Description
The Vortex VR98-20-280TC is a NEMA C-face mounted inline helical speed reducer with a 20:1 nominal ratio (actual ratio 20.14:1) and a 280TC NEMA input flange. The input and output shafts are coaxial (in line with each other), which makes this the right Vortex unit for applications where a standard NEMA C-face motor drives a single coaxial output shaft: belt and roller conveyors, packaging machinery, mixers, blowers, and OEM machinery. The VR98 is sized for 15 through 20 HP applications.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | Vortex VR98-20-280TC |
| Series | Vortex VR-Series Inline Helical Reducer |
| Vortex Unit Size | VR98 |
| HP Class | 15 through 20 HP |
| Nominal Ratio | 20:1 |
| Exact Ratio | 20.14:1 |
| Configuration | Inline (input and output coaxial) |
| Input | NEMA 280TC C-face input flange |
| Output | Solid output shaft with keyway |
| Mechanical Efficiency | Typically 95% or above (helical gearing) |
| Compatible Motor Frames (VR98) | 180TC, 182TC, 184TC, 210TC, 213TC, 215TC, 250TC, 254TC, 256TC, 280TC, 284TC, 286TC |
| Overall Dimensions | 17.6" L × 13.5" W × 14.43" H |
| Weight | 1.0 lbs |
| Housing Material | Iron Housing |
| Lubrication | Synthetic gear oil, -20 to 200 deg F service range |
| GTIN | 192056079403 |
| Shipping | Texas Belting & Supply, Houston, TX |
Downloadable Spec Sheet
Full dimensional drawings, motor mounting dimensions, ratio table with exact ratios, oil fill capacity, and output shaft dimensions for the VR98 size.
Download VR98 Spec Sheet (PDF)About This Unit
The Vortex VR98 is a single or multi-stage helical gear reducer housed in a cast iron case. Input is a NEMA C-face flange that bolts a standard 280TC motor directly to the unit; output is a coaxial solid shaft with a keyway. Helical gear teeth engage gradually rather than abruptly, which produces smoother operation, lower noise, and higher load capacity per unit size than spur or worm gearing. The synthetic gear oil charge supports service temperatures from minus 20 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, suiting the VR-Series to indoor, outdoor protected, and washdown applications.
Typical applications: belt and roller conveyors, packaging machinery, mixers and agitators, blowers and fans, pump drives, and OEM machinery requiring a compact high-efficiency inline gearbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Vortex VR98-20-280TC replace?
This is a NEMA 280TC mounted inline helical reducer at 20:1 ratio in the VR98 size class (15 through 20 HP). It cross-references dimensionally to inline helical reducers from SEW-Eurodrive, Sumitomo, Nord, Bonfiglioli, Falk, Stober, and other major manufacturers at matching motor frame and ratio. Match the existing reducer's motor frame, output shaft diameter, gear ratio, and overall dimensions against the downloadable VR98 spec sheet to confirm fit.
Why choose inline helical over a worm gear reducer for this application?
Inline helical reducers like the VR-Series typically run at 95% or higher mechanical efficiency versus 50 to 90% for worm gear reducers, which means less energy loss to heat, longer service life, and the ability to drive larger loads from a smaller motor. The inline configuration also keeps the output shaft on the same axis as the motor, which is preferable in pumps, blowers, and any installation where the driven shaft was previously direct-coupled. Worm gear is the better choice when budget is the primary constraint, when self-locking output is needed, or when a 90-degree offset is required.
Does the Vortex VR98-20-280TC ship from Houston?
Yes. This part ships from Texas Belting and Supply's Houston, TX warehouse the same business day for orders placed before 3 PM Central time, subject to current inventory. Call (888) 203-2358 to confirm stock.
Questions about this Vortex VR98-20-280TC?
Engineering support and same-day shipping from Houston.
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