Why planetary?
Planetary gearboxes share load across several planet gears, so they deliver high torque in a compact, coaxial package. That makes them a natural fit for mill drives, cranes, winches, mixers, track drives and slewing equipment.
Key selection factors
- Output torque — continuous and peak, with the right service factor for shocks
- Ratio — from motor speed to required output speed
- Mounting — foot, flange or shaft-mounted
- Input — electric motor or hydraulic motor
- Brakes — static or dynamic holding brakes for hoists and winches
- Environment — dust, water, temperature and duty cycle
Slew drives
A slew drive combines a slewing bearing with a worm or planetary gear stage to rotate a load — cranes, aerial platforms, solar trackers. Check tilting moment, axial and radial loads, and required holding torque.
Don't under-specify the service factor
Heavy industrial drives see shock loads and long hours. Selecting on nominal torque alone is the most common mistake. Share the application, duty cycle and load details so the drive is sized correctly first time.