Custom Gearboxes & Gear Drives
Are you considering upgrading your gearboxes? With our custom retrofitted and drop-in replacements, you can upgrade and replace older units. They'll run more efficiently, have a higher power density, and require less space. Now is the time.
Replacement Custom Gearboxes to Fit Your Needs
You shouldn't have to plan your operation around your industrial gearboxes & gearmotors. That's why Sumitomo builds custom gearboxes and components perfect for your application, from drive shafts to flanges to motor plates to adapters. Our adaptability means you don't need to change anything.
Whatever your requirements, we have a solution for you. Sumitomo Drive Technologies offers customized bases that allow our units to transfer to and match the footprint of an array of existing applications. We also design and manufacture drop-in custom gear drives to upgrade and replace competitor units. With a wide range of options, we will deliver a premier custom gearbox with minimal impact while increasing performance and reliability.
Were you thinking of upgrading your gearboxes? The time is now. Upgrade and replace older units, no matter the manufacturer, with our custom gearboxes. As a result, they run more efficiently, have a higher power density, and require less space.
Retro-Fit Gear Box Replacement
Custom Retro-Fit gearboxes with transition bases allow us to match your existing footprint.
Match Your Existing Footprint
Sumitomo Drive Technologies receives requests for retrofit custom gearboxes from companies and customers seeking parts or repairs when the original designs are no longer available. Our gearbox designs help companies fix issues, including leaking and vibration problems, or upgrade to increase speed or torque.
Because input and output will still require the same connection points, the footprint is very important. Retrofit custom gearboxes are great options for companies that want a customized solution that will fit in the same spot, weigh less, have higher efficiency and have a longer life. There may be other custom gearbox manufacturers in the US, but none of them will design your custom gearbox with the accuracy and speed of Sumitomo Drive Technologies.
Finding a solution to an existing application is often more appealing than starting over from scratch.
Drop-In Custom Gearbox Replacement
Custom drop-in units made to match existing unit’s critical dimensions.
Match Existing Unit’s Dimensions
With downtime being such a critical factor in your operation, let us install one of our custom gearboxes as a drop-in unit. We design installation-ready gearboxes to your specifications. They will be manufactured specifically to drop into existing applications with ease.
Our expert engineers and gearbox manufacturing teams understand that on-site modifications or re-engineering your system is not always an option. After production, these stress-free units can have your application back up and running in no time. We offer a variety of fabricated steel housings, custom baseplates, custom gearing and shafting, and other mechanical components!
This custom gearbox will literally drop-in to place; same footprint, same shaft positions!
Our Customizable Gearbox Replacement Products
Frequently Asked Questions About Customized Gearboxes
What information is needed to design a customized gearbox?
What information is needed to design a customized gearbox?
A customized gearbox design starts with application data like required torque, input speed, output speed, duty cycle, shock load, mounting configuration, and available space. Existing drawings or gearbox nameplate data help, but they are not required. A working unit or field measurements can also be used to develop the design.
How do you create a customized gearbox design when drawings are not available?
How do you create a customized gearbox design when drawings are not available?
A custom gearbox can be developed through reverse engineering. Engineers analyze the existing unit, capture critical dimensions, evaluate gear geometry, and recreate the design with updated materials and performance improvements to build specialty gearboxes where needed.
Can a custom gearbox improve on the original design?
Can a custom gearbox improve on the original design?
Yes. A custom gearbox manufacturer like Sumitomo Drive Technologies will design and address known failure points by upgrading bearings, improving lubrication systems, increasing service factors, and optimizing gear geometry for actual operating conditions.
How do you ensure a custom gearbox or speed reducer matches an existing footprint?
How do you ensure a custom gearbox or speed reducer matches an existing footprint?
A custom gearbox replacement is engineered to match critical dimensions such as shaft height, bolt patterns, center distances, and coupling interfaces. This allows it to function as a true drop-in solution without requiring changes to foundations or connected equipment.
Can you design a drop-in custom gearbox replacement?
Can you design a drop-in custom gearbox replacement?
Yes. A drop-in custom gearbox is engineered to match custom shaft locations, mounting points, and footprint dimensions. This type of service is perfect for fast installation with minimal disruption to your operation.
What is the process for developing a custom gearbox?
What is the process for developing a custom gearbox?
The process includes application review, data collection, custom gearbox design, reverse engineering if required, manufacturing, and final inspection. Each step focuses on delivering a gearbox that meets both performance and fit requirements.
Customize Your Gearbox Today. Reach Out to a Local Representative
Looking for more support?
The Sumitomo team is here to help! Reach out to us today for further assistance.
Written by Karlaa V. Gregory
Reviewed by Sumitomo Drive Technologies Engineering Team
Last updated: March 2026