1. What is Gearing Ratio?

The gearing ratio (GR) is the ratio of the number of teeth on the driven gear to the number of teeth on the driver gear. It determines the speed and torque relationship between the two gears in a lawn mower's transmission system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gearing ratio formula:

Where:

• \( Teeth_{driven} \) — Number of teeth on the driven gear
• \( Teeth_{driver} \) — Number of teeth on the driver gear

Explanation: A ratio greater than 1 indicates speed reduction and torque increase, while a ratio less than 1 indicates speed increase and torque reduction.

3. Importance of Gearing Ratio

Details: Proper gearing is crucial for optimal lawn mower performance, affecting cutting speed, power delivery, and fuel efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Count the teeth on both gears carefully. Enter whole numbers only (minimum 1 tooth for each gear).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical gearing ratio for lawn mowers?
A: Most residential mowers have ratios between 2:1 and 6:1, depending on the engine power and cutting conditions.

Q2: How does gearing affect mower performance?
A: Higher ratios provide more torque for thick grass but slower blade speed. Lower ratios give faster blade speed but less torque.

Q3: Can I use this for other gear systems?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to any simple gear pair, though specific applications may have different optimal ratios.

Q4: What if my mower has a belt drive?
A: For belt drives, use pulley diameters instead of tooth counts (ratio = driven diameter/driver diameter).

Q5: How often should I check my mower's gearing?
A: Inspect annually or whenever you notice performance changes. Worn gears can affect the effective ratio.