Frequently Asked Questions

- Where does DBS operate? DBS operates globally, with facilities and service centres across multiple continents. This global presence ensures local support, faster response times, and consistent service wherever customers are located.

- What industries does DBS support? We provide gearbox solutions for a wide range of heavy industries, including mining and minerals, cement, oil and gas, power generation, metals processing, marine and port operations, rail, and paper production. Our systems are designed to perform reliably in demanding, high-load applications.

- How experienced is DBS in gear engineering? DBS brings together nearly three centuries of combined gear engineering expertise. This heritage, combined with global operations and modern engineering capabilities, enables us to deliver reliable solutions for the world’s most demanding industrial applications.

- Does DBS supply girth gears? Yes. DBS designs and manufactures high-quality girth gears engineered for demanding industrial applications. Each girth gear is tailored to meet specific operational requirements, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and long service life in critical processes.

- What are new gear systems and how are they designed? New gear systems are fully engineered solutions designed to meet the specific requirements of an application. DBS works closely with customers to develop tailor-made gear systems based on operating conditions, performance demands, and industry standards, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency.

- Can DBS customise gearboxes for specific applications? Yes. Every DBS gear system is engineered to meet specific customer requirements. We design tailor-made solutions based on operating conditions, performance demands, and application needs to ensure optimal efficiency and reliability.

- Can DBS upgrade existing gear systems? Yes. DBS offers engineering upgrades that improve gearbox performance, efficiency, and reliability. This can include redesigning components, replacing worn parts, or enhancing the overall system to meet modern operational demands.

- How does DBS ensure a gearbox solution delivers long-term value? DBS works closely with customers to understand their application, operating conditions, performance priorities, maintenance requirements, and business-critical risks. We consider factors such as reliability, energy efficiency, lifecycle cost, maintainability, and the impact of unplanned downtime - not only the initial equipment price. This customer-driven approach helps us develop a solution that supports safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation throughout the gearbox lifecycle.

- Does DBS offer on-site gearbox support? Yes. DBS provides global field service support with experienced engineers available to work on-site. This includes emergency breakdown response, planned maintenance, inspections, and installation support to help customers maintain operational continuity.

- What services are included in gearbox lifecycle support? Our lifecycle support covers everything from initial design and manufacturing to installation, maintenance, condition monitoring, repair, upgrades, and replacement. This ensures consistent performance, reduced downtime, and long-term reliability throughout the life of the gearbox.

- How does DBS minimise downtime during gearbox failure? We offer global support through a network of service centres and engineers who can respond quickly to breakdowns. Repairs can often be carried out on-site, and where this isn’t possible, we work to minimise turnaround time through efficient repair processes and local support teams.

- Can DBS inspect a gearbox before a failure occurs? Yes. DBS can assess gearbox condition through on-site inspections, service-centre inspections, condition monitoring, and engineering analysis. The findings can be used to identify developing risks, define the required maintenance scope, and plan repairs or upgrades before a critical failure causes extended downtime.

- What is GearWatch Condition Monitoring? GearWatch is DBS’s advanced condition monitoring system that provides real-time data on gearbox performance. It continuously measures and analyses operating conditions, alerts users to potential issues, and helps optimise maintenance schedules to increase reliability and extend equipment life.

- Can DBS repair gearboxes from other manufacturers? Yes. DBS can service, repair, and upgrade any industrial gearbox, regardless of the original manufacturer, make, or model. Our engineers use advanced inspection techniques and decades of application knowledge to restore performance and improve reliability.

- Can DBS provide a drop-in replacement for an obsolete gearbox? Yes. Where an existing gearbox is obsolete or no longer supported, DBS can engineer a replacement to suit the available installation envelope and required interface points. Depending on the application, the solution may also incorporate modern materials, optimised gearing, updated lubrication, and improved monitoring provisions to enhance reliability and maintainability.

- Can DBS provide spare gearbox parts? Yes. DBS supplies a comprehensive range of OEM and aftermarket spare parts for industrial gearboxes, regardless of the original manufacturer. This includes critical components designed to maintain performance, extend equipment life, and minimise unplanned downtime.