Lock & Dam Gearing Solutions

Locks and dams depend on powerful, reliable mechanical systems to control water levels, move gates, operate valves, and keep commercial and recreational traffic moving safely through America’s waterways. These applications frequently require high torque at low operating speeds, precise movement, and equipment capable of providing dependable service for decades.

For over 130 years Overton Chicago Gear has designed, manufactured, repaired, and upgraded heavy-duty gearing and gearboxes for demanding public works applications, including locks, dams, and movable bridges. From individual replacement gears to complete custom drive systems, OCG provides engineered solutions built around the operating requirements and physical limitations of each installation.

Gearing for Critical Waterway Operations

Lock DAM

Lock and dam machinery must perform under heavy loads while exposed to moisture, temperature changes, corrosion, flooding risk, and long periods between major overhauls. Depending on the facility and equipment design, gearing may be used in:

Miter and sector gate operating systems
Tainter gate and valve drive machinery
Gate hoists and lifting systems
Tow-haulage and winch equipment
Dam gate operating machinery
Movable bridge drive systems
Auxiliary pumps and mechanical systems

Repair, Rebuild and Reverse Engineering

Many lock and dam drive systems have remained in operation for generations. When an original gearbox or gear set becomes worn, damaged, or obsolete, replacing the surrounding machinery may be impractical or prohibitively expensive.

OCG can inspect existing equipment, reverse engineer individual components or complete assemblies, and manufacture replacements designed to fit within established mounting locations and equipment connections. Depending on project requirements, OCG can reproduce the original design or develop an upgraded solution using improved gear geometry, materials, processing methods, bearings, seals, lubrication, and condition-monitoring features.

Engineered for Long-Term Reliability

OCG’s lock and dam gearing capabilities include:

Custom enclosed gearboxes
Right-angle and parallel-shaft configurations
Spur, helical, bevel-helical, and planetary gearing
Large open gears and pinions
Drop-in replacement gearboxes
Gearbox inspection and failure analysis
Reverse engineering of unsupported equipment
Gearbox rebuilding and rotating-component replacement
Custom lubrication and condition-monitoring systems
No-load and project-specific testing

OCG combines engineering, manufacturing, heat treatment, inspection, and metrology resources to produce durable gearing for difficult, mission-critical applications.

Whether the project involves replacing a single obsolete gear, rebuilding a decades-old speed reducer, or engineering a complete new drive system, Overton Chicago Gear delivers precision gearing shaped for the unique demands of lock, dam, and waterway infrastructure.

Let OCG help keep your critical water-control and navigation equipment moving reliably.