All Categories
key factors for reducer operating coefficient and efficiency key words gearboxspeed reducerservice factor -0

Industry Popular Science

Home >  News&Blog >  Industry Popular Science

Key factors for reducer operating coefficient and efficiency Key words: gearbox,speed reducer,service factor

Jan 24, 2026

Introduction to Operating Factors

The operating factor of a gearbox, which is the ratio of input power to the gearbox's rated power, reflects the gearbox's operational stability. A higher operating factor indicates more stable operation. Generally, a gearbox with an operating factor of approximately 2 is sufficient for most needs. For more detailed information, consult a gearbox selection manual or the gearbox manufacturer.

The Role of Service Factors

We also need to pay attention to the service factor, also known as the safety factor. The service factor is a key factor in gearbox selection. It combines the characteristics of the operating conditions and the driven machinery, ensuring the gearbox has sufficient margin in terms of rated mechanical and thermal energy. A service factor generally greater than 1 means the gearbox capacity should be greater than the motor capacity.

Load Conditions and Selection

Furthermore, the efficiency of a gearbox is also affected by the load conditions. The load conditions of the working machine connected to the gearbox are very complex, directly affecting the selection and calculation of the gearbox. Typically, we classify the load conditions of gearboxes into three categories to more accurately select and use them.

Uniform load condition;

Medium impact load condition;

Strong impact load condition.

When selecting the service factor for the speed reducer, the following general range can be used as a reference:

Different service factors can be selected based on the speed reducer's operating time. The following are preliminary suggestions based on the speed reducer's operating time:

Under uniform load conditions, select an appropriate service factor to ensure stable operation of the speed reducer. In this case, the middle value within the service factor range can be used as a reference.

When facing moderate impact loads, it is recommended to select a slightly higher service factor to cope with potential impact forces while ensuring the speed reducer's durability.

Under strong impact load conditions, a higher service factor should be selected to protect the speed reducer from impact damage. At the same time, the speed reducer's operating status must be closely monitored to ensure its safety and reliability.

图片 1(88bbc9a746).png