Cat SX2 idler gear option

[Bishrocks]

Can anyone tell me which is the better option to run on the cat sx2,
the optional layshaft and steel pinion gear set or should i just use the steel idler gears?

[bigred5765]

we always just ran the steel idlers.but i guess the choice is yours

[Cardnim]

Hey Bish,

I upgraded to the steel layshafts and pinions and didnt notice any change in efficiency (which is good) and the one thing is that it gives you more options for internal gearing I think over the steel idlers.

Having said that though, never once did I change the internal gearing so not sure it has huge benefits outside that.

Hope it helps.

[Bishrocks]

Thanks for the reply guys, but my concern is not changing the internal gearing, i am just interested in which option is stronger and more reliable, because the upgrade has pinion gears on the latshaft. It just seems like it could be too easy for those to come loose.

[Cardnim]

Originally Posted by Bishrocks

Thanks for the reply guys, but my concern is not changing the internal gearing, i am just interested in which option is stronger and more reliable, because the upgrade has pinion gears on the latshaft. It just seems like it could be too easy for those to come loose.

Ahh ok, got ya mate.
Well in that case, I think the steel layshaft is better. Since upgrading to that Ive had no problems with durability.
Also Simon Moss mentioned that it gives more reliability in this area too.

The pinions gears have come loose on me only once - and this was down to my own fault.
They are held on with both a grub screw on the flat part of the layshaft, and also a strong nylon lock nut so its a strong combo.

[bigred5765]

which is the exact reason we went for steel idlers, safer option imho

[Bishrocks]

I have had grub screws come loose even after using thread lock so my main concern is these pinions coming loose.

[Cardnim]

Maybe steel idlers is the way to go then?
But I can only comment on my experience, and when done up correctly, the steel layshaft and pinions have not come loose on me.

Maybe the steel idlers are a cheaper upgrade too, adding more weight to the argument to go for those?

[Bishrocks]

I guess i'll just stick with the steel idlers, the only reason i was looking at the opional upgrade was the slipper set-up, looks like it is easier to change a spur gear with the slipper on the left side. But for reliablity i'll just stick with the old set up.

Thanks!!