John Curtis says his company's new ratio gearbox can replace belts on high use equipment such as combines and forage harvesters. Curtis Machine designed the custom gearbox in 4 months and machined the first prototype housing from a solid block of aluminum using computer automated machining. Curtis says that with different shaft configurations, the reducer bolts to either side of a combine header auger and replaces the belt drive. "The reducer is designed to provide greater longevity than a belt drive and reduce downtime for a harvester operator," Curtis says.
    The unique design won a new product award from the Western Kansas Manufacturers Association at the  2015 3I Show in Dodge City, Kan. 
    Curtis says the reducer was initially built for a 160 hp machine, but can be scaled up to larger horsepower combines. The company designs and builds a variety of specialty, custom and standard gearcases for combines and other ag equipment. Prices vary depending on the design, size and complexity of the gearbox or reducer.
    Curtis has a nearly 70-year history of producing high quality machined parts, gearboxes, and gearing for hundreds of commercial and industrial applications. The company makes right angle, off angle, and parallel shift gearboxes for any angle from 0 to 360 degrees. Customers who need an offset 1:1 ratio, a 40:1 reduction, or a 1:40 speed up gearbox, or anything in between, can rely on Curtis to supply what they need. NEMA, SAE and custom flanges can be designed into the housing. Splined, keyed or hollow bore shafts are available. 
    The company has a nearly 70,000 sq. ft. facility dedicated to machined part production. 
     Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Curtis Machine Company, P.O. Box 700, 4209 Jayhawk Drive, Dodge City, Kan. 67801 (ph 620 227-7164; www.curtismachine.com).