Stober Drives, Inc. is expanding its KSS stainless steel gearbox series by adding ratios that allow customers to use smaller reducers at lower speeds. The “K” series is a right-angle, helical bevel gearbox. “Before today, if a customer needed lower than 40 rpm output, he or she would have to purchase a KSS3 series,” said Brian Sharp, Stober product support technician. “Most of the new ratios are rated for the maximum torque capability of the KSS2 series.” The new series is suitable for poultry, pork and beef processing, he said, especially ready-to-eat areas and canned and frozen food processing. The KSS has IP69K certification, which ensures that products are guarded against worst-case wash down pressure. To obtain the certification, units are washed with steam cleaners at high pressure and with hot water. Harsh chemicals may be used to meet more extreme regulations. “Severe cleaning procedures can often compromise the paint on a gearbox, allowing for possible contamination of the product and gearbox,” said Peter Feil, Stober vice president and general manager. “Testing our stainless steel products with extreme cleaning techniques is just another way we aim to continue providing exceptional quality and durability in our products.” Additionally, Stober is expanding the motor adapter available on its KSS3 series to accommodate larger motors. “We are also introducing a NEMA 180TC adapter for the KSS302 series for ratios of 4:1 to 28:1,” said Sharp. “The new offering will allow the customer to mount a 3 hp or 5 hp, depending on the ratio.” Stober is partnering with food manufacturers to help them achieve the stringent sanitation levels mandated in today’s food factories. "We're helping businesses discover the stainless side of sanitary practices, with high efficiency gearing and improved uptime, supported by industry-leading warranties," said Feil.