The Vortex VXT-Series is a parallel-shaft speed reducer designed for direct mounting on conveyor and screw drive shafts. Available in ten unit sizes (VXT2 through VXT12), four nominal ratios (5:1, 9:1, 15:1, 25:1), and AGMA equivalents from 115 through 415. Texas Belting and Supply stocks the complete Vortex VXT XD line in Houston for same-day shipping on unit handling, bulk material handling, screw conveyor, and industrial fan drive applications.
| Quick Reference | Specification |
|---|---|
| Series | Vortex VXT-Series shaft mount speed reducer |
| Available Sizes | 10 sizes from VXT2 (3.76" center distance, AGMA 115) through VXT12 (13.78" center distance, AGMA 415) |
| Available Ratios | 5:1, 9:1, 15:1, 25:1 nominal (exact ratios listed on each product page) |
| Input | Solid input shaft, driven by V-belt sheave from a standard NEMA electric motor |
| Output | Hollow output bore, sized by separately ordered tapered bushing kit (7/8" through 5 7/16" bore options) |
| Housing | Cast iron, XD configuration (heavy-duty seals, synthetic oil, sealed breather) |
| Reaction Torque | Reacted to frame via torque arm assembly (sold separately, size-matched) |
| Country of Origin | Manufactured for the Vortex Speed Reducers product line |
About the Vortex VXT-Series
A shaft mount reducer simplifies a conveyor or bulk handling drive by eliminating the coupling, alignment plate, and motor base typically required by a base-mounted reducer. The VXT hollow output bore slides directly over the driven shaft and locks with a tapered bushing kit. The reducer hangs on the driven shaft itself; a torque arm bolts the reducer housing to a stationary frame to react the torque. The result is a compact, low-maintenance drive that takes up minimal floor space and is straightforward to service.
All Vortex VXT reducers stocked at Texas Belting and Supply are the XD configuration, featuring heavy-duty seals, synthetic gear oil rated for service temperatures from minus 20 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and a sealed breather plug that prevents moisture ingress during temperature cycling. This makes the XD configuration suitable for outdoor and washdown service in addition to indoor industrial applications.
Available Sizes and Ratios
The VXT line spans ten unit sizes with center distances from 3.76 inches (VXT2) through 13.78 inches (VXT12). Each Vortex size has an AGMA equivalent for direct cross-reference to Dodge, Falk, Browning, and Hub City shaft mount reducers at the same AGMA size class.
| Vortex Size | AGMA Size | Center Distance | Available Ratios |
|---|---|---|---|
| VXT2 | 115 | 3.76" | 5:1, 9:1, 15:1, 25:1 |
| VXT3 | 203 | 4.33" | 5:1, 9:1, 15:1, 25:1 |
| VXT4 | 207 | 5.04" | 5:1, 9:1, 15:1, 25:1 |
| VXT5 | 215 | 5.67" | 5:1, 9:1, 15:1, 25:1, 25:1 (Rev A) |
| VXT6 | 300 | 6.43" | 5:1, 9:1, 15:1, 25:1, 25:1 (Rev A) |
| VXT7 | 307 | 7.32" | 15:1, 25:1, 25:1 (Rev A) |
| VXT8 | 315 | 8.23" | 15:1, 25:1, 25:1 (Rev A) |
| VXT9 | 400 | 10.04" | 15:1, 25:1, 25:1 (Rev A) |
| VXT10 | 407 | 11.18" | 15:1, 25:1 |
| VXT12 | 415 | 13.78" | 15:1, 25:1 |
A Rev indicates the updated mechanical revision of the 25:1 unit at that size. Rev A and non-Rev A both ship currently and share the same dimensional and ratio specifications; Rev A has updated internal seals and bearings.
How to Read a Vortex VXT Part Number
VXT part numbers follow a structured format. Take VXT525 XD as the example:
| Segment | Meaning |
|---|---|
| VXT | Series identifier (Vortex Shaft Mount, XD configuration) |
| 5 | Vortex unit size (size 5, AGMA equivalent 215, 5.67-inch center distance) |
| 25 | Nominal gear ratio (25:1) |
| A | Revision indicator (optional, present on revised production parts only) |
| XD | XD configuration (heavy-duty seals, synthetic oil, sealed breather) |
Applications
VXT-Series shaft mount reducers are used in fixed-speed, parallel-shaft power transmission applications. Typical installations include:
- Unit handling belt conveyors in distribution and warehouse facilities
- Bulk material handling conveyors in cement, aggregate, and recycling plants
- Screw conveyors for grain, sugar, and bulk powder material movement
- Bucket elevators in food processing and grain handling
- Industrial fan and blower drives in HVAC and process ventilation
- Mixer and agitator drives in chemical and water treatment installations
- OEM equipment where a compact, sealed shaft mount drive is integrated into the design
Competitor Cross-References
The Vortex VXT-Series interchanges with most major shaft mount reducer brands at matching AGMA size and ratio. Append the two-digit ratio code (05, 09, 15, 25) to the competitor base part number to find the exact ratio replacement. Always verify the bushing bore size and torque arm separately, as those are sold as accessories regardless of brand.
| Manufacturer | Line | VXT2 | VXT3 | VXT4 | VXT5 | VXT6 | VXT7 | VXT8 | VXT9 | VXT10 | VXT12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falk 5000 | F-Series | 5115J | 5203J | 5207J | 5215J | 5300J | 5307J | 5315J | 5400J | 5407J | 5415J |
| Browning | SMTP | 115SMTP | 203SMTP | 207SMTP | 215SMTP | 300SMTP | 307SMTP | 315SMTP | 400SMTP | 407SMTP | 415SMTP |
| Dodge TXT | T-Series | TXT205T | TXT305T | TXT405T | TXT525T | TXT625T | TXT725T | TXT825T | TXT925T | TXT1015T | TXT1215T |
| Dodge TAII | H-Series | TA2115H | TA3203H | TA4207H | TA5215H | TA6300H | TA7307H | TA8315H | TA9400H | N/A | N/A |
| Hub City | PB Series | PB115 | PB203 | PB207 | PB215 | PB300 | PB307 | PB315 | PB400 | N/A | N/A |
Selection Guide
To select a Vortex VXT reducer for your application, work through five questions in order:
- What's the driven shaft bore size? The hollow output bore in the VXT housing fits a tapered bushing kit. Available bore sizes range from 7/8 inch through 5 7/16 inches depending on the VXT size. Confirm bore size matches your conveyor or screw drive shaft.
- What output speed do you need? Output RPM equals motor RPM divided by the combined ratio of the V-belt drive and the reducer. A 1750 RPM motor through a 2:1 belt drive into a 25:1 VXT gives 35 RPM at the output.
- What torque does the driven load require? Compare required output torque to the reducer's mechanical rating at your ratio. Build in a service factor of 1.0 to 2.0 depending on duty.
- What is the AGMA size of the unit being replaced? If you are replacing an existing Dodge, Falk, Browning, or Hub City shaft mount, the AGMA size on the nameplate maps directly to the Vortex size via the cross-reference table above.
- What accessories do you need? Every VXT installation requires a bushing kit (sized to your driven shaft) and a torque arm (sized to the VXT). Backstops are optional for inclined conveyors and applications where reverse rotation must be prevented under load loss.
If you would prefer that we size the complete drive for you (reducer, bushing kit, torque arm, and optional backstop), call (888) 203-2358 or open a quote with your application details: driven equipment, motor HP, driven shaft size, required output speed, and operating cycle. We will spec the complete package and confirm stock from Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vortex VXT shaft mount speed reducer?
A Vortex VXT is a parallel-shaft speed reducer designed to mount directly on a driven conveyor or screw shaft instead of being coupled to it. The hollow output bore slides over the driven shaft and locks with a tapered bushing kit, eliminating the alignment and coupling work required by base-mounted reducers. Power comes in through a solid input shaft on the opposite side, driven by a sheave and V-belt from an electric motor. Output torque drives the conveyor or screw directly; reaction torque is transferred to a stationary frame via a torque arm (sold separately as a VXT accessory). This makes the VXT the standard choice for unit handling, bulk material handling, screw conveyors, bucket elevators, and industrial blower drives.
How do I read a Vortex VXT part number?
VXT part numbers follow the format VXT[size][ratio] XD. Take VXT525 XD as the example. VXT identifies the series. 5 is the Vortex unit size (size 5, AGMA equivalent 215, 5.67-inch center distance). 25 is the nominal gear ratio (25:1, with an exact ratio of 25.56:1). XD designates the housing as the XD configuration with seals rated for outdoor and washdown service. Some sizes also include an A revision suffix (VXT525A XD), indicating an updated mechanical design with revised seals and bearings while maintaining the same dimensional and ratio specifications as the non-A version.
What sizes and ratios are available?
The Vortex VXT line is available in 10 unit sizes (VXT2 through VXT9, plus VXT10 and VXT12) and four nominal ratios: 5:1, 9:1, 15:1, and 25:1. Not every size offers every ratio. Sizes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are available in all four ratios. Sizes 7, 8, and 9 are available in 15:1 and 25:1 only. Sizes 10 and 12 are available in 15:1 and 25:1 only. The 25A revision is available in sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. See the size availability table above for the complete matrix.
Which Vortex VXT replaces a Dodge TXT, Falk 5000, or Browning SMTP shaft mount?
Vortex VXT cross-references to the major shaft mount reducer brands based on AGMA size and ratio. AGMA size 115 (Vortex VXT2) replaces Dodge TXT205T, Falk 5115J, Browning 115SMTP, and Hub City PB115. AGMA size 215 (VXT5) replaces Dodge TXT525T, Falk 5215J, Browning 215SMTP, and Hub City PB215. AGMA size 315 (VXT8) replaces Dodge TXT825T, Falk 5315J, Browning 315SMTP, and Hub City PB315. For ratio matching, append the two-digit ratio code (05, 09, 15, 25) to the competitor base part number. Always verify the bushing kit and torque arm separately as those are sold as accessories regardless of brand.
Does the Vortex VXT include a bushing kit and torque arm?
No. The VXT reducer ships with the gearbox only. The bushing kit (which sets the actual driven shaft bore size in the hollow output) and the torque arm (which reacts torque to the frame) are sold separately as VXT accessories. Standard bushing kits are available in shaft bore sizes from 7/8 inch through 5 7/16 inches depending on the VXT size. Torque arm length and capacity are matched to the VXT size. When ordering a complete drive, you typically need: the VXT reducer, one bushing kit sized for your driven shaft, and one torque arm assembly. Some VXT installations also use a backstop accessory for inclined conveyors where reverse rotation must be prevented.
What is the difference between VXT XD and VXT non-XD?
The XD suffix designates the VXT XD configuration, which is the current production standard from Vortex. XD units feature heavy-duty oil seals on the input and output shafts, a synthetic oil charge suited for service temperatures from minus 20 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and a sealed breather plug that maintains internal pressure during temperature cycling without admitting moisture. The XD configuration is appropriate for indoor service, outdoor service, washdown environments, and food-grade or pharmaceutical installations where seal integrity is important. All Vortex VXT reducers stocked at Texas Belting are XD configured.
Does the Vortex VXT ship from Houston?
Yes. All Vortex VXT shaft mount reducers in our active inventory ship from Texas Belting and Supply's Houston, TX warehouse the same business day for orders placed before 3 PM Central time. Standard sizes VXT2 through VXT9 in the four nominal ratios are generally stocked. VXT10 and VXT12 (larger sizes) and certain A-revision parts may have a one to three business day lead time. Call (888) 203-2358 to confirm current inventory and request a quote.
Need help sizing a Vortex VXT shaft mount reducer?
Houston warehouse, same-day shipping on stock items. Complete drive packages available (reducer, bushing kit, torque arm, backstop).
Call (888) 203-2358
