EP-B80 Compact Baler Gearbox — 50 to 80 KW, Side-Input Direct-Mount Speed Increaser

The EP-B80 compact baler gearbox is a direct-mount speed increaser with a distinctive blue-painted HT250 housing, designed for balers and straw return machines in the 50–80 KW (68–110 HP) power class. Its 0.468 : 1 ratio converts 540 rpm PTO input to 1,153 rpm output — and unlike the tube-output EP-1800B/EP-2250B models, the EP-B80 uses a side-mounted power input and compact direct-mount housing that bolts directly to the baler frame without requiring an extended tube. With dual output interfaces — 8×42×48×8 spline and Ø190 bolt flange — it accommodates both spline-coupled and flange-coupled baler drive systems in a single unit.

EP-B80 Compact Baler Gearbox — Product Overview

EP-B80 compact baler gearbox 50-80KW with blue housing and side-input configuration

Compact Direct-Mount — No Tube Required

Not every baler needs a long-tube gearbox. Compact round balers, light-duty straw return machines, and smaller straw choppers position their internal drive hub close to the PTO attachment point — within the reach of a directly mounted gearbox housing. The EP-B80 compact round baler gearbox is engineered for exactly this configuration: a short, rigid unit that bolts directly to the baler’s structural frame with no intermediate tube, no extension shaft, and no separate bearing supports.

Side-Input Power Path

Unlike the top-mounted input on the EP-1800B/EP-2250B family, the EP-B80 accepts PTO power through a side-mounted input shaft. This lateral input orientation aligns naturally with baler frame geometries where the PTO drive shaft approaches from the side rather than from above. The side-input configuration also lowers the overall height of the gearbox-plus-baler assembly, reducing the machine’s center of gravity for improved stability during hillside baling operations.

1,153 RPM — Tuned for Light-to-Mid Balers

The EP-B80’s 0.468 : 1 ratio produces 1,153 rpm output — approximately 7% slower than the EP-1800B’s 1,234 rpm. This slightly lower speed is deliberately calibrated for compact balers with smaller pickup reels and chamber rollers that achieve optimal material handling at moderate rotor speeds. The 50–80 KW power rating covers tractors from 68 to 110 HP, matching the compact baler segment where the EP-1800B’s 100 KW ceiling is unnecessary.

Full Technical Specifications

EP-B80 Compact Baler Gearbox Dimension

Parameter Specification
Gear Ratio 0.468 : 1 (speed increase)
Input Speed 540 rpm (standard PTO, side-mounted)
Output Speed 1,153 rpm
Speed Multiplication Factor 2.14×
Rated Power 50–80 KW (68–110 HP)
Output Spline 8 × 42 × 48 × 8
Output Flange Ø190 mm bolt circle, 4-Ø13
Output Shaft Ø45 mm / Ø30–Ø26 mm stepped, 14 mm keyway
Housing Width 270 mm
Housing Height 210–230 mm
Total Depth 460 mm
Side Profile 169 × 310 mm (B-B section)
Top Section 145 × 115 mm
Gear Material 20CrMnTi alloy steel, case-hardened 58–62 HRC
Housing Material HT250 cast iron, blue-painted, CNC finish-machined
Lubrication Sealed oil bath — SAE 80W-90 GL-5
Application Compact round balers, straw return machines, light straw choppers

Compact Direct-Mount Architecture — Engineering for Close-Coupled Balers

EP-B80 compact baler gearbox dimensional drawing — side-input, dual output, blue housing

Why Compact Beats Tube for Short-Frame Machines

The EP-1800B and EP-2250B use 900–1,125 mm tubes to bridge the distance between the PTO input and a remotely positioned drive hub. But in compact balers and light straw return machines, the drive hub sits within 460 mm of the PTO connection — a tube gearbox would be oversized, unnecessarily heavy, and waste mounting space. The EP-B80 addresses this by packaging the same speed-increase function into a rigid, direct-mount housing that bolts to the baler frame without any tube extension.

Dual Output Interface

The EP-B80 provides two output connection options from a single unit: an 8×42×48×8 spline for direct spline coupling, and a Ø190 bolt flange (4-Ø13) for flanged connections. This dual-interface design allows baler manufacturers to use one gearbox model across product lines that have different internal drive hub types — simplifying procurement and spare parts inventory. The stepped output shaft (Ø45 to Ø30/Ø26) accommodates bearing seats and coupling elements at different positions along the shaft length.

Blue Housing Identification

Korea Ever-Power uses a color-coding system across its baler gearbox range: the EP-B80 and EP-B100 compact models feature blue-painted housings, distinguishing them visually from the red-painted tillage gearboxes and the unpainted tube-output baler units. This color coding helps dealers, technicians, and end users immediately identify the gearbox type during installation, maintenance, and inventory management without needing to read nameplate data.

EP-B80 vs. EP-1800B — Compact or Tube-Output?

Choosing between the compact EP-B80 and the tube-output EP-1800B depends on your baler’s frame geometry and power requirements:

Criterion EP-B80 (Compact) EP-1800B (Tube Output)
Mounting Style Direct-mount, no tube 900 mm tube output
Input Orientation Side-mounted Top-mounted
Output Speed 1,153 rpm 1,234 rpm
Power Rating 50–80 KW 70–100 KW
Output Interface Dual: spline + flange Keyed shaft + flange
Housing Color Blue Red/unpainted
Best For Compact balers, close-coupled frames Large-frame balers, long-reach drives
✎ Decision Rule: If your baler’s internal drive hub is within 460 mm of the PTO mounting face and your tractor is 110 HP or below, the EP-B80 is the simpler, lighter, more cost-effective choice. If the drive hub is 850–1,125 mm away or your tractor exceeds 110 HP, choose the EP-1800B or EP-2250B tube-output models.

Key Dimensions & Mounting Interface

460 mm

Total Depth

270 mm

Housing Width

230 mm

Housing Height

Ø190 mm

Output Flange PCD

Interface Dimension Notes
Power input Side-mounted 540 rpm PTO, lateral shaft entry
Output spline 8 × 42 × 48 × 8 8 teeth, 42 mm minor, 48 mm major
Output flange Ø190 mm, 4-Ø13 Flanged output alternative
Output shaft Ø45 / Ø30 / Ø26 mm stepped With 14 mm keyway, multi-diameter for bearing seats
Side profile 169 × 310 mm B-B section view

Field Application Scenarios

Compact round baler in Korean rice straw field — close-coupled gearbox configuration

Compact Round Balers (0.9–1.2 m Bale Diameter)

Korean and Japanese compact round balers producing 0.9–1.2 meter diameter bales use shorter frame designs where the drive hub sits immediately behind the PTO connection point. The EP-B80’s 460 mm depth and side-input configuration mount cleanly in these tight envelopes, providing the 1,153 rpm output that smaller chamber rollers and pickup reels require for efficient straw handling at moderate ground speeds.

Light Straw Return Machines

Straw return machines designed for small-to-mid farms (50–80 HP tractors) use compact frame layouts with the chopping rotor positioned close to the PTO input. The EP-B80’s direct-mount design eliminates the heavy tube assemblies that would be overkill for these lighter machines, reducing overall implement weight and keeping the total cost within reach of small farm operators.

Multi-Brand OEM Platform

The EP-B80’s dual output interface (spline plus flange) makes it a versatile platform for OEM baler manufacturers who produce multiple models with different internal drive coupling types. One gearbox SKU covers both spline-coupled and flange-coupled designs, simplifying production procurement and reducing the number of distinct part numbers carried in the assembly warehouse.

Why Choose the EP-B80

Compact Direct-Mount

No tube, no extension shaft, no separate bearing supports. The EP-B80 bolts directly to the baler frame in a rigid, vibration-free assembly. Lighter, simpler, and more cost-effective than tube-output models for close-coupled applications.

Dual Output Interface

Both 8×42×48×8 spline and Ø190 bolt flange outputs in one unit. One gearbox SKU covers spline-coupled and flange-coupled baler designs — simplifying OEM procurement and dealer inventory.

Side-Input Low Profile

Lateral PTO input lowers the overall machine height, improving stability during hillside operation. The side-input also aligns naturally with baler frame geometries that route the PTO shaft horizontally.

Blue Visual Identification

The distinctive blue housing color instantly identifies this as a baler speed increaser gearbox. No need to read nameplates during fast-paced field service, inventory management, or dealer shelf identification.

Installation & Maintenance

Baler gearbox installation detail showing spline engagement and side-input shaft connection

Mounting Procedure

❶ Position the EP-B80 on the baler frame with the side-input boss aligned to the PTO drive shaft approach angle. Secure the housing using the frame mounting bolts; torque in a star pattern.

❷ Connect the output to the baler’s internal drive hub using either the 8×42×48×8 spline or the Ø190 bolt flange, depending on your baler’s coupling type.

❸ Connect the PTO drive shaft to the side-mounted input. Ensure the shaft angle does not exceed the universal joint’s rated operating angle. Install the safety guard.

❹ Fill gear oil (SAE 80W-90 GL-5) and run a 5-minute idle test. Verify smooth 1,153 rpm output rotation, zero leaks, and no abnormal noise before field engagement.

Maintenance Schedule

Before every baling session — Check oil level; inspect output spline/flange and input shaft seal.

After first 100 hours — First oil change: drain, flush, refill.

Every 400 hours — Oil change (high-RPM thermal interval).

Every 800 hours — Inspect output bearing play; check spline and keyway for wear.

End of straw season — Top off oil; apply corrosion inhibitor to exposed shaft surfaces; store with PTO disconnected.

Companion Products & Driveline Components

Agricultural driveline companion products — PTO drive shafts, tillage and baler gearboxes

PTO Drive Shafts

The EP-B80’s side-input configuration requires a PTO drive shaft with the correct angular approach. Korea Ever-Power supplies matched cardan shafts with wide-angle CV joints rated for the lateral entry geometry typical of compact baler installations.

Off-Season Tillage Gearboxes

Tractors running the EP-B80 for autumn straw baling typically mount a rotary cultivator gearbox for spring and summer tillage. Korea Ever-Power manufactures the complete range of tillage intermediate gearboxes from 40 to 150 KW, keeping your tractor productive year-round across all seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the EP-B80 output speed 1,153 rpm instead of 1,234 rpm?
The EP-B80 uses a 0.468 : 1 ratio (versus 0.4375 : 1 in the EP-1800B), producing a slightly lower output speed. This 1,153 rpm speed is specifically calibrated for compact balers with smaller pickup reels and chamber rollers that achieve optimal material handling at moderate rotor speeds. The lower speed also reduces bearing wear and noise for light-duty applications where 1,234 rpm is unnecessary.
Can I use both the spline output and the flange output simultaneously?
No. The spline and flange are alternative connection methods on the same output shaft. Use whichever interface matches your baler’s internal drive coupling type. The unused interface simply remains exposed. Protect the unused spline or flange face with a dust cap to prevent debris accumulation and corrosion during operation.
What is the advantage of side-input versus top-input?
Side-input lowers the overall gearbox height, reducing the machine’s center of gravity for improved stability. It also aligns naturally with baler frame geometries where the PTO drive shaft approaches horizontally rather than from above. For balers with vertical frame configurations, the side-input avoids the need for an additional right-angle adapter between the PTO shaft and the gearbox.
Why is the housing painted blue?
Korea Ever-Power uses color coding across its product range: blue for compact baler gearboxes (EP-B80 and EP-B100 series), red for tillage gearboxes, and green for harvester gearboxes. The blue finish helps dealers, technicians, and end users instantly identify the gearbox type during installation, maintenance, and inventory management without needing to read nameplate data.
What warranty applies?
The EP-B80 carries the same 12-month or 1,000-hour warranty as all EP-series gearboxes. Korea Ever-Power stocks replacement units for rapid dispatch during peak straw-season demand.
What is the delivery lead time?
Stocked EP-B80 units ship within 3 business days. Sea freight to Busan or Incheon adds 5–7 days, totaling 8–12 business days for Korean destinations. Japan requires 10–14 days; Southeast Asia requires 12–18 days.

Customer Reviews & Field Reports

Sungwon Compact Baler Co., Gimje, Korea
★★★★★

“We build compact round balers for the Korean small-farm market. The EP-B80’s direct-mount design saves us both weight and assembly time compared to the tube-output models we previously used. The dual output interface is a real advantage — one gearbox covers both our spline-coupled and flange-coupled baler models. CNC quality is consistently excellent across every delivery.”

OEM Buyer · 60 units/year · Compact baler manufacturing

Jeong Small Farm, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
★★★★★

“I bale rice straw on 5 hectares with a 75 HP Kukje tractor and a compact Korean baler. The EP-B80 replaced the worn-out original gearbox and bolted right on. The blue housing makes it easy to identify on the baler — my mechanic appreciated that during the pre-season inspection. Quiet operation and no oil leaks after two baling seasons.”

Verified Purchase · 75 HP Kukje · Small-farm rice straw baling

Thai Agricultural Parts Co., Bangkok, Thailand
★★★★☆

“We distribute the EP-B80 as a replacement gearbox for compact balers across Thailand. The blue housing color helps our customers distinguish it from tillage gearboxes immediately. Good quality and pricing. Only 4 stars because the side-input orientation does not match one older Thai baler model that requires top-input — but for all other models, the fit is perfect.”

Wholesale Buyer · 30+ units/year · Thai aftermarket distribution

Ibaraki Livestock Co-op, Japan
★★★★★

“Our cooperative operates 12 compact balers for livestock bedding straw. We standardized on the EP-B80 across all machines — the direct-mount design is simpler to maintain than our previous tube-output gearboxes, and the 1,153 rpm output is actually better matched to our balers than the faster 1,234 rpm units we tried before. Less vibration, more consistent bale density.”

Group Purchase · 12 units · Livestock bedding cooperative

Nguyen Straw Processing, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
★★★★★

“We use the EP-B80 on light straw return machines processing rice straw in the Mekong Delta. The compact size and direct-mount design are ideal for our smaller implements. The 50–80 KW rating matches our 70–90 HP tractor fleet perfectly. After 500+ hours of operation in humid tropical conditions, the blue housing finish shows no corrosion and the seals are holding well.”

Verified Purchase · 3 units · Straw return processing

Additional information

Editor

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