IronHorse Shaft Mount Gearbox Backstop Installation at AutomationDirect

In this How To video, we will cover the DIY basic installation and operation of our IronHorse Shaft Mount Gearbox backstop assembly. Gearbox Backstops are used in applications where the load is significant enough that should a stop occur a potential reversing condition can be prevented. An example of this might be: A large incline conveyor application moving heavy material long distances. A backstop installed onto the gearbox will prevent the conveyor from rolling backwards in the event of a failure. Backstop assemblies are designed to protect the gearbox and the motor from being rotated and possibly over sped in the wrong direction where the conveyor could potentially accelerate to a runaway condition causing harm and damage to persons or equipment. If other items like sprockets, chains, belts, keys or keyways between the gearbox and conveyor fail, the backstop does not play a role in conveyor movement. NOTICE: When using a backstop, DO NOT use other brand backstops in our IronHorse gearboxes and DO NOT use AutomationDirects IronHorse backstops on any other brand gearbox. Backstops are precision safety devices designed to operate in certain gearboxes. Interchanging brand parts may cause them to operate incorrectly which can result in an unsafe condition, destroy the gearbox or void the manufactures warranty. Prior to installation, please review the manuals provided for these IronHorse gearboxes and accessories, they can be found on our website at AutomationDirect.com. In the backstop assembly, you will find a backstop, a backstop key and possibly a circlip depending on backstop assembly size. The example I am using today is a size 2 and does NOT contain or utilize a circlip. If you are using a backstop with, a circlip or C clip, circlip or C clip pliers will be required. Make sure the gearbox has been drained of oil, or gear oil will pour out when the cover is removed. Be careful removing the cover to not damage the gasket. Begin by removing the 4 allen screws from the input shaft cover. Removal of the cover exposes the back side of the input shaft. This is where the backstop is installed. Here we can identify the keyway location. When looking at the backstop, the rotation direction is etched onto the outer race. Determine which direction the gearbox shaft should rotate and install the backstop accordingly. The rotation arrow is marked illustrating the outer races free direction. The gearbox shaft direction will turn in the opposite direction of the arrow on the backstop race. When installing the backstop, simply press the backstop onto the input shaft. Align the keyways and press the backstop completely into place. The backstop may need to be tapped gently into place. If using a hammer, it is suggested to use a soft hammer like the one being used here. Before reassembling the cover and gasket, double check the input and output shaft rotation by hand. Once the rotation direction is confirmed in the correct direction, re install the gasket and backstop cover plate with the allen bolts removed earlier. Refill the gearbox with the appropriate type and amount of oil and the gearbox is ready for installation. When the electric motor is first connected to power, it is extremely important that the electrician tests the rotation of the motor disconnected from the input shaft of the gearbox. This will reduce damage in the unlikely event the motor is connected up in a reverse rotation and is powered up with the rotation in the backstop direction. Removal of the backstop is simple, reverse the order of assembly. If you have any questions about using AutomationDirect's IronHorse Gearboxes, please contact AutomationDirect's free award winning support team during regular business hours. They will be happy to help. Click on this short video to learn more about AutomationDirect's support options and click here to learn more or see more videos on the IronHorse products. And be sure to click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel to be notified of new Videos. Don't forget to hit the like button below!