Shaft Mount Reducer (SMR) for Grain Elevators & Conveyors

1. Twin Tapered Bushing System

The interface between the SMR and the conveyor shaft is critical. Standard keyed connections often suffer from “fretting corrosion”—micro-movements that weld the gearbox to the shaft, making removal impossible after years of service. Our Twin Tapered Bushing grips the shaft from both sides like a collet, creating a zero-clearance fit that eliminates wobble and ensures easy removal even after a decade of rust buildup.

2. The Torque Arm

Since the gearbox “floats” on the shaft, it needs an anchor. The Torque Arm is a turnbuckle link connecting the gearbox casing to the conveyor frame. It serves two purposes: it prevents the gearbox from rotating with the shaft, and it allows for precise belt tensioning adjustment by rotating the gearbox slightly around the shaft axis.

3. Internal Backstop (Sprag Clutch)

For vertical bucket elevators, gravity is a constant threat. If power fails while the elevator is full, tons of grain will force the belt backward, clogging the boot and potentially destroying the belt. Our internal Backstop uses cam-shaped sprags that permit rotation in the drive direction but instantly lock (zero backlash) if reversal is attempted. This is a mandatory safety feature for elevators over 3 meters in height.

Rice Processing Complexes (RPC)

In regions like Jeollanam-do and Chungcheongnam-do, RPCs operate 24/7 during the harvest. The primary challenge is Rice Dust (silica-rich), which is highly abrasive. We equip our Korean-spec units with Taconite Seals (grease purgeable labyrinth seals) that create an impenetrable barrier against fine rice flour.

Humidity & The “Jangma” Season

Korea’s monsoon season brings 90%+ humidity. Standard breathers allow moisture to enter as the gearbox cools, leading to oil emulsification. Our SMRs for the Korean market feature Desiccant Breathers that absorb moisture from incoming air, protecting the internal bearings from rust even during idle periods.

KOSHA Safety Compliance

The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) enforces strict guarding rules. Our units come with optional high-visibility yellow Belt Guards and Backstop Covers to ensure full compliance with local workplace safety regulations for rotating machinery.

1. South Korea (Icheon) – The Jammed Elevator

Problem: A rice mill’s main elevator repeatedly jammed because the old reducer’s backstop slipped, causing the belt to reverse and pile rice at the boot.

Solution: Installed EVER-POWER SMR Size 5 with a heavy-duty Sprag Clutch Backstop.

Result: Zero reversals in 3 years. The mill manager reports improved safety confidence during power outages.

2. USA (Iowa) – The Corn Harvest Load

Problem: During peak corn harvest, thermal overload was tripping the motors due to gearbox friction.

Solution: Upgraded to our “High-Efficiency” helical ground gears which run cooler than the older spur gears.

Result: Operating temperature dropped by 15°C, eliminating thermal trips.

3. Brazil (Mato Grosso) – Soybean Dust

Problem: Fine soybean dust was destroying output seals every 3 months.

Solution: Deployed the “Taconite Seal” kit with a grease purge barrier.

Result: Seal life extended to 24 months, significantly reducing maintenance downtime.

4. Vietnam (Mekong Delta) – Continuous Duty

Problem: Gearboxes failed due to 24/7 operation during the rapid dual-cropping season.

Solution: Switched to synthetic oil (ISO VG 220) and a larger frame size for better heat dissipation.

Result: Continuous operation achieved with stable oil viscosity.

5. Ukraine (Odessa) – Port Terminal Retrofit

Problem: Needed to replace old Soviet-era drives but couldn’t change the concrete foundations.

Solution: Shaft-mounted design meant foundations were irrelevant. Direct fit onto existing shafts.

Result: Modernized 12 conveyors in 3 days with minimal civil engineering work.