Scientific paper ID 2740 : 2025/3

Universal gear reducers, unlike special gear drives, are designed to transmit torque and circular motion from the driving to the working machine for different power and speed levels, as well as for different shapes and installation positions. When the reducers are operating, the load falls on their shafts. Bearings are the elements necessary for supporting the shafts, ensuring the necessary efficiency of the reducer. Rolling bearings are installed in the design of universal reducers. The correct choice of a bearing for a reducer is based on three starting points: the type of gear, the type of equipment it works with and the operating conditions. The biggest advantage of the chosen solution is to take into account the carrying capacity of external radial and/or axial forces that can act on the reducer shafts and to select and design a reducer capable of withstanding these forces. Although such load cases are rare, reducer manufacturers must take these cases into account. Taking into account all these elements would significantly simplify the definition of the reducer designation and the creation of drawings with all dimensions, which would be the main advantage of the proposed software solution. Of the rolling bearings, ball bearings have found the widest application. To increase the load capacity of reducers, it is necessary to use stronger bearings. The publication considers the issue of using cylindrical roller bearings instead of ball bearings while maintaining their installation dimensions. An example of the application of cylindrical roller bearings in a universal reducer with increased load capacity is given.