Finally, we also control the quality of each component and each step in the manufacturing process. A dedicated team of customers, engineers, quality inspectors and machine operators works day and night to make sure each component fulfills the stringent Valley quality requirements. Because our suppliers are located in the United States, we can simply perform random inspections of their facilities to ensure they are conference our quality criteria. All major components are also machined by Valley, providing a second level of quality control. Your final inspection is performed by examining each gearbox before it really is shipped. And, to further ensure Valley quality, randomly selected gearboxes are life-tested in our gearbox testing laboratory.

But, even the best gear design and components won’t help if the gearbox isn’t sealed from the components. That’s why Valley uses a patented six-barrier input and nine-barrier output seal to keep essential oil in and problems out. To compensate for this longer shaft, unique tires are used that actually move the center of the tire nearer to the gearbox output bearing compared to the industry standard, reducing the strain on the gearbox.

Valley also uses U.S.-made, case-hardened bearings created from ultra-pure steel instead of through-hardened Chinese bearings utilized by others. Case-hardening provides superior wear characteristics while maintaining the internal toughness of the primary material. Consequently, Valley bearings have a 40 percent greater load rating.

The Valley gearbox also has a 52:1 gear ratio. This means the gearbox uses 4 percent much less energy to move the device irrigation gearbox through the field, but, more importantly, the design has a fully recessed tooth actions. With a completely recessed style, the gears keep lubrication oil between the gears longer, reducing friction for increased load capacity and longer life.