Gearbox Overhung Load Calculator
Radial shaft load from a sprocket/pulley vs the gearbox rating.
Small sprockets pull HARD sideways — and belt drives add tensioning pull on top (the 1.5–2.5 factors). The cheapest fix is always a bigger sprocket: OHL falls linearly with diameter.
Formula
Gearbox Overhung Load Calculator is a free overhung load for mechanical and machine-design engineers — instant, accurate and 100% client-side, with the governing formula and reference shown next to the result so the number can be defended, not just quoted.
About Gearbox Overhung Load Calculator
Radial shaft load from a sprocket/pulley vs the gearbox rating. The calculation implements OHL = (2T/D)·f_drive (Gearbox catalogues (SEW/Bonfiglioli) — OHL). Small sprockets pull HARD sideways — and belt drives add tensioning pull on top (the 1.5–2.5 factors). The cheapest fix is always a bigger sprocket: OHL falls linearly with diameter.
How to use Gearbox Overhung Load Calculator
- 1Enter Output torque in N·m.
- 2Enter Sprocket/pulley pitch Ø in mm.
- 3Enter Drive factor (Chain 1.0–1.25 · gear 1.25 · V-belt 1.5 · flat belt 2.5).
- 4Enter Gearbox OHL rating in N.
- 5Read Overhung load, Of rating instantly — no submit button needed.
- 6Need US units? Flip the SI/Imperial toggle and every field converts.
Why use Gearbox Overhung Load Calculator?
- ✓Implements the standard formula — OHL = (2T/D)·f_drive
- ✓Reference cited on-page: Gearbox catalogues (SEW/Bonfiglioli) — OHL
- ✓One-click SI ⇄ Imperial toggle — values convert in place, physics stays in SI
- ✓Live worked example: the substitution recomputes from your numbers
- ✓Built-in engineering verdict flags out-of-range results instantly
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser — nothing uploaded, free forever
Frequently asked questions
What formula does the Gearbox Overhung Load Calculator use?+
It computes OHL = (2T/D)·f_drive, per Gearbox catalogues (SEW/Bonfiglioli) — OHL. The formula is displayed under the result along with a worked example substituted with your own inputs.
What should I keep in mind when using this calculator?+
Small sprockets pull HARD sideways — and belt drives add tensioning pull on top (the 1.5–2.5 factors). The cheapest fix is always a bigger sprocket: OHL falls linearly with diameter.
Is this suitable for machine design coursework?+
Yes — these are the exact Shigley/Machinery's-Handbook formulas, with the substitution shown step by step, so you can follow the worked example into your own calculation sheet.
Is the Gearbox Overhung Load Calculator free to use?+
Yes — completely free, no sign-up, no limits. It runs client-side in your browser, so inputs stay private and results are instant even on slow connections.
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