Marine gearbox is affordable alternative

The PRM 1750, Newage Transmissions' highest capability marine gearbox to date, will form the centrepiece of the company's joint presentation with its distributor, Albatross Marine, on Stand 31 at the Seawork 2005 international boat show - to be held in Southampton between 14th and 16th June. With a maximum torque capacity of 1750Nm, the PRM 1750 is suitable for engines rated at up to 457kW and is available in both shallow or deep gearcase configurations, with standard ratios from 1.22:1 to 4.90:1. Units also have integral SAE housings and can be supplied with trolling valve and clutched power take-off (PTO) options, enabling them to meet the widest variety of commercial and pleasure workboat applications.

The new transmission has been developed as an affordable and reliable alternative to twin disc, self changing gears, capitol and other drop centre gearboxes.

It features a twin countershaft design that is compatible with both left or right hand propeller rotations, making the transmission equally suitable for single or twin engine installations.

The PRM 1750 also uses maintenance-free, self-adjusting, oil-operated multiple-disc clutches for reliability and in-service performance, and allows maximum input torque to be transmitted continuously in either direction at speeds of up to 2500rev/min.

The use of lubricating oil of the same viscosity as the engine eliminates the need for automatic transmission fluid and ensures rapid response to control movements.

The gearcase is manufactured from high grade cast iron, which is internally ribbed for extra rigidity and strength, and the gearbox's operating lever has a positive neutral detent for use with proprietary single lever remote control operating systems.

In addition, the PRM 1750's oil pump and hydraulic control valves are mounted externally for easy access and servicing.

Further Newage gearboxes for commercial fishing vessel and work boat applications to be featured at Seawork 2005 will include PRM 500, 750, 1000 and 1500 models.

These are suitable for engines from 245 to 500hp and, in common with other Newage marine gearbox designs, have output shafts that can be rotated continuously in neutral, eliminating the need for a propshaft brake when running with an engine shut down.

As an additional safeguard, they also incorporate a mechanical lockup device that will enable the vessel to be brought safely back to port in the unlikely event of hydraulic failure.