Model 6 Wheel Drives Planetary Gearbox (Long Flange Distance Version)
Trusted Across Industries:
Heavy-Duty Harvester
Sugar Cane & Beet Harvester
Forage Harvester
Potato Harvester
Wheeled Loader & Telehandler
Aerial Work Platform
Off-Highway Construction
Why Choose Our Model 6 Long Flange Distance Wheel Drive? — Engineered as a direct dimensional replacement for the Auburn Gear Model 6 wheel drive series, our Long Flange Distance Version provides an extended motor-mounting flange distance that creates additional axle clearance for large-diameter tyre and suspension configurations found on modern high-clearance agricultural sprayers and wide-track harvesters. Combining case-hardened alloy steel planetary gears, a heavy-duty tapered roller bearing hub assembly, and optional spring-applied parking brake, it delivers the sustained tractive performance and service life demanded by 24-hour harvest-season duty cycles.
Product Overview — Model 6 Long Flange Distance Planetary Wheel Drive
The Model 6 Wheel Drives Planetary Gearbox (Long Flange Distance Version) is an epicyclic gear drive unit designed for direct mounting inside the wheel rim of agricultural and off-highway vehicles, where the hydraulic or electric drive motor must be offset further from the wheel mounting face than standard-version wheel drives allow. This extended flange distance — the critical dimensional difference between the standard and long-flange variants — creates the axle-to-body clearance required by high-clearance sprayer chassis with tall suspension geometry and wide-track harvester platforms carrying large-diameter, low-pressure flotation tyres.
As a direct dimensional replacement for the Auburn Gear Model 6 wheel drive (long flange version), as well as compatible cross-reference units from Bonfiglioli 600 Series and Bosch Rexroth GFT wheel drives, this gearbox is manufactured to match all critical interfaces: wheel mounting bolt circle, motor SAE flange standard, output hub pilot diameter, and oil fill/drain port locations. OEM machine downtime during wheel drive replacement is reduced to hours rather than days.
The Model 6 Long Flange Distance Version is available in both single-reduction and double-reduction planetary configurations, covering gear ratios from 3.75:1 up to 33.79:1, with maximum intermittent output torque ratings up to 5,650 N·m (50,000 lb-in) — sufficient for the heaviest harvesting loads and steepest in-field gradients. All units are supplied with SAE A, SAE B, or SAE B two-bolt hydraulic motor mounting flanges as standard, with electric motor IEC B5 flange adaptors available on request.
What is the Long Flange Distance Version?
The defining characteristic of the Long Flange Distance Version is an extended dimension between the wheel mounting face (the rotating output flange that bolts to the wheel hub) and the motor mounting face (the SAE flange to which the hydraulic motor attaches). In the standard Model 6 wheel drive, this distance is optimised for conventional agricultural and construction vehicle wheel assemblies. In the Long Flange Distance Version, this dimension is increased by a fixed increment (typically 50–100 mm depending on model variant), providing three critical advantages:
Increased Body Clearance
High-clearance sprayers must pass over tall crops without damaging them. The extended flange distance allows the hydraulic motor to be tucked further inboard, reducing the overall protrusion into the wheel arch and enabling the machine frame to be raised without compromising wheel drive packaging.
Compatibility with Wide-Base Tyres
Modern harvesters and large self-propelled sprayers use wide, low-pressure flotation tyres to minimise soil compaction. These tyres require a wider wheel offset and greater inboard depth — the long flange distance version accommodates these tyre-and-rim combinations without axle or chassis modification.
Motor Protection
By recessing the hydraulic or electric motor further within the wheel rim, the long flange configuration provides improved physical protection of the motor body against crop debris, soil, and rock strike damage common in field operations.
Hydraulic Hose Routing
The additional distance between the wheel face and motor body provides more room for hydraulic hose connections and loop routing, reducing hose bend radius violations and improving hose life on full-lock turning and suspension articulation cycles.
Technical Specifications — Model 6 Long Flange Planetary Wheel Drive
All units are factory-assembled, lubricated, and factory acceptance tested before shipment. The specification table below covers the standard Model 6 Long Flange Distance wheel drive range. Custom gear ratios and motor flange configurations are available on request.
| Parameter | Specification / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | Single Reduction / Double Reduction Planetary | Coaxial in-hub layout, rotating housing |
| Max Intermittent Output Torque | Up to 5,650 N·m (50,000 lb-in) | Continuous duty: 1/3 to 1/2 of max intermittent rating |
| Gear Ratio Range | Single: 3.75:1 – 5.8:1 / Double: 13.06:1 – 33.79:1 | Standard ratios: 13, 16, 20, 22, 25, 28, 33 (double reduction) |
| Max Input Speed | 3,500 – 4,000 RPM | Dependent on reduction stage and motor type |
| Transmission Efficiency | 95% – 98% | Per stage under rated load |
| Long Flange Distance | Extended vs standard: +50 to +100 mm (model dependent) | Confirmed per drawing at time of order |
| Motor Flange Standard | SAE A (4-bolt), SAE B (2-bolt), SAE B (4-bolt) | IEC B5 electric motor adaptor available |
| Input Rotation | Opposite to output (standard configuration) | Same-direction rotation available on request |
| Wheel Mounting Flange | Rotating hub with bolt circle per Auburn Model 6 standard | Custom bolt circles available; 8.250" (209.55 mm) B.C. standard |
| Housing Material | Ductile Iron (Nodular Cast Iron) | High shock resistance for field-impact loads |
| Gear Material | Alloy Steel / 20CrMnTi / 18CrNiMo7-6 | Case-hardened, precision-ground to DIN/ISO Class 6 |
| Bearing System | Heavy-duty Tapered Roller Bearings | Pre-adjusted for high combined radial and axial loads |
| Parking Brake Option | Spring-Applied, Hydraulic Release (SAHR) | A2 Series integral parking brake compatible |
| Max Case Drain Pressure | 1,500 PSI (103.2 bar) | For hydraulic motor case drain port |
| Seal System | Triple-Lip Radial Seal / Optional Boot Seal | Boot seal available for extreme mud conditions |
| Lubrication | Oil Bath — SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil | Ships without oil; fill prior to start-up |
| Oil Capacity | 25 – 35 oz (740 – 1,035 cc) | Varies by ratio and reduction stage |
| Quick Disconnect | Optional Tool-Free Disconnect | Push-button disengage for emergency towing |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +90°C | Low-temperature lube option per SAE J306 |
| Approximate Weight | 33.1 – 50.8 kg (73 – 112 lbs) | Varies by reduction stage and brake option |
| Design Life (B10) | 3,000 hours at rated load | Per Auburn Gear Power Wheel life methodology |
| Certification | ISO 9001:2015, CE | Factory acceptance test report with every unit |
| Lead Time | 7 – 30 days | Common ratios in stock; custom ratios to order |
Need a specific ratio, motor flange, or brake configuration not shown above? Our application engineers will cross-reference your existing Auburn Gear Model 6 part number and confirm compatibility within 24 hours.
Standard Gear Ratio Selection — Long Flange Distance Version
The following standard gear ratios are available for the Model 6 Long Flange Distance wheel drive. Ratios in bold are regular-volume produced items with best availability for fast delivery.
| Reduction Type | Gear Ratio | Ratio Code | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Reduction | 3.75:1 | 04 | High-speed utility, aerial lift |
| Single Reduction | 5.80:1 | 06 | Sprayer road travel speed |
| Double Reduction | 13.06:1 | 13 | Fast in-field sprayer travel |
| Double Reduction | 15.88:1 | 16 | Standard sprayer field drive |
| Double Reduction | 19.62:1 | 20 | Agricultural sprayer — most popular |
| Double Reduction | 21.74:1 | 22 | Harvester wheel drive |
| Double Reduction | 24.53:1 | 25 | Heavy harvester, beet/potato |
| Double Reduction | 28.37:1 | 28 | Sugar cane harvester, heavy traction |
| Double Reduction | 32.76:1 | 33 | Max-torque slow-speed harvest |
How the Model 6 Long Flange Wheel Drive Works
The Model 6 Long Flange Distance Planetary Gearbox uses a coaxial epicyclic gear arrangement where a hydraulic motor drives the sun gear at high speed, and the torque is multiplied and speed is reduced through one or two planetary gear stages before being delivered to the rotating wheel hub. The entire gear assembly is contained within a sealed ductile iron housing that itself forms the structural wheel carrier.
Hydraulic Motor Input
An SAE-flanged axial-piston or orbit hydraulic motor mounts to the long-flange motor face and drives the sun gear via a splined input shaft at 500 to 4,000 RPM.
First Stage Reduction
The sun gear drives three planet gears orbiting in a fixed ring gear. The planet carrier rotates and delivers the first torque multiplication stage (single-reduction units stop here).
Second Stage Reduction
In double-reduction units, the Stage 1 carrier output feeds a second sun gear and planet set, further multiplying torque to achieve ratios up to 33.79:1 for heavy harvesting traction loads.
Rotating Hub Output
The final stage drives the rotating housing (the outer ring gear carrier), which is the wheel mounting flange. The hub bolts directly to the wheel rim and rotates at the required low speed with full output torque.
Parking Brake Hold
Optional integral A2 Series parking brake applies spring force to lock the drive when hydraulic pressure is removed, preventing the loaded machine from rolling on slopes or during field-stop events.
Core Advantages of Our Model 6 Long Flange Wheel Drive
Eight engineering and commercial advantages that make our Long Flange Distance Planetary Wheel Drive the preferred choice for agricultural sprayer OEMs, harvester manufacturers, and replacement parts distributors worldwide.
Direct Auburn Model 6 Replacement
Every dimension — wheel mounting bolt circle, SAE motor flange, output hub pilot, oil port locations, and overall length — is verified against Auburn Gear Model 6 drawings. This is a bolt-on, drop-in replacement that requires no chassis modification, welding, or machined adaptors.
Purpose-Built for Agricultural Sprayers
The long flange distance configuration was originally developed specifically for high-clearance self-propelled sprayers — providing the body-to-axle clearance needed to pass over tall maize and similar crops without the wheel drive protruding beyond the tyre width. Our unit maintains this critical design intent.
5,650 N·m Max Intermittent Torque
Matching the Auburn Gear Model 6 double-reduction rating of 50,000 lb-in (5,650 N·m), this output torque capacity is sufficient for the heaviest harvesting operations in the most demanding field conditions — loaded sugar cane harvesters on clay soil at steep gradient, for example.
Integral A2 Parking Brake Available
Compatible with the Auburn A2 Series integral spring-applied hydraulic-release parking brake, which fits within the existing gearbox envelope without external protrusion. No separate caliper or brake booster required. Critical for slope-holding and parked machine safety in undulating field terrain.
Boot Seal Option for Extreme Conditions
An optional boot seal (outer dirt excluder) protects the main oil seal from crop debris, mud, and abrasive soil particles — extending seal life dramatically on harvesters operating in muddy autumn conditions. The boot seal is available on all Model 6 Long Flange variants.
Quick Disconnect Option
A tool-free quick disconnect allows the planetary drive to be disengaged from the wheel by pressing a button — enabling the machine to be towed in an emergency without removing wheel components. External contaminants are sealed out by internal O-rings and a gasket when disconnected.
Ductile Iron Housing for Shock Resistance
The rugged ductile iron (nodular cast iron) housing provides exceptional impact resistance against rock strikes and root impacts in field conditions — far superior to aluminium housing alternatives. The heat-treated ring gear minimises wear and backlash growth over the service life of the drive.
Full Reverse Power Capability
Reverse traction is obtained simply by reversing the hydraulic motor input direction — no clutch, no gear selector, no additional mechanism required. For agricultural sprayers and harvesters that reverse frequently on headlands, this provides identical torque capability in both directions.
Structure Design and Material Engineering
The Model 6 Long Flange Distance Wheel Drive is manufactured as a self-contained, sealed drive unit. The rotating housing design means the outer body of the gearbox is the wheel mounting flange, eliminating the need for a separate hub carrier. Every component is selected and manufactured to the agricultural heavy-duty service duty that defines this product category.
Rotating Housing
Ductile iron (GGG-50 equivalent) rotating outer housing that serves simultaneously as the ring gear carrier and wheel mounting flange. CNC-machined wheel bolt circle ensures concentricity and even bolt load distribution for wobble-free tyre rotation.
Planet and Sun Gears
All planetary gears are manufactured from case-hardened alloy steel (18CrNiMo7-6 equivalent), carburized and hardened to 58-62 HRC, then ground to DIN/ISO Class 6 accuracy. Optimised gear geometry matches Auburn Gear original specifications for direct interchangeability.
Ring Gear
Heat-treated ring gear (a feature absent in some competing units) minimises tooth wear that would otherwise lead to increased backlash over the service life. The ring gear is press-fit and positively retained in the rotating housing to prevent fretting under shock loads.
Main Bearing Assembly
Extra-large tapered roller bearing pairs at the wheel output hub are selected and pre-adjusted for the combined vertical (vehicle weight plus payload) and horizontal (traction and drawbar) loads characteristic of agricultural wheel drive service. External bearing nut provides ultimate shaft retention and greater shaft strength.
Sealing System
Triple-lip radial oil seal at the wheel output hub provides primary protection against soil, water, and chemical ingress. Optional boot seal (outer dirt excluder) adds a second line of defence against crop debris and mud in extreme autumn harvesting conditions.
Long Flange Motor Face
The extended motor mounting face is CNC-machined to the same SAE A or SAE B flange standard as the original Auburn Gear Model 6 unit, maintaining full motor compatibility while achieving the increased flange distance that defines this variant. All motor pilot bores, bolt holes, and case drain tappings are positioned identically to the OEM specification.
Integral Parking Brake
Compatible A2 Series spring-applied hydraulic-release brake pack is housed entirely within the existing gearbox envelope, fitting between the motor mounting face and the first planetary stage. Available in multiple torque ratings to match your specific parking grade requirement per ISO 3450.
Surface Treatment
External surfaces receive shot-blast cleaning and epoxy primer plus two-component PU topcoat resistant to fertiliser and pesticide chemical splash. Salt spray resistance exceeds 500 hours per ISO 9227. RAL colour matching available for OEM colour-coded machine builds.
Typical Application Scenarios
The Model 6 Long Flange Distance Planetary Wheel Drive is deployed across six key agricultural and off-highway machinery categories, each with specific requirements that this product is purpose-designed to meet.
High-Clearance Agricultural Sprayers
Self-propelled sprayers operating on tall-crop maize and sunflower must clear crop heights of 2.5 to 3.5 m while carrying full 4,000 to 6,000 litre spray tanks. The long flange wheel drive for agricultural sprayers provides the axle-to-frame clearance that allows the sprayer chassis to be positioned at maximum crop clearance height while accommodating large-diameter low-pressure flotation tyres. This is the single most common application for the long flange distance version.
Heavy-Duty Harvesters
Sugar cane, beet, potato, and forage harvesters are among the heaviest agricultural machines — fully loaded operating weights of 30 to 60 tonnes are common. The wheel drive gearbox for heavy duty harvesters must sustain maximum intermittent torque of 5,650 N·m continuously throughout harvest shifts while operating in wet, muddy, abrasive soil conditions. The boot seal option is strongly recommended for these applications.
Combine Harvester Header Drive
Large combine harvesters equipped with hydraulic wheel-assist drives on the front axle use planetary wheel drives to supplement the primary hydrostatic transmission during heavy load conditions. The long flange version allows the auxiliary wheel drive to be installed without conflicting with the existing front axle geometry and kingpin steering clearance.
Telehandler and Rough Terrain Forklift
Large telescopic handlers with extended boom reach use wide-base tyres for stability that require a corresponding wide wheel offset. The long flange distance planetary gearbox accommodates this geometry without axle modification. The double-reduction 20:1 to 33:1 ratio variants provide the slow-speed, high-torque wheel drive needed for precise load placement on rough terrain.
Off-Highway Construction Equipment
Wheeled loaders, graders, and road-paving equipment that use hydraulic wheel motors on steer or drive axles benefit from the long flange version when large-section tyres are specified for flotation on soft ground. Auburn Gear Model 6 compatible mounting ensures these OEM platforms can be serviced with our units without axle disassembly.
Aerial Lift and Elevated Work Platform
Rough-terrain boom lifts and scissor lifts with large outrigger tyres use single-reduction Model 6 variants (3.75:1 to 5.8:1) for faster travel speed between job positions. The integral parking brake is particularly important on these platforms where the elevated work platform must remain stationary on any gradient during elevated operation.
OEM Replacement Cross-Reference — Long Flange Wheel Drive
Our Model 6 Long Flange Distance Planetary Gearbox is dimensionally cross-referenced to the following OEM wheel drive brands and models. All critical interfaces are verified before confirming replacement compatibility. OEM names are referenced for cross-compatibility purposes only.
| OEM Brand | Compatible Series / Model | Torque Range | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn Gear | Model 6 / WD06 (Long Flange, H1/H2/H3 variants) | Up to 5,650 N·m | Sprayer, harvester, telehandler |
| Bonfiglioli | 600 Series Long Flange Wheel Drive | Up to 5,000 N·m | Agricultural machinery, harvester |
| Bosch Rexroth | GFT Series (GFT36 / GFT60 Long Flange) | Up to 6,000 N·m | Sprayer, construction, telehandler |
| Brevini (Dana) | WD Long Flange Wheel Drive Series | Up to 5,500 N·m | Agricultural harvester, forklift |
| Omni Gear | WD06 Series (Long Flange Variants) | Up to 5,650 N·m | Direct Auburn Model 6 equivalent |
| Zollern | GFW Long Flange Agricultural Wheel Drive | Up to 5,000 N·m | Heavy harvester, sprayer |
| Poclain Hydraulics | TW Series Long Flange Planetary | Up to 4,500 N·m | Agricultural, off-highway |
| Reggiana Riduttori | RR Wheel Drive Long Flange | Up to 5,000 N·m | Harvester, telehandler |
Don't see your model listed? Provide your existing Auburn Gear Model 6 part number, WD06 model code, or a dimensional sketch of the existing wheel drive and our team will confirm compatibility within 24 hours. We cross-reference all Model 6 feature codes including ratio (13, 16, 20, 22, 25, 28, 33), motor flange (A1, AF, B1, BF), and flange distance variant (H1, H2, H3). Submit Your Part Number
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from agricultural machinery engineers, OEM procurement teams, and service technicians about our Long Flange Planetary Wheel Drive and its compatibility with Auburn Gear Model 6 platforms.
Quality Assurance and Standards Compliance
Our Model 6 Long Flange Distance Wheel Drive is manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification with full component traceability from raw material receipt to final test. Key quality milestones include:
- Incoming Inspection: Spectroscopic alloy analysis on all gear steel billets; hardness verification per batch; dimensional inspection of castings against drawing tolerance.
- Gear Accuracy: 100 percent profile and lead measurement on all planet and sun gears to DIN/ISO Class 6 minimum. Ring gear tooth profile inspection on statistical sampling basis.
- Assembly Torque Control: All mounting fasteners torqued with calibrated electronic torque wrenches; values recorded on assembly travellers.
- Parking Brake Testing: Where fitted, every brake pack tested at 125 percent of rated brake torque before assembly. Spring force and disc thickness recorded per unit.
- Factory Acceptance Test: No-load run-in at rated input speed followed by full-load efficiency measurement, oil leak test, and dimensional inspection of all critical interfaces. Full test report issued per unit.
- Oil Seal Test: Air pressure leak test of assembled unit at 0.5 bar to verify seal integrity before shipment without oil fill.
Applicable standards include ISO 11684 (agricultural machinery safety markings), ISO 3450 (earth-moving machinery brakes), and Auburn Gear Power Wheel application methodology for bearing life calculation and torque rating verification.
How to Order the Correct Model 6 Long Flange Variant
Use this five-step process to specify the correct Model 6 Long Flange Distance wheel drive for your application. Alternatively, provide your existing Auburn Gear WD06 part number and we will decode it for you.
Step 1: Confirm Max Torque Requirement
Calculate maximum drawbar pull force (N) times wheel radius (m) equals required output torque (N·m). Apply service factor of 1.5 to 2.0 for shock loading and heavy-duty harvest cycles. Confirm this is below 5,650 N·m maximum intermittent rating.
Step 2: Select Gear Ratio
Gear ratio equals hydraulic 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 the nearest standard ratio code (13, 16, 20, 22, 25, 28, 33).
Step 3: Specify Motor Flange
Confirm hydraulic motor SAE flange standard: SAE A 4-bolt (code A1 or AF), SAE B 2-bolt (code B1 or BF), or SAE B 4-bolt. Confirm motor shaft diameter and spline standard. For electric motors, specify IEC frame size for adaptor plate.
Step 4: Confirm Flange Position
In Auburn Gear terminology, H1 / H2 / H3 denote the wheel mounting face position relative to the bearing load centre. Provide the H-code from the existing Auburn part number, or provide the actual dimension X (distance from mounting face to radial load in inches or mm).
Step 5: Specify Options
Confirm whether parking brake is required (specify brake release pressure and required holding torque), whether boot seal is required (recommended for harvest applications), and whether quick disconnect is required (recommended for field-recoverable machines).
Free Application Review: Provide your existing Auburn Gear WD06 part number, or send your machine make and model with the five selection parameters above. Our engineers will confirm the exact specification and provide a dimensional drawing within 48 hours — completely free. Start Your Free Application Review
Source Your Model 6 Long Flange Planetary Wheel Drive Today
Whether you need an urgent replacement long flange wheel drive for agricultural sprayers to minimise harvest downtime, a production-volume supply of wheel drive gearboxes for heavy duty harvesters, or a reliable long flange planetary wheel drive manufacturer partner for your OEM program, our team delivers the right unit at the right price — backed by 20 or more years of planetary gearbox manufacturing expertise and global distribution.
Explore our complete planetary gearbox and wheel drive range at planetary-gearboxes.net, or speak directly with an agricultural wheel drive specialist via our Contact Us page.
