Standardising a time-critical line upgrade on one gearbox supplier
A UK materials handling engineering company was upgrading a magnetic systems line for one of its own clients. The existing drives came from three different gearbox manufacturers, which meant three sets of spares, three suppliers to chase and three lots of documentation. For any engineering contractor working to a client’s deadline, a supply chain like that slows down every decision.
The challenge
The customer’s engineering services division wanted to standardise the line on a single gearbox supplier, but their client was waiting. To finish the changeover design, they needed accurate 3D models, torque arm details and confirmation that the replacement units would fit what was already installed. They needed a UK gearbox manufacturer who could supply the full package, and the engineering data to go with it, quickly.
The solution
We offered a single package price for the four drives on the line:
- A helical-worm gearbox for the belt drive
- Worm gearboxes for the rotary splitter and hood splitter
- A 7.5kW B5 (flange-mounted) motor
Our team then:
- Answered out of hours when the customer needed STEP models and torque arm drawings urgently, and sent the full drawing set as soon as our design engineer was back on site
- Confirmed that our helical-worm unit is a direct dimensional swap for the existing gearbox, so no changes were needed on site
- Machined a non-standard 20mm hollow bore in our on-site machine shop in Kent, with a three-working-day turnaround
That gave the customer everything they needed to finish the changeover design and commit to the order.
The outcome
- Full order confirmed within a fortnight of the first conversation, with delivery booked for the following week
- Four drives from three manufacturers now supplied by one
- A like-for-like helical-worm replacement, with no modifications on site
- One supplier, one set of documentation and one point of contact for the whole line
“When a contractor’s own client is waiting, the drawings matter just as much as the gearbox. Turning round the models, the fit check and the special bore quickly is what let them finish the design and ultimately place the order. Having one supplier for the whole line also makes life simpler for whoever is responsible for maintaining it afterwards.”
Thomas Parker, UK & Irelands Sales Manager, Brown GearTech
Customer feedback
What stood out for the customer’s engineering lead was the speed of the response. With his own client waiting, he got a quick, out-of-hours reply from a team that understood how urgent the job was. He told us that made a real difference, because it is the same standard of service he has to give his own clients.
Engineering Lead, UK materials handling engineering company
Why this matters for industry
When a line runs drives from several gearbox manufacturers, every breakdown starts with working out which supplier, which part number and which drawing. Standardising on one supplier simplifies spares and maintenance, and gives the end user one accountable point of contact. For engineering contractors and OEMs working to a client’s deadline, fast engineering data, a confirmed fit and in-house machining are often what keep a changeover on time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can one supplier replace gearboxes from several different manufacturers?
Often, yes. We check each existing drive’s mounting dimensions, shaft sizes, ratio and output, then match it from our gearbox and motor range. On this upgrade, one package replaced drives from three brands: a helical-worm gearbox, two worm gearboxes and a 7.5kW motor.
Is your helical-worm gearbox a like-for-like replacement for my existing unit?
It depends on the unit, so we check before you order. Send us the nameplate details or drawings and we will compare the mounting dimensions and shafts. On this project we confirmed a direct dimensional swap, so no changes were needed on site.
Can you machine a non-standard hollow bore on a gearbox?
Yes. We machine special bores in our on-site machine shop in Kent. On this project we produced a 20mm hollow bore, which is not a standard size for that unit, with a three-working-day turnaround.
Do you supply STEP models and torque arm drawings?
Yes. Our design engineers supply 3D STEP models, dimension drawings and torque arm details, so you can finish your design before you order. If your project is time-critical, tell us when you need them.
What is a B5 motor?
B5 is the IEC mounting designation for a flange-mounted motor with no feet. It has a large flange with through holes and bolts directly to a gearbox or machine face. A B3 motor is foot-mounted, and a B14 has a smaller face flange with tapped holes.
Why standardise on one gearbox supplier?
One supplier means fewer spares to hold, one set of documentation and one point of contact when something needs replacing. It also makes future maintenance and upgrades simpler for whoever runs the line.
How quickly can you supply gearboxes for a line upgrade?
Lead times depend on the specification, so ask us for the current position. On this project, the customer confirmed the full order within a fortnight of the first conversation, with delivery booked for the following week.
