Model 3 Wheel Drives Planetary Gearbox
Trusted Across Industries:
Aerial Work Platform
Compact Harvester
Light Utility Vehicle
Compact Material Handler
Turf Equipment
Golf Course Machinery
Marine & Automotive
Why Choose Our Model 3 Wheel Drive Planetary Gearbox? — As the smallest torque class in the Auburn Gear Power Wheel family, the Model 3 is the lightest-weight, most compact wheel drive gearbox in the series. With a rotating housing that mounts directly inside the wheel rim, case-hardened alloy steel planetary gears, and SAE A hydraulic motor mounting, it delivers the perfect balance of traction performance, low unsprung weight, and minimal wheel-end bulk for light agricultural and mobile equipment where every kilogram matters.
Product Overview — Model 3 Wheel Drives Planetary Gearbox
The Model 3 Wheel Drives Planetary Gearbox — also referred to as a Model 3 wheel drive gearbox, compact planetary wheel drive, or light-duty wheel drive reducer — is the entry-level torque class in the Auburn Gear Power Wheel planetary wheel drive family. It is designed for mobile machinery applications where the required tractive effort falls in the light-to-medium range, but the packaging, weight, and cost constraints of the wheel-end drive are just as demanding as in larger equipment.
The Model 3 uses the same proven coaxial epicyclic (planetary) architecture as the larger Model 4 through Model 10 drives — a rotating outer housing that mounts directly within the wheel rim, transmitting torque to the wheel while the fixed inner spindle mounts to the axle. This in-wheel rotating housing design eliminates external drive shafts, axles, and chain drives, delivering maximum tractive effort directly at the wheel with minimum mechanical complexity. The result is a reliable, low-maintenance wheel drive that self-propels agricultural sprayers, compact harvesters, aerial lift platforms, and light utility vehicles across challenging terrain.
As a direct dimensional replacement for the Auburn Gear Model 3 wheel drive, our unit matches all critical OEM interfaces — wheel mounting bolt circle, motor SAE A flange, oil port locations, and rotating housing dimensions — enabling drop-in field replacement within hours. The Model 3 is the lightest and most compact Auburn Power Wheel wheel drive, typically weighing under 25 kg, making it the preferred choice for manufacturers targeting low unsprung mass and minimal machine weight for ground pressure, fuel economy, and soil compaction objectives.
Why the Model 3 is the Right Wheel Drive for Light-Duty Applications
The Auburn Gear Power Wheel series spans from Model 3 (lightest, most compact) to Model 10 (heaviest, highest torque). Choosing the correct model for your application is essential — over-specifying wastes weight and cost, while under-specifying risks premature failure. The Model 3 excels when:
Low Machine Weight
Agricultural sprayers and aerial lifts prioritise minimum unsprung mass to reduce soil compaction and improve ride quality. The Model 3 is the lightest wheel drive in the Power Wheel family — typically under 25 kg — contributing minimal unsprung weight at each driven wheel.
Small Wheel Rim Diameter
Light equipment often uses smaller diameter wheels than large harvesters or construction machines. The compact radial envelope of the Model 3 housing fits inside smaller rim diameters while still providing SAE A hydraulic motor mounting and a full rotating hub interface.
Moderate Tractive Effort
Self-propelled sprayers, aerial lift drive wheels, and compact harvesters require traction force that falls comfortably within the Model 3 continuous torque rating of approximately 1,150 N·m — sufficient for the gradients, terrain, and vehicle weights of these light machinery categories.
Cost-Sensitive OEM Builds
The Model 3 is the most economical unit in the Power Wheel wheel drive range. For OEM machine builders who need reliable hydraulic wheel drive performance without the cost of a larger unit, the Model 3 provides the right capability at the lowest cost of any Auburn-class wheel drive.
Technical Specifications — Model 3 Wheel Drive Planetary Gearbox
All wheel drive gearbox units are factory-assembled, lubricated, and acceptance-tested before shipment. The specification below covers the standard Model 3 wheel drive range. Custom gear ratios and motor flange configurations are available on request.
| Parameter | Specification / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | Single / Double Reduction Planetary | Coaxial rotating-housing wheel drive |
| Max Continuous Output Torque | approx. 1,150 N·m (10,000 lb-in) | Per Auburn Gear Model 3 continuous rating |
| Max Intermittent Output Torque | approx. 2,300 N·m (20,000 lb-in) | Short-duration peak; continuous at 1/3 to 1/2 of this value |
| Gear Ratio Range | Single: 3.6:1 / Double: up to 33.79:1 | Standard codes: 04, 06, 13, 16, 20, 22, 25, 28, 33 |
| Max Input Speed | 3,500 RPM (single) / 5,000 RPM (double) | Per Auburn Gear Model 3 rated values |
| Transmission Efficiency | 96% – 98% | Per stage under rated load |
| Output Type | Rotating Housing (Wheel Drive) | Outer housing rotates; inner spindle fixed to axle |
| Wheel Mounting | Bolt circle on rotating housing outer face | Bolt circle per Auburn Model 3 standard |
| Motor Flange Standard | SAE A (4-bolt magneto mount) / SAE B (2-bolt) | Compatible with orbit motors and small axial-piston motors |
| Input Rotation | Opposite to output (standard) | Same-direction available on request |
| Housing Material | Ductile Iron GGG-50 | Compact rotating housing; shock-resistant nodular iron |
| Gear Material | 18CrNiMo7-6 / 20CrMnTi Alloy Steel | Carburized, case-hardened 58-62 HRC, precision-ground |
| Bearing System | Tapered Roller Bearings (wheel hub) | Sized for combined radial and axial wheel loads |
| Seal System | Radial Lip Seals / Optional Boot Seal | Boot seal available for muddy/abrasive field conditions |
| Lubrication | SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 Gear Oil | Ships without oil; fill before start-up. Initial change at 50 hrs |
| Max Case Drain Pressure | 1,500 PSI (103.2 bar) | For hydraulic motor case drain port |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +90°C (160°F continuous max) | Low-temp synthetic gear oil option per SAE J306 |
| Approximate Weight | Under 25 kg | Lightest model in Auburn Power Wheel family |
| Design Life (B10) | 3,000 hours at rated load | Per Auburn Gear Power Wheel methodology |
| Certification | ISO 9001:2015, CE, RoHS | Factory acceptance test report with each unit |
| Lead Time | 3 – 25 days | Popular ratios in stock; ships within 48-72 hrs |
Need a specific gear ratio, motor flange, or custom wheel bolt circle for an OEM machine design? Submit your Auburn Model 3 part number or application parameters and we will confirm compatibility or configure the correct unit within 24 hours.
Standard Gear Ratio Selection — Model 3 Wheel Drive
Bold ratios are regular-volume production items with best stock availability and shortest lead times.
| Type | Gear Ratio | Code | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 3.6:1 | 04 | High-speed utility vehicle drive |
| Single | 5.8:1 | 06 | Turf & compact equipment fast drive |
| Double | 13.06:1 | 13 | Fast sprayer field travel |
| Double | 15.88:1 | 16 | Light sprayer standard drive |
| Double | 19.62:1 | 20 | Sprayer & aerial lift — most popular |
| Double | 21.74:1 | 22 | Compact harvester, aerial lift |
| Double | 24.53:1 | 25 | Heavy-traction compact machine |
| Double | 28.37:1 | 28 | Slow-speed, max traction drive |
| Double | 32.76:1 | 33 | Maximum-torque low-speed positioning |
How the Model 3 Wheel Drive Planetary Gearbox Works
The Model 3 Wheel Drive uses a coaxial planetary gear arrangement in a rotating-housing configuration. Unlike shaft-output or spindle-output drives, the entire outer housing rotates — it is the wheel itself — while the fixed inner spindle mounts to the axle stub. This elegant design places the entire gearbox within the wheel rim, driving the wheel with no external mechanical connections.
Hydraulic Motor Input
An SAE A or SAE B hydraulic orbit or axial-piston motor mounts to the fixed inner spindle motor face and drives the sun gear at high speed — typically 100 to 500 RPM for orbit motors commonly used on sprayers and aerial lifts.
Planetary Reduction
The sun gear drives three planet gears orbiting in the fixed ring gear. The planet carrier — connected to the outer rotating housing — rotates at reduced speed with multiplied torque. Double-reduction variants achieve up to 33.79:1.
Rotating Housing Output
The outer housing — which is the wheel mounting flange — rotates at the reduced output speed with full rated torque. The wheel bolts directly to this rotating housing, converting torque to tractive effort at the ground.
Fixed Spindle Mount
The inner spindle is bolted stationary to the machine axle or stub shaft. It carries the wheel hub bearings and provides the structural reaction point for the gearbox. No rotating shaft protrudes from the machine chassis.
Full Reversibility
Reversing hydraulic motor flow direction immediately reverses wheel rotation with full torque capacity in both directions — essential for sprayer field manoeuvring, aerial lift repositioning, and any machine requiring true bidirectional traction.
Core Advantages — Model 3 Wheel Drive Planetary Gearbox
Eight engineering and commercial advantages that make the Model 3 the preferred replacement gearbox for Model 3 wheel drive applications on agricultural sprayers, aerial lifts, and light mobile equipment.
Direct Auburn Model 3 Replacement
Dimensionally verified against Auburn Gear Model 3 drawings — wheel mounting bolt circle, SAE A motor flange, spindle mounting interface, oil port locations, and rotating housing envelope. A bolt-on replacement gearbox for Model 3 wheel drive applications with zero machine modification required.
Ideal for Agricultural Sprayers
The Model 3 planetary gearbox for agricultural sprayers provides the correct torque rating for light-to-mid-weight sprayers (5,000–15,000 litre capacity) at field travel speeds of 12–25 km/h, with low unsprung mass minimising soil compaction on crop rows and field surface damage.
Lightest in the Power Wheel Family
At under 25 kg per unit, the Model 3 is the lightest wheel drive in the Auburn Power Wheel series. For a four-wheel-drive sprayer, this means over 40 kg less unsprung mass than a comparable Model 6 installation — directly reducing wheel rutting and soil structure damage.
Full Reverse Capability
Reverse traction is obtained simply by reversing hydraulic motor flow — no external mechanism, no gear selector, no additional components. Equal torque in both directions. Essential for sprayer headland manoeuvring, aerial lift repositioning, and any application requiring reliable bidirectional wheel drive.
Optional Boot Seal for Field Conditions
An optional boot seal protects the main oil seal from crop debris, soil particles, and abrasive residue — extending seal life dramatically on sprayers and harvesters operating in muddy conditions. The boot seal is available on the Model 3 and is strongly recommended for any harvest-season agricultural application.
96–98% Transmission Efficiency
The planetary gear architecture distributes load across multiple planet gears simultaneously, achieving 96–98% transmission efficiency — critical for battery-electric sprayers and hybrid aerial lifts where hydraulic system losses directly reduce operating range per charge or fuel tank.
Stock Availability — Ships in 48 Hours
For the most popular Model 3 ratio and flange combinations (19.62:1 and 21.74:1 double reduction with SAE A motor flange), we maintain warehouse stock for dispatch within 48 hours — critical for minimising downtime during harvest season when a failed wheel drive can idle an entire spraying operation.
OEM Volume Supply Available
As an established Model 3 wheel drive planetary gearbox manufacturer, we supply OEM production volumes to sprayer builders, aerial lift OEMs, and compact machinery manufacturers. Custom wheel bolt circles, ratio combinations, and motor flange configurations are available for new machine design programs.
Structure Design and Material Engineering
The Model 3 Wheel Drive is a fully sealed, self-contained wheel drive module. The rotating housing design means every structural component is optimised for both functional performance and minimal weight — reflecting the light-duty applications this unit is designed to serve.
Rotating Housing
Compact ductile iron GGG-50 rotating outer housing simultaneously serves as the ring gear carrier and the wheel mounting flange. CNC-machined wheel bolt circle and housing OD ensure concentricity and balanced rotation. The housing is the lightest in the Auburn-class wheel drive family.
Planetary Gear Set
All sun, planet, and ring gears from 18CrNiMo7-6 alloy steel, vacuum carburized, case-hardened to 58-62 HRC, then profile-ground to DIN/ISO Class 6. Heat-treated ring gear resists tooth wear and backlash growth. Gear geometry verified against Auburn Model 3 original specifications.
Hub Bearings
Tapered roller bearing pairs at the hub interface carry combined vertical (vehicle weight) and horizontal (traction and side force) loads. Factory pre-adjusted for the correct running preload to ensure long bearing life at the light axle loads typical of sprayers and aerial lifts.
Fixed Spindle
Alloy steel inner spindle mounts to the machine axle and carries the motor mounting face, the internal ring gear (stationary), and the hub bearing seats. The spindle provides the structural backbone of the unit and reacts all traction and weight loads into the machine frame.
Sealing System
Radial lip seals at the rotating housing / spindle interface prevent gear oil loss and soil ingress. The optional boot seal (outer dirt excluder) adds a sacrificial first barrier against crop debris and abrasive soil particles — recommended for all agricultural applications and standard on harvest-season machine builds.
Motor Face
SAE A 4-bolt magneto mount (standard) or SAE B 2-bolt, CNC-machined to SAE J744 tolerance. Compatible with all major SAE A orbit motors (Char-Lynn/Eaton, Danfoss/White, Parker TG series). Motor mounting bolt holes tapped for SAE grade 8 fasteners.
Surface Treatment
Epoxy zinc phosphate primer (80 µm) plus two-component PU topcoat (80 µm), salt spray above 500 hours per ISO 9227. Chemical-resistant epoxy coating option for fertiliser and pesticide splash environments. All machined mating surfaces left bare metal with protective oil.
Factory Testing
4-step FAT: no-load run-in at rated speed, full-load efficiency measurement, oil seal air-pressure leak test, and rotating housing runout measurement. Full test report issued per unit. Dimensional inspection of spindle mount face and wheel bolt circle per Auburn Model 3 reference drawing.
Typical Application Scenarios
The Model 3 Wheel Drives Planetary Gearbox is deployed across six light-to-medium duty mobile machinery categories where compact size, low weight, and reliable hydraulic wheel drive are simultaneously required.
Agricultural Sprayer Wheel Drive
Self-propelled sprayers with tank capacities from 2,000 to 6,000 litres rely on hydraulic wheel drives for field travel at 12–25 km/h. The Model 3 planetary gearbox for agricultural sprayers provides the right torque for this machine weight range, while its minimal weight reduces wheel load and soil compaction on row crops. The boot seal option is strongly recommended for wet autumn and spring spray seasons.
Aerial Work Platform Drive
Scissor lifts, boom lifts, and compact articulated aerial platforms use hydraulic wheel drives on all four wheels for self-propelled repositioning on hard standing and compacted ground. The Model 3 provides the drive capability needed for typical AWP ground drive requirements within the minimal packaging envelope permitted by standard platform tyre sizes.
Compact Harvester and Forage Equipment
Small forage harvesters, grape harvesters, and row-crop specialist harvesters with machine weights under 8 tonnes use the Model 3 wheel drive as their most cost- and weight-effective hydraulic wheel drive option. The reversible operation enables these machines to back out of tight row-end positions without external guidance.
Turf and Golf Course Machinery
Turf maintenance equipment including large-area mowers, sprayers, and soil aerators operates on golf courses and sports fields where ground pressure and turf surface damage are critical concerns. The Model 3 delivers reliable hydraulic wheel drive at the lowest possible unsprung weight, protecting sensitive turf surfaces that cannot tolerate heavy equipment.
Light Utility and Transport Vehicle
Light all-terrain utility vehicles, airport ground support equipment, and specialist site transport vehicles with hydraulic all-wheel drive use the Model 3 for driven rear axles or front axle assist drives. The compact package fits within standard utility vehicle wheel and axle geometry without chassis modification.
Compact Material Handling Machine
Small-platform telehandlers, compact wheel loaders, and indoor electric material handling trucks with rated capacities under 2 tonnes use the Model 3 wheel drive where the torque requirement falls below the Model 4 threshold. Electric motor adaptor plates are available for all-electric machine platforms requiring IEC B5 motor compatibility.
OEM Replacement Cross-Reference — Model 3 Wheel Drive
Our Model 3 Wheel Drives Planetary Gearbox is dimensionally cross-referenced to the following OEM wheel drive brands and models. We verify wheel mounting bolt circles, motor flange standards, and rotating housing dimensions before confirming replacement compatibility. OEM names referenced for cross-compatibility purposes only.
| OEM Brand | Compatible Series / Model | Torque Range | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn Gear | Model 3 Wheel Drive (MH665) | Up to 2,300 N·m | Sprayer, aerial lift, utility vehicle |
| Bonfiglioli | Small Wheel Drive Series | Up to 2,500 N·m | Agricultural, aerial lift |
| Bosch Rexroth | GFT Light Series Wheel Drive | Up to 2,500 N·m | Compact machinery, sprayer |
| Brevini (Dana) | WD Light Series | Up to 2,300 N·m | Agricultural, utility vehicle |
| Omni Gear | WD03 Series (Auburn Model 3 equivalent) | Up to 2,300 N·m | Sprayer, aerial lift |
| Dinamic Oil | OMT Light Wheel Series | Up to 2,000 N·m | Agricultural, compact mobile |
| Poclain Hydraulics | TW Light Series Planetary | Up to 2,000 N·m | Agricultural, off-highway |
Don't see your model listed? Provide your Auburn Gear Model 3 part number, wheel bolt circle dimension, and motor flange standard — our team confirms replacement compatibility within 24 hours. Submit Your Cross-Reference Request
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from agricultural machinery engineers, aerial lift OEMs, and maintenance teams about our wheel drive gearbox and Model 3 series.
Quality Assurance and Standards Compliance
Our Model 3 Wheel Drive is manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification with full material and process traceability. Key quality control milestones include:
- Incoming Material Inspection: Spectroscopic alloy analysis on all gear steel, housing casting dimensional check, and hardness verification per batch.
- Gear Accuracy: 100 percent CMM profile and lead measurement on all planet and sun gears to DIN/ISO Class 6. Ring gear tooth inspection by statistical sampling.
- Rotating Housing Runout: Wheel mounting bolt circle face runout measured to confirm concentricity within 0.03 mm TIR for balanced wheel rotation.
- Factory Acceptance Test: No-load run-in, full-load efficiency measurement, oil seal air-pressure leak test, and rotating housing runout check. Full test report issued per unit.
- Boot Seal Verification: Where fitted, boot seal installation and retention verified before final paint and shipment.
- Dimensional Inspection: All motor flanges, spindle mounting faces, and oil ports measured against Auburn Model 3 reference drawings. Records archived 10 years.
How to Order the Correct Model 3 Wheel Drive
Follow these five steps to specify the correct wheel drive gearbox for your light-duty mobile machine application.
Step 1: Confirm Torque Requirement
Calculate required output torque: tractive force in Newtons times wheel radius in metres. Apply service factor 1.5 to 2.0 for shock loads and gradients. Confirm this is below 1,150 N·m continuous rating. If above, consider Model 4.
Step 2: Calculate Gear Ratio
Gear ratio equals motor max RPM divided by required wheel RPM. Wheel RPM equals vehicle max speed in m/s multiplied by 60, divided by pi times wheel diameter in metres. Select nearest standard ratio code (04, 06, 13, 16, 20, 22, 25, 28, 33).
Step 3: Specify Motor Flange
Confirm motor type (orbit or axial-piston) and SAE flange designation (SAE A 4-bolt magneto mount is standard; SAE B 2-bolt also available). Provide motor model number for exact compatibility check.
Step 4: Confirm Wheel Interface
Confirm wheel mounting bolt circle, number of bolts, and spindle mounting interface. For OEM replacement, provide the existing Auburn Model 3 part number — we decode it and verify the correct replacement configuration within 24 hours.
Step 5: Specify Options
Confirm whether boot seal is required (recommended for all agricultural applications). Advise operating environment for coating specification. Specify quantity for stock check and volume pricing.
Free Application Review: Send your machine weight, tyre diameter, motor model, required field speed, and any existing gearbox part number. Our engineers will confirm the correct Model 3 specification and provide a dimensional drawing within 48 hours — completely free.
Source Your Model 3 Wheel Drive Planetary Gearbox Today
Whether you need an urgent replacement gearbox for Model 3 wheel drive to keep your sprayer or aerial lift operating, a production-volume supply as a Model 3 wheel drive planetary gearbox manufacturer partner, or the right Model 3 planetary gearbox for agricultural sprayers for your new machine design, our team delivers the correct unit from stock at a competitive price, backed by 20 or more years of planetary gearbox manufacturing expertise.
Explore our complete planetary gearbox and wheel drive range at planetary-gearboxes.net, or speak directly with a wheel drive specialist via our Contact Us page.
