?
Falk gearboxes thrive with consistent attention to maintenance. This includes the following:
Using the correct lubrication. Most gearboxes need either mineral-based lubricants or synthetic lubricants. You should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines of where to pour the oil, what kinds of additives are allowable, and the required viscosity of the gearbox. Lubrication oils break down over time and so you must be sure that the gearbox is always well lubricated. Keep records of the oil changes according to any manufacturer’s recommendations.
Following a regular maintenance schedule. This means you should do minimum maintenance tasks, including checking the oil, cleaning the gearbox and watching for wear on parts. This inspection can head off minor problems from escalating in the future.
Keeping an eye on oil levels. This goes along with doing regular maintenance, as the oil levels will need to be maintained especially in a high output environment. Oil analysis can reveal areas of wear, as the presence of contaminants of specific metals may be as a result of a gear breaking down.
Follow these tips and you will be sure to have a gearbox that lasts a long time and meets your needs. In need of gearbox repair or maintenance? Contact our team today.
Posted under Falk Gearboxes on Friday, August 2nd, 2019