Big things are happening in the world of gearboxes. Or shall we say small things. As with computers and, say, iPods, advancing technology has allowed manufacturers of industrial gearboxes to make ever-smaller gearboxes that still deliver the same amount of power transmission capability. According to Gear Solutions Magazine, gearboxes are one of the most widely used types of industrial equipment in the world. Almost all industrial companies use them as a vital source of power transmission.

The term "gearbox" often means a simple type of transmission, although more complex types of transmissions are called gearboxes as well. Whatever your need, there are hundreds of suppliers in the U.S. and worldwide that carry every variety of new gearbox, used gearbox, replacement gearbox, reverse gearbox, and remanufactured gearbox, and can provide custom gearboxes and related services.

Here's what you need to know and where to find the gearboxes you need:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Become a gearbox guru

Get all the gear and gearbox knowledge you need with Gear Solutions magazine.

I recommend: Gear Solutions Magazine (free) and its companion gearboxes website Gear Solutions Online, are an A-to-Z resource for the gear manufacturing industry. The site has 44 articles related to gearboxes on topics such as Maximizing Gearbox Performance and Harnessing the Horsepower Thief. For gear industry news, information and tips, this is hard to beat.

Plug into a global gearboxes directory to find the perfect gearboxes distributor

ThomasGlobal.com is a worldwide industrial directory with listings of gearbox and transmission providers worldwide. Great place to locate a gearboxes manufacturer.

I recommend: Just pop "gearboxes" in the search box at ThomasGlobal.com and you'll get an instant list of over 900 gearbox and transmission manufacturers, supplies and service companies. Or limit your search to a specific region or country.

Contrast and compare gearbox supliers

Locate transmission and gearbox suppliers specializing in a wide variety of gearbox needs.

I recommend: PowerTransmission.com has an alphabetical list of gearbox suppliers with direct links to the vendor sites. Amarillo Gearbox, a Cooling Tower Depot website, offers a wide range of new cooling tower gearboxes in stock, including single reduction gearboxes and double reduction gearboxes. C-B Gear & Machine offers a range of gearbox products and services. U.K.-based Engines and Gearboxes has a handy "Find a Gearbox" feature on its website that helps you locate a gearbox for just about any make or model car.

Find custom powertrain solutions

Need powertrain, gearbox or transmission solutions for a new or niche product?

I recommend: MCT Mitchell Cotts offers a range of specialty gearbox solutions for specialized sports and kit car manufacturers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Smaller, high-performance gearboxes require better lubrication. Ask your supplier about the best gear oils to keep your small gearbox running smoothly.