In Russia, the production of new generation gearboxes for domestic special equipment on electric traction is being mastered

2025: Development of the on-board gearbox (RB-25)

One of the key elements of the electric transmission is the on-board gearbox (RB-25) for light special equipment developed in Russia by the engineering company A Priori Solutions of Machines. The mechanism of domestic production until the end of 2025 will be equipped with Russian electric tractors and electric loaders of the Silant brand. The customer of the localized transmission component was the Cheboksary Power Plant (ChZSA). The project is aimed at increasing the share of domestic components in the production of special equipment and reducing dependence on imports. In 2024, Russian special equipment has already received electric drives and leading bridges of domestic development, which ensured a high level of localization of the component base - up to 80%. About this "A priori solutions of machines" reported on April 28, 2025.

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Фото: A priori machine solutions

The RB-25 on-board gearbox is a key component of electromechanical transmissions for forklifts with a carrying capacity of up to 2.5 tons and the Universal electric tractor. Previously, the production of on-board gearboxes in the country was limited to several Soviet-style sizes. Modern models of technology used imported analogues, mainly from Italy and Germany. The development of AWS engineers of this transmission model for special equipment with a gross weight of up to 4 tons is primarily intended for introduction into mass production at the ChZSA plant, and will also be available for any other manufacturers of electric transport in Russia.

The gearbox RB-25 designed to increase the level of localization of the production of forklifts and the Universal electric tractor, which are produced at the ChZSA under the Silant brand, - said Grigory Bolotin, chairman of the council of the Association of the Engineering Cluster of the Chuvash Republic, which includes both enterprises. In the future, the development of AWS will serve as the basis for the production of a whole line of similar components, including models for electromechanical transmissions for tracked vehicles weighing up to 30 tons, which opens up opportunities for domestic manufacturers in the special equipment market. The gearbox will allow us to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, ensure the stability of supplies and offer the market competitive products of domestic production.

The AWS developers noted that the gearbox is RB-25 distinguished by a number of important design features. Firstly, the use of standard components available on the Russian market reduces the cost of production, facilitates repairs and minimizes dependence on imported supplies.

Second, a two-stage transmission including cylindrical and planetary stages provides high torque and stable operation over a wide range of loads. The built-in multi-disc friction brake with an external hydraulic drive increases the safety of the equipment and simplifies its maintenance.

The design provides for several modifications for docking with various electric motors: direct transmission of rotation from the rotor shaft or connection through a drive shaft-gear inside a gearbox for electric motors with a splined shaft.

As part of the electromechanical transmission, the gearbox will RB-25 function together with the traction motor developed by the AWS - VID-6-1500, forming an effective and reliable power drive for special equipment. The release of the first prototype is scheduled for the 3rd quarter of 2025, after which tests will be carried out as part of the equipment to confirm the declared characteristics of the gearbox. In the series, the unit is planned to be launched at the end of all testing work in 2026.