New gearbox options for winch and conveyor electrification in harsh environments

Built for demanding environments such as quarrying and recycling, the Drum Drive is a compact, integrated motor and gearbox system used in conveyors and winch systems. With the extended Drum Drive range, Technidrive now supports a broader spectrum of applications, from high-torque feeders to fast running conveyors and heavy-duty winches.

The newly introduced 80M model offers dedicated solutions for high-speed, lower-torque applications. Designed for compactness and performance, the 80M features a power range of 2.2 to 18.5kW and delivers torque up to 10,000Nm, while being up to 72% lighter than equivalent bevel helical units.

For applications requiring winch functionality, the 80W Drum Drive is a dedicated solution. Featuring heavy-duty bearings, integrated gearing and optional failsafe braking, the 80W supports power ratings from 0.12 to 75.0kW and torque output up to 42,000Nm — all within a footprint up to 60% lighter than traditional alternatives.

In medium-tolarge belt conveyor systems, the 80D variant combines integrated gearing with external IEC motor compatibility. It delivers high torque in a streamlined package, making it ideal for rugged operating conditions. Meanwhile, the 80MD model offers a completely enclosed solution tailored for fixed belt conveyors operating in harsh environments. With drum diameters ranging from 320 to 800mm and widths from 500 to 1400mm, the 80MD also benefits from a cycloidal-pin gear mechanism, improving durability, transmission stability and service life.

The Drum Drive’s integrated design allows the motor and gearbox system to be mounted directly inside the conveyor head drum, functioning as a bearing and removing the need for external shafts and lubrication systems. The result is a lower total cost of ownership — up to 33% less than conventional bevel helical units — and a significant reduction in structural load.

All Drum Drive units are compatible with WEG’s high-efficiency motor technology, including hybrid and permanent magnet designs. These feature ferrite, neodymium, or synchronous reluctance (SynRM) magnets, supporting organisations’ energy efficiency and carbon reduction strategies.

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This article appeared in Renew magazine. To read more or request your personal digital or print edition of Renew, click here.