“Fenner’s cutting-edge solutions combined with Motion’s strong distribution capabilities and technical support, means customers benefit from a comprehensive package that goes beyond mere product supply,” says Motion’s National Category Manager for Power Transmission, Steve Hittmann. “This collaboration ensures that customers receive tailored solutions that address their unique challenges, ultimately boosting their productivity and success.”
Specifically, Motion customers can benefit from turnkey packages that combine Fenner’s innovative products with Motion’s industry-specific know-how. Coupled with Motion’s unparallelled supply of stock and distribution network, customers can enjoy peace of mind that they will be supported around the clock.
“We offer a real difference in the packages we can provide to customers who work in demanding industrial environments, such as mining,” says Steve Hittman. “We can customise a package that includes high-performance chains and belts, worm gearboxes and shaft couplings, and can draw on a national knowledge base of engineers and mechanics who can advise as to what type of package solution will work best for an individual customer. Ultimately, we come up with solutions that can be relied on to perform in tough conditions.”
According to Steve Hittmann, Fenner have also introduced some new product innovations that Motion customers can benefit from. These include the FEN Series of worm gearboxes and curved tooth flexible gear and grid couplings.
FEN Series worm gearboxes: A new benchmark for power transmission
“The FEN Series worm gearbox sets a new benchmark for power transmission technology and stands as a testament to Fenner and Motion’s commitment to delivering top-quality power transmission solutions,” says Steve Hittmann. “Whether it’s a high-torque requirement in a mining conveyor system or a compact solution for an OEM machine, the FEN Series delivers performance tailored to the task.”
The worm gearboxes are durable, lightweight and modular. Also, Steve Hittmann points out that they are dimensionally interchangeable with other products on the market.
“This interchangeability makes them easy to replace or upgrade,” he says. “For industries such as mining where downtime can be extremely costly, these are a great choice. They exhibit excellent mechanical strength while being especially light in weight, which translates to being cost-effective and reliable.”
Key features include: • Modular design • Aluminium (lightweight, mechanically strong) • Available in a wide range of sizes and ratios • Versatile mounting options
Grid and gear couplings: Resilient in the toughest Aussie conditions
In environments where machinery operates under intense vibratory loads and shaft misalignment, Fenner’s flexible grid couplings offer an attractive solution for high-speed applications. Designed to connect shafts while accommodating angular, parallel, and axial misalignments, these couplings shine in applications ranging from mining conveyors and crushers, to industrial fans and blowers.
The Fenner grid coupling’s shot-peened taper grid construction, made from high-strength alloy steel is a notable innovation. This process compresses surface molecules, dramatically increasing fatigue resistance and extending the product’s lifespan. The grid couplings also act as shock absorbers, deflecting torsionally under impact loads and dampening vibrations, which can otherwise cause wear and tear on machinery.
Moreover, the couplings are easy to install and maintain. The grids can be quickly fitted into the hub’s trapezoidal slots without moving equipment, minimising downtime. A practical split cover design allows users to access the components using standard tools.
“The Fenner gear couplings come as the result of many years’ experience in the field of mechanical power transmission,” says Steve Hittmann. “They are machined to fine tolerances to facilitate the proper meshing of the gears, and for interchangeability.”
Through Motion, the Fenner gear couplings are available in two main designs: flexible or torsionally rigid. The flexible gear couplings basically consist of two shaft hubs with external teeth that are connected by the means of two outer sleeves that have internal teeth. Whilst the rigid design are shaft-to-shaft couplings made from hardened alloy steel to handle high torque.
“There is also the option to combine the designs so that one gear half is completely flexible, and one is rigid,” says Steve Hittmann. “These are primarily used for floating shaft applications.”
“As part of Fenner and Motion’s commitment to service, both the gear and grid couplings are readily available across Australia, supported by an integrated network of workshops and service centres. This ensures industries like mining, where reliability is non-negotiable, can maintain seamless operations,” says Steve Hittmann.
Chains and Belts: Reliably transferring power
Fenner’s chains and belts have long been synonymous with reliability and performance in power transmission systems and can be provided as part of a comprehensive and bespoke power transmission package through Motion.
Fenner’s power transmission chains are a testament to advanced engineering. Shot peened rollers and high-waisted side plates provide enhanced fatigue resistance, while case-hardened pins and solid rollers extend wear life. This attention to detail ensures Fenner chains consistently outperform competitors in high-load, high-speed applications.
Fenner’s Ultra PLUS Wedge and Classic V belts are engineered for optimal performance across varying applications. The Ultra PLUS belts are designed with low-elongation polyester cords and a double wrapped abrasion-resistant jacket, delivering consistent performance even under extreme conditions, such as the high temperatures and pressures found in mining operations. With a temperature range of -55°C to +70°C, they are particularly suited for Australia’s diverse climate.
The Fenner 2nd tier, Power Plus Wedge and Classic section range of V-Belts are an economical solution catering for general applications, also manufactured to Fenner’s PB (Precision Built) matching system, ensuring accuracy and stability of length.
A partnership that keeps industries in motion
The enduring partnership between Fenner and Motion exemplifies a shared commitment to supporting Australian industry with world-class products and service.
“Reliability, innovation, and accessibility are paramount for any Australian industrial business,” concludes Steve Hittmann. “Fenner’s advanced worm gearboxes, resilient grid and gear couplings, and high-performance chains and belts exemplify these principles. Through our strategic partnership, we can ensure businesses have the support they need to stay in motion every day of the year.”