What are the two types of reducers?

The two main families of reducers found on construction machinery are parallel gear reducers and planetary (epicyclic) reducers. Parallel gear reducers are used in gearboxes and transfer systems: they offer good versatility for moderate reduction ratios. Planetary reducers are preferred when compactness and power density are critical — this technology dominates translation reducers, turret swing reducers, and wheel reducers on modern machines.

What is the role of a reducer?

The role of a reducer is to adjust rotational speed and torque between a motor and the driven component. Specifically, it reduces the rotational speed from the motor — combustion or hydraulic — while proportionally increasing the output torque, in accordance with the principle of energy conservation. On a construction machine, this transformation is essential: engines run at high speeds incompatible with the needs of sprockets, axles, or turrets, which require high torque at low speed to work under load.

What is the difference between a reducer and a gearmotor?

A reducer is a standalone mechanical component that adjusts speed and torque between a power source and an output shaft, without including the motor itself. A gearmotor, or motor reducer, is an integrated assembly combining both functions within a single housing: the motor (hydraulic or electric) and reducer form a compact unit directly mounted on the application. In hydraulic excavators, both configurations coexist: the wheel reducer receives torque from a separate hydraulic motor, while the swing gearmotor integrates motor and reducer into one unit.

What is the power rating of a reducer?

The power capacity of a reducer is not fixed: it depends on its size, gearing technology, materials used, and reduction ratio. On construction machinery, swing and translation reducers transmit power ranging from a few tens to several hundreds of kilowatts depending on machine capacity. For a wheel reducer on a high-capacity loader, power can exceed 100 kW. When searching for a used part, please specify the manufacturer reference and your machine model: our technical team will identify the compatible reducer in our stock.