Gearbox and speed reducer product attributes

Speed reducers are configured products. One base unit can be ordered with dozens of ratios, several input styles, hollow or solid outputs and multiple mounting positions, and each combination has its own ratings. Supplier files often publish a ratings table for the series and a part number built from option codes, leaving the catalog to work out which torque and horsepower apply to which SKU.

The ratings themselves need context. Output torque and input horsepower depend on input speed and on the service factor assumed by the manufacturer, while worm reducers also carry a thermal rating that can be the real limit in continuous duty. Overhung load capacity only means something with a stated load position on the shaft. Storing numbers without these bases makes two catalogs look comparable when they are not.

Physical fit matters as much as ratings. The input must match the motor's NEMA or IEC frame, the output must match the driven shaft and the mounting position affects oil level and breathers. A record that captures each of these as a structured field lets a buyer confirm that a replacement will bolt up and run, without phoning the manufacturer.

The gearboxes & speed reducers attribute template

18 candidate fields in 5 groups, ordered the way a record gets built: identify the item, capture its specifications, then record fit and the evidence behind any claim. 9 are marked Core: without them the item cannot be identified or filtered. Example values show the expected format only; they do not describe a real SKU.

Identity

Which exact item, variant and pack this record describes.

Check before use: Preserve leading zeros and punctuation, validate against the manufacturer record, and check the GTIN check digit and packaging level before linking.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Manufacturer Part Number manufacturer_part_number	Identifier	Core	WR-262-60-56C-HB
GTIN / UPC gtin_upc	Identifier	Channel / evidence	081234526269

Technical specifications

Measured or rated values that must travel with their unit and test conditions.

Check before use: Store the number and unit separately. Convert only when the source unit and test conditions are known.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Center Distance / Size worm_center_distance_nominal_size	Number · in	Core	2.62 in
Output Torque Rating (at 1750 rpm input) maximum_output_torque	Number · lb-in	Buyer decision	1,150 lb-in
Input Horsepower Rating nominal_input_horsepower	Number · hp	Buyer decision	1.0 hp
Output Speed (at 1750 rpm input) output_speed_at_1750_rpm_input	Number · rpm	Buyer decision	29 rpm
Overhung Load Capacity overhung_load_capacity	Number · lb	Buyer decision	900 lb
Thermal Horsepower Rating thermal_horsepower_rating	Number · hp	Buyer decision	0.9 hp

Selection attributes

The type, material and option choices buyers filter and compare on.

Check before use: Map supplier wording to a governed vocabulary only after checking the source text and which variant it applies to.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Reducer Type reducer_type	Controlled list	Core	Right-angle worm
Nominal Gear Ratio gear_ratio	Text	Core	60:1
Output Configuration output_configuration	Controlled list	Core	Hollow bore, single
Housing Material housing_material	Controlled list	Core	Cast iron

Fit & compatibility

What the item mounts to, mates with, replaces or works alongside.

Check before use: Keep model and series qualifiers. A similar-looking part is not a verified fit until a source says so.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Input Style & Motor Frame input_style_frame	Controlled list	Core	56C quill (NEMA C-face)
Output Bore / Shaft Diameter output_bore_shaft_diameter	Number · in	Core	1.250 in
Mounting Position mounting_position	Controlled list	Core	Horizontal, foot mount, output shaft horizontal

Evidence & compliance

Listings, standards, classifications and origin claims that need a document behind them.

Check before use: Link the manufacturer document or label with its edition or date. Never copy a certification from a neighboring SKU.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Rating Standard agma_rating_basis	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	ANSI/AGMA 6034 (worm gear reducers)
ATEX / IECEx Marking atex_iecex_marking	Text	Channel / evidence	II 2G Ex h IIB T4 Gb
Country of Origin country_of_origin	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	United States

Normalize supplier values

The same value arrives in many spellings. Map each raw string to one governed value, and keep the raw text beside it so a reviewer can see what the supplier actually wrote.

Often missing from supplier files

These fields are commonly absent from price lists and basic feeds, even though the information usually exists in a datasheet, label or installation manual. Treat an empty value as a request for evidence, not as permission to fill it from a similar model.

• Thermal horsepower rating
• Overhung load position (distance from housing)
• Mounting position and oil-fill orientation
• Output shaft hand / rotation direction
• Backlash (arcmin)

Questions the record must answer

Buyers and counter-sales reps choosing gearboxes & speed reducers ask questions like these. Each one needs a specific field, sourced for the exact variant.

• Will this reducer mount straight onto my 56C motor, or do I need an adapter?
• What output speed and torque will I get from a 1750 rpm motor?
• Can the output shaft take the side load from a chain sprocket?
• Can I mount it with the output shaft pointing down, and does the oil fill change?

From supplier file to record

1. Resolve identity first. Link the supplier SKU, manufacturer part number and packaging identifiers without merging distinct variants or pack sizes.
2. Extract with the source attached. Pull values from rows, tables and datasheets, keeping the raw text, unit and page or row reference.
3. Map to your classification. Assign the ETIM, ECLASS, UNSPSC or internal class your company licenses, and keep the supplier's original terms.
4. Review, sync and watch. Hold conflicts and safety-related values for a category expert, write approved values to ERP or PIM, and recheck when the supplier sends a new file.

For the full method, see how to build a category attribute template and the category catalog gap audit.

FAQ