Thinking about building an 8gpm gear drive unit. I am in the process of picking up another gx690 with low hrs for really cheap. I can get a 8gpm udor with gearbox for around $1000.
With the larger gear drive units, is the pump supported to the skid at all, or is it still just bolted to the motor?
Just bolted to the motor.
Seems sketchy
Is a gear drive better than a belt drive? I am not familiar with them.
I’m not sure if it’s any better or worse than the belt but it lowers the rpm like the belt drive. I built one over the winter and have had no problems as of yet.
I’ve read gear drive is more reliable since it eliminates the belts as a failure point. The down side is it adds about $300-400 to the cost.
I would prefer another belt drive. I can just build a gear drive really cheap. I already have a bare skis. Getting the motor for under $500 with 160hrs on it. $1000 gets the pump and gearbox. Don’t have to worry about buying pulleys and such to build the belt drive
Everything has a failure point. $10 for belts or $400 for gear box. Both have pluses and minuses
Do the gear boxes fail that often? Seems like gear drive take up less space and are easier and less expensive to build.
Don’t know. First generation were poly chains. They were nightmares. Maybe they are better now. I just know belts drives are cheaper to buy and maintain. I can deal with the extra 18 inches they take up.
I will definitely be doing more research before making the decision. The gear drive will definitely be the easiest build. Will compare the costs this week. Either way, I can pass up getting the 690 for $450-500.
I love my gear drive! Took me 5 minuets to have it bolted on and running. I was having trouble getting a clear answer on what pulleys and belts I needed.
@FATJOE look at the just starting up thread. I posted a video of my gd running.
