If you’re looking into buying a winch, it’s important to know the various types of gears so you can determine which kind is right for you. When it comes to gear types, you can either purchase worm gear or planetary gear. We’re here to explain the difference between the two as well as the pros and cons to each so you can make an educated purchasing decision.
Worm Gears
What are they used for?
In general, the purpose of a worm gear is to transmit motion and power when a high-ratio speed reduction is required, meaning they are used to slow down motors.
What are the pros?
They can provide very high reduction ratios and are more compact than other gear types. Additionally, they’re typically self-locking which makes them ideal for hoisting and lifting applications. Worm gears also provide very quiet operation so they’re suitable for use where noise should be minimized, like in elevators.
What are the cons?
One downfall to worm gears is that their efficiency is relatively low because of the sliding contact.
Planetary Gears
What are they used for?
Like worm gears, planetary gears are also speed reducers that are used to slow down motors. They’re typically used in applications where space is limited since they’re smaller than other gear types. Planetary gears are also great for applications requiring strong accelerations as well as those with a slow speed but high torque.
What are the pros?
Their compact size, high efficiency and low clearance make planetary gears very popular and common among the industry. They provide quiet operation as well as better load distribution, which in turn will increase the service life.
What are the cons?
Because planetary gears are more complex and composed of more parts than other types, they’re more expensive.
Have any more questions about gear types? We’re happy to answer them! Simply contact us today and we’ll guide you in making the best purchasing decision possible. Visit our website to learn more about the products we offer!