Informative Blog Post: (8-2-2015)

The following 2-3 minute video depicts SMA gearbox failure analysis of a Cyclo Helical Bevel BuddyBox @ UPS Jefferson Ave. St. Louis, MO:

Gearboxes can unexpectedly "go down" without notice in industrial facilities.  There are a multitude of reasons why a gearbox could failure prematurely:

• Inadequate lubrication
• Loose mounting
• Overhung load constraints
• Shock overload
• Undersized unit for application
• Unrealized start and stops in the application
• Application exceeds the gearbox service factor selection
• Etc.

It is very important to stock a critical spare if your equipment is running production lines that cannot afford to fail.  By having a backup unit on hand, the correct procedures can be taken to properly service the unit coming out of service vs. a rushed repair.  Factory repairs ensure that shafts, bearing and gearing have been set correctly vs. an educated third party guess.  SMA units repaired by the SMA Product Support Group come with a two year warranty.

It is recommended that customers allow a field technician from the gearbox manufacturer come out to their facility and complete a survey of the gearboxes on hand.  This allows the field technician the opportunity to notice environmental concerns like dust, washdown, temperature, etc. to be observed and might aid in adding additional suggestions.

If a customer chooses to dismiss local representation's effort to connect on site, than they are running machinery at their own risk.  These customers will also indefinitely deal with gearbox production delays and or site follow up due to scheduling.