2008 Toughbox vs. Banebots vs. 2006 Gearbox

[team 2191]

How does the 2008 gearbox compare to the performance of the 2007 gearbox and/or the banebot gearbox's?? Please help asap



Team 2191

[team 2191]

Someone please help!!!!!!! we are in need of knowing so please tell us any info that u know it will be greatly appreciated


Team 2191

[Ben Piecuch]

What exactly do you mean by "performance?" Do you want gear ratios, efficiencies, robustness, ability to mount to, assembly time, cost?

The '06 and '08 KOP gearboxes use the same ratio (12.75:1) and roughly the same internal parts. The housings and mounting configurations are different. The '07 Banebot 12:1 gearbox is no longer available, and has been replaced by an improved version with multiple gear ratios available.

The supplied KOP gearbox easily mounts to the kitbot chassis with the supplied brackets, and they are free. The CIM motors are a direct fit. As a relatively new team and it already being week 3, I would recommend using as much of the KOP drivetrain as possible, and getting your drivetrain running asap.

Bengineer

[Rich Kressly]

My team never used the banebots at all, but we did use the AndyMark single speed gearbox last year. It's a nearly identical product to the Toughbox (which we are using this year) and it was incredibly reliable and low maintenance for us through a regional, the champioship, two fall offseason events, and several demos. You should have no reservations at all about going this way.

[Joe Finkel]

Last season we used AM single speed with no problems in four competitions.
Now we are still debate tough box versa super shifter.
I wonder how many teams are going for AM super shifter.

[dtengineering]

Likewise, the banebots trannies are solid and reliable. But if you order now, you will still have to wait a couple of days for them to arrive and will have to do a bit of custom work to get them mounted. They have some advantages in that you have a longer output shaft and recommended bearing blocks available for the end of the shaft, which makes direct-drive (no chains) easier, and they come in a variety of gear ratios.

I think Ben offers some good advice, however... save a few bucks and a few days, and go with what you've got. Any advantages you might have gained by waiting for a Banebots (unless you specifically need the planetary gearbox) will likely be outweighed by the benefits of having an earlier completion date and more time to practice. So my question is... if you do not have a specific reason for NOT using the kitbot tranny, why not take advantage of it?

Jason