Solid-foot heavy duty worm gear units up to 430 HP, built as drop-in replacements for the David Brown Radicon worm reducers running across Western Canada.
The Radicon ER range is the heavy duty worm gear unit built to the critical dimensions of the original David Brown Radicon solid-foot worm reducers. It comes as the ERU (underdriven, worm below the wheel), ERO (overdriven) and ERV (vertical output), with 11 standard ratios from 5:1 to 70:1 and up to 4,900:1 in double reduction.
Gordon Russell has supplied Radicon worm gearing in Western Canada since the 1950s, and thousands of the older David Brown AU units went into the region's sawmills and plants. When those units could no longer be built, we introduced the ERU as the drop-in replacement: same sizes, same footprint, no changes to the base or shafts. We stock ERU parts and build units in our shop.
| Arrangements | ERU underdriven, ERO overdriven, ERV vertical |
|---|---|
| Input power | Up to 430 HP (320 kW) |
| Output torque | Up to 275,000 lb-in (31,000 Nm) |
| Gear ratios | 11 standard ratios from 5:1 to 70:1 single reduction; up to 4,900:1 double reduction |
| Centre distances | Radicon lists 10, 12, 14 and 17 in. for the ER range; ask us about smaller ERU sizes |
| Interchange | Critical dimensions match David Brown Radicon solid-foot worm units |
Figures from Radicon published data. Confirm final selection with a Gordon Russell application engineer.
We build ERU units to order. To replace an existing unit, send us the nameplate (model, centre distance, ratio and hand) or photos, and we will quote a drop-in ERU.
The Radicon Series ER heavy duty worm gear catalogue and dimension drawings are available on request. Send us the size and arrangement and we will send them.
Literature for this line is on its way. Contact us and we will send the right document.
That is what it is designed for. The ERU matches the critical dimensions of the David Brown Radicon solid-foot worm units, so it bolts to the same base and lines up with the same shafts. Send us the nameplate or photos and we will confirm the size, ratio and hand.
The nameplate is best. Without one, send photos and the centre distance, shaft sizes and keyways. Older BU units, for example, have a shallower keyway than the later AU units. We can identify most units from good photos.
Underdriven (ERU) puts the worm below the wheel for the best lubrication on continuous duty. Overdriven (ERO) puts the worm on top, for applications where the low input shaft would be in the way. Vertical (ERV) has a vertical output shaft.
Often, yes, if parts are available. For the older David Brown units few critical parts are still made, so replacing with an ERU is usually faster and more reliable. We will give you both options when we can.
Yes. We stock ERU parts and build units in our shop. Ask about lead time on larger sizes.
We stock ERU parts, fans, cowls and seals, and our shop rebuilds most gearbox brands and sizes. For parts or a replacement, send us the model, serial number and ratio from the nameplate using the form below. See also: all worm gear reducers, including Cone Drive double-enveloping units for heavy, shock-loaded drives.
Replacing a worm unit? Send the nameplate details or photos, the centre distance, ratio and hand, and the motor power and speed. A Gordon Russell specialist will follow up with pricing and lead time.
