Direct-drive solutions engineered to withstand the high-frequency vibration and acidic corrosion inherent in intensive tomato harvesting operations.
Engineer’s Field Log: The Vibration Challenge
In my 18 years of analyzing drivetrain failures in agricultural machinery, few environments are as hostile as the tomato harvest. Unlike grain harvesting, where the load is relatively consistent, tomato harvesting—specifically the rotary shaker mechanism—involves intentional, high-frequency imbalance.
The gearbox driving the rotary shaker on machines like the Ploeger ou Guaresi isn’t just transmitting power; it’s surviving an earthquake. I’ve seen OEM gearboxes in East Anglia fail within two seasons because the seal retention systems couldn’t handle the lateral thrust generated by the eccentric weights. At EVER-POWER, we don’t just copy the dimensions; we re-engineer the bearing preload and upgrade the housing metallurgy to QT450-10 nodular cast iron to dampen these vibrations before they destroy the gear mesh. We are talking about converting 540 RPM PTO input into a precise, high-torque oscillation that detaches the fruit without bruising it—a delicate balance of brute force and precision.
Technical Data Sheet: EVER-POWER Series RS-T
The following parameters are derived from our standard testing protocols (ISO 10300) and are customizable based on specific harvesting head configurations.
| Categoria do parâmetro | Especificações técnicas | Nota de Engenharia |
|---|---|---|
| Potência de entrada nominal | 45 kW (60 HP) | @ 540 RPM |
| Torque máximo de saída | 1.450 Nm | Peak shock load capacity: 2,100 Nm |
| Relação de transmissão | 1:1.35 (Speed Increaser) | Customizable 1:1.92 available |
| Velocidade de entrada | 540 RPM / 1000 RPM | Dual-speed options |
| Material de construção | QT450-10 Nodular Iron | Superior vibration damping |
| Material da engrenagem | 20CrMnTiH | Cementado a 58-62 HRC |
| Eixo de entrada | Eixo estriado Z6 de 1-3/8″ | DIN 9611 Standard |
| Eixo de saída | Tapered or Cylindrical Keyed | Specific to shaker cam interface |
| Tipo de rolamento | Rolo cônico (para serviço pesado) | Preloaded for axial thrust |
| Material de vedação | FKM (Viton) Lábio Duplo | Acid and heat resistant |
| Lubrificação | EP 85W-140 Gear Oil | Bath lubrication |
| Capacidade de óleo | 2,8 litros | Includes sight glass |
| Temperatura de operação | -20°C a +110°C | Continuous duty |
| Energia Térmica | 32 kW | Without auxiliary cooling |
| Nível de ruído | < 78 dB(A) | A 1 metro de distância |
| Revestimento de tinta | Epoxy Powder Coat (Red/Black) | Corrosion resistance Class C4 |
| Bujão de respiro | Filtro de bronze sinterizado | Impede a entrada de poeira |
| Padrão de montagem | 4x M16 Threaded Holes | 140mm x 140mm spacing |
| Peso (seco) | 42 kg | – |
| Eficiência | > 96% | Bevel gear efficiency |
| Retaliação | 0,15 – 0,25 mm | Engrenagens lapidadas com precisão |
| Design Life | 10,000 Hours | L10 Bearing life |
| Classe de proteção | IP66 | Water jet resistant |
| Limite de vibração | 8 mm/s RMS | Allowable housing vibration |
| Fator de serviço | 1.5 – 2.0 (Ag. Heavy Shock) | AGMA Application Class II |
| Intervalo de manutenção | Initial 50h, then 500h | – |
| Garantia | 18 meses | Factory defect coverage |
| País de origem | China (Hangzhou) | ISO 9001 Certified Plant |
| Código HS | 84834090 | – |
| Certificação | CE, RoHS | Compliant with UK/EU Machinery Directive |
UK Field Conditions: Beyond the Poly-Tunnel
While much of the UK’s tomato production is greenhouse-based (Isle of Wight, Norfolk), open-field machinery requires gearboxes that can handle the transition from damp, clay-heavy soils to the high-speed operation of the harvest.
The Acid Test: When harvesting processing tomatoes, the rupture of fruit creates an acidic environment (pH 4.3 – 4.9). Standard NBR seals degrade rapidly here. Our research in collaboration with farms in Lincolnshire showed that after 300 hours, standard seals hardened and cracked. EVER-POWER implements Viton (FKM) seals exclusively for this line, maintaining elasticity even when coated in tomato pulp and soil grit.
UKCA & EU Machinery Directive Compliance
Post-Brexit, navigating component certification can be complex. EVER-POWER ensures all agricultural gearboxes meet the essential health and safety requirements of the Regulamento de Fornecimento de Máquinas (Segurança) de 2008 (UK) and the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
- Guarding: Input shafts are designed to mate seamlessly with ISO 5674 compliant PTO guards.
- Noise Emission: Precision gear grinding (DIN Class 6) reduces operational noise, contributing to lower operator daily exposure levels (LEP,d).
- Traceability: Every unit carries a unique serial number for full batch tracing, a requirement for many large-scale UK agricultural contractors.
Global Harvest Reports: Real Solutions for Real Problems
📍 Localização: Norfolk, UK | Cortar: Glasshouse Tomatoes
“We run our shakers 18 hours a day during peak. The OEM boxes were overheating, causing oil to froth and leak. EVER-POWER suggested a box with a finned aluminum housing instead of the standard cast iron for better heat dissipation.”
— Result: Operating temp dropped by 15°C.
📍 Localização: Foggia, Italy | Cortar: Roma Tomatoes
“The soil here is basically rock dust in summer. It eats seals. Your engineer recommended the cassette seal design with a mud slinger. We haven’t changed a seal in two seasons.”
— Result: Maintenance downtime reduced by 80%.
📍 Localização: Fresno, USA | Cortar: Processing Tomatoes
“Shock loads were snapping the input shafts when the shaker hit large vines. EVER-POWER switched the material to 20CrMnTi with a deeper carburized layer. Tough as nails now.”
— Result: Zero shaft failures in 2024 season.
📍 Localização: Goiás, Brazil | Cortar: Industrial Tomato
“We needed a gearbox that could handle the ‘tropical’ humidity without rusting internally during the off-season. The anti-corrosion additives in your recommended oil and the breather upgrade saved us.”
— Result: Extended equipment lifespan.
Market Comparison: Why Upgrade?
| Recurso | EVER-POWER RS-T Series | Standard Market Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Tecnologia de vedação | Dual-Lip Viton (FKM) | Standard NBR (Nitrile) |
| Precisão da engrenagem | Classe DIN 6 (Solo) | DIN Class 8 (Shaved) |
| Projeto de Habitação | Reinforced Ribs + High-Flow Breather | Fundição padrão |
*Disclaimer: All references to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) names or part numbers (such as Comer, Bondioli & Pavesi, Omni) are for identification and compatibility purposes only. EVER-POWER products are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by these brands.
The Critical Link: PTO Shaft Integration
UM caixa de câmbio is only as good as the shaft driving it. In tomato harvesters, the PTO shaft often operates at steep angles during turns. Using a mismatched shaft can induce “cardan error” (velocity fluctuation) that destroys the gearbox input bearings.
EVER-POWER provides fully compatible Eixos de tomada de força (PTO) de ângulo amplo (CV) designed specifically for the RS-T gearbox series.
- ✅ Limitador de Parafuso de Cisalhamento: Protects the gearbox from sudden jams (e.g., a large stone entering the shaker).
- ✅ Tubos de perfil: Lemon or Star profile options, hardened to prevent seizing under load.
- ✅ Safety Guards: Fully enclosed, UV-resistant plastic guards meeting UK Health & Safety standards.
Perguntas frequentes (FAQ)
How do I check the oil level on the shaker gearbox without removing the guard?
We’ve designed the RS-T series with an extended sight glass or a dipstick that is accessible through standard inspection ports on UK-spec harvester guards, so you don’t need to dismantle safety equipment for daily checks.
Can this gearbox replace the drive on a Sandei harvester operating in Norfolk clay?
Yes, absolutely. Our mounting bolt patterns match the standard Italian specs used by Sandei. Plus, our improved shaft sealing is specifically engineered to resist the ingress of fine clay particles common in Norfolk and Suffolk fields.
What is the lead time for a custom ratio gearbox for a specialized harvesting rig?
For custom ratios not in our standard catalog, our “Rapid-Proto” service allows us to engineer and ship a test unit to the UK within 25-30 days, ensuring you don’t miss the narrow harvest window.
Do you supply the hydraulic motor adaptors for self-propelled units?
We certainly do. Whether you are running Sauer-Danfoss or Parker hydraulic motors, we provide the SAE A or SAE B flanges pre-mounted to the gearbox input, making it a true “plug-and-play” solution.
My current gearbox overheats after 4 hours. How does EVER-POWER solve this?
Overheating is usually oil shear or low capacity. We increased the oil sump capacity by 20% and added external cooling fins to the housing casting, which increases thermal dissipation significantly under continuous load.
Is the output shaft keyed or splined for the shaker weights?
We offer both. However, for high-vibration shaker applications, we strongly recommend our splined output shaft option as it resists fretting corrosion much better than a single keyway connection over time.
Where can I buy replacement parts in the UK if something breaks?
We have established logistics channels that allow for air-freight delivery of critical spares (seals, bearings, gears) to the UK within 3-5 business days, minimizing your downtime during the critical harvest season.
Does the gearbox come pre-filled with oil or do I need to fill it?
For shipping safety regulations, units are usually shipped dry. However, we include a tag specifying the exact volume and grade (usually 85W-140) required. We can supply pre-filled sealed units upon special request for bulk OEM orders.
Complete seu sistema de transmissão com EVER-POWER
We don’t just sell gearboxes. From agricultural chains e sprockets to hydraulic cylinders e universal joints, EVER-POWER is your consolidated supplier for all agricultural machinery components. Simplify your supply chain today.
