Gear driven pumps vs. belt driven? What is your preference.

Just curious as to what everyone thinks of one style over the other. I was recently told by another washer that he likes gear driven because they are easier on the engine but harder on the pump. He said likes this setup because he would rather spend for a new pump over buying a new engine. He was also saying the belt driven is easier on the pump but harder on the engine. Any truth to that? I run a belt driven cat pump on a kohler and haven't had any issues but I have only got 600 hrs. on mine so far.

I bought my first gear drive unit 2 years ago and have put 920 hours on it mostly cleaning concrete. I would say it's harder on the engine as the AR pump attached to it runs like I bought it yesterday and I have yet to open up the pump to even look at the seals or valves (and won't until I have a reason to). The gear did a little damage to my keyway both on the engine shaft and more so in the gear itself. The gear reducer is being replaced today with a PA dual bearing one after replacing the rear main oil seal that started leaking a couple weeks ago. Other than the recent oil leak, the unit has run flawlessly. However, I am a little worried that the oil seal failure may be the result of early compression or blowby issues??? I am not mechanically minded but will be discussing this issue with my mechanic this afternoon when I pick up my rig. (I also replaced the 6 year old engine on the other belt drive unit yesterday after 2,000-2,500 hours--which is a guess)

Roy Sanders said:

Just curious as to what everyone thinks of one style over the other. I was recently told by another washer that he likes gear driven because they are easier on the engine but harder on the pump. He said likes this setup because he would rather spend for a new pump over buying a new engine. He was also saying the belt driven is easier on the pump but harder on the engine. Any truth to that? I run a belt driven cat pump on a kohler and haven't had any issues but I have only got 600 hrs. on mine so far.

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Go direct drive, no decisions to make because it's hard on both.

If your just starting out and money is an issue direct drive is fine. I used the 13hp 4gpm machines for years and they are work horses for 900.00 you cant beat them, you can even link 2 together and kick ass for 1800.00 I keep two portables to reach some properties I cant get to with my trailer. My trailer units are belt drive and have no issues.

I prefer belts over gear drive, and gear drive over direct.

Belt, every time, no exceptions.

Russ Johnson said:

I prefer belts over gear drive, and gear drive over direct.

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I agree each may has its own application/purpose but as general rule I rate them in the same order.

I have built and used belt driven pumps for 6 years now and thinking back can't say the belt drive has been the cause of either a pump or engine failure. Most times it is something not related that kills one or the other I have found. With belts if you pump dies you can replace it with what ever pump you want as you just need a different size pulley to make sure the RPM's are correct. With a gear drive you need to make sure you get a pump that runs at the same rpm's as the previous so everything works with the gear box.

Many have done gear with few to no issues, many have belt drive with little to no issues. Pick what you think is best and understand the limitations and go out and make some money!

Benjamin said:

I have built and used belt driven pumps for 6 years now and thinking back can't say the belt drive has been the cause of either a pump or engine failure. Most times it is something not related that kills one or the other I have found. With belts if you pump dies you can replace it with what ever pump you want as you just need a different size pulley to make sure the RPM's are correct. With a gear drive you need to make sure you get a pump that runs at the same rpm's as the previous so everything works with the gear box.

Many have done gear with few to no issues, many have belt drive with little to no issues. Pick what you think is best and understand the limitations and go out and make some money!

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Thanks. Since I am kind of new to all of this I was just curious as to what everyones thoughts were and if there was any truth to any of it. I have a belt driven pump now but thinking about a gearbox driven unit on this next machine I am looking at putting together.