Finally, we also control the quality of every component and each part of the manufacturing irrigation gearbox process. A dedicated team of purchasers, engineers, quality inspectors and machine operators works night and day to make sure each component fulfills the stringent Valley quality requirements. Because our suppliers are positioned in america, we can simply perform random inspections of their services to ensure they are conference our quality standards. All major elements are also machined by Valley, providing a second level of quality control. A final inspection is conducted by screening each gearbox before it really is shipped. And, to help expand assure Valley quality, randomly chosen gearboxes are life-tested inside our gearbox testing laboratory.
But, even the best gear design and materials won’t help if the gearbox isn’t sealed from the components. That’s why Valley runs on the patented six-barrier input and nine-barrier result seal to keep oil in and problems out. To compensate because of this longer shaft, particular wheels are used that truly move the guts of the tire closer to the gearbox result bearing compared to the industry regular, reducing the strain on the gearbox.
Valley also uses U.S.-made, case-hardened bearings made from ultra-pure steel rather than through-hardened Chinese bearings utilized by others. Case-hardening provides excellent wear features while maintaining the internal toughness of the primary material. As a result, Valley bearings have a 40 percent greater load rating.
The Valley gearbox also has a 52:1 gear ratio. This means the gearbox uses 4 percent much less energy to move the device through the field, but, moreover, the design has a fully recessed tooth action. With a fully recessed design, the gears keep lubrication oil between your gears longer, reducing friction for increased load capability and longer life.