Careful adherence to the following installation suggestions will help you get maximum service and life from your reducer. Fill the reducer to the proper level with the recommended lubricant (see the lubrication section for specific recommendations).
Augment
When installing reducers, care should be taken to align input and output shafts vertically and horizontally with connecting shafts. A flat, even mounting surface will help prevent uneven base hole bolt pressure, and flexible couplings will help compensate for minor variations in shaft alignment. When mounting a sprocket, gear, sheave, etc. on a reducer shaft, mount the working face as close to the reducer housing as possible. The gear or sprocket hub should be nearer the end of the shaft.
Be careful not to damage the reducer oil seal when mounting the sprocket, gear, or sheave. Installing in this manner reduces the load on the shaft and increases bearing life. To reduce unnecessary load and obtain maximum reducer and component life, driving and driven sprockets or sheaves should be properly aligned with their mates with all shafts parallel. Gears should be mounted on shafts at the proper center-to-center distance.
Maintenance
No routine reducer maintenance is needed other than that which is recommended in the lubrication section. Occasionally, oil seals will need replacing and the new seal should be protected from being cut by sharp edges or scratches on the shaft. This can be done easily by wrapping the shaft with shim stock or heavy paper during seal installation.
Storage
Units are intended to be used within 30 days after receipt and are required to be stored indoors in a heated building. If storing under adverse conditions or for longer periods of time, special precautions may be necessary. The following steps should be followed to keep units in optimal condition:
1. Store in a Sheltered Area Away from Chemical Vapors or Steam 2. Keep Covered 3. Keep away from Sunlight & High Heat 4. Spray Oil on Exposed Shafts & Seals (Clean Oil off before Installation) 5. For Assembled Units Filled with Oil, Rotate Output Shaft 360 Degrees Every Three to Four Weeks by Tuning the Input Shaft
Lubrication
Your reducer will last longer when you follow the right lubrication schedule. Use a lubricant to meet AGMA 5 requirements for gear drives and fill your reducer to the proper level by removing the air vent pipe plug. Pour the lube into the top pipe plug hole until it reaches the center of the sight-glass recommended by your lubricant supplier. Finally, replace the top pipe plug and the vent plug.
After 2,500 hours or six months of operation (whichever comes first), you should drain the reducer and fill it with fresh lubricant. Always drain while the reducer is still warm. This change should be done more frequently if the lubricant becomes dirty or contaminated due to the environment. Synthetic lubricants can, in some cases, last longer than petroleum-based lubricants and require less frequent changes. Check with your lubricant supplier for recommendations.
