8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Replacing Your Industrial Gearbox
Well, the time has finally arrived. That gearbox has possibly been around before you started working at your company. You know the one we're talking about. It's continually having problems like mechanical failures and needs more gearbox maintenance than your team has time to handle.
The CAD drawings might be lost, or the gearbox manufacturer isn't even in business anymore to replace the unit or components. If this sounds like your comapany's situation, it may be time to replace your industrial gearbox.
Don't think you need to read further? Download the Gearbox Replacement Planning Guide we put together before replacing your gearbox.
1. Are you satisfied with the performance and life cycle of your industrial gearbox?
In the last 20 years, technology has changed DRASTICALLY. Think about your cellphone in 2000 (did you even have one yet?) vs. your new smartphone today. Gearing and gearbox parts are no different. Gearmotor performance and gear efficiency have improved, seals are better, synthetic lubrication can dramatically prolong gearmotor life, and condition monitoring with products like CycloSmart can keep you from having unscheduled downtime. Would you take your 20-year-old Ford or Jeep to the dealer and ask them to replace it with that same year and model? Probably not, so why do that with an industrial gearbox that could make or break your performance?
2. How often are you replacing this gearbox?
If you are replacing a gearbox more than once every two to three years, ask yourself why. You may be hesitant to invest in some applications where the environments are severe, but a badly selected or engineered gearbox can still cost your company big. There are always solutions that can improve your gearbox's lifespan and reduce the total cost of ownership.
3. Are there safety concerns with your current opeartional setup?
Safety is always a top priority. Having belts, sheaves, sprockets, or other exposed components driving your machinery can be a safety hazard. Simpler is usually better and in any industrial operation, simpler means safer. Look for shaft-mounted options that can reduce these exposed safety hazards and reduce maintenance in the process.
Read reasons #4-8 below.
About Sumitomo Drive Technologies
Sumitomo Drive Technologies has been trusted by many to provide quality products and innovative solutions to help our customers solve their complex challenges. This rich history has made us a leading manufacturer of power transmission and control products such as gearmotors and industrial gearboxes for a wide variety of applications for leading brands around the globe. For more information about our products and services, please contact us.