Finally, we also control the standard of each component and each part of the manufacturing process. A devoted team of buyers, engineers, quality inspectors and machine operators works night and day to ensure each component meets the stringent Valley quality requirements. Because our suppliers are located in the United States, we can simply perform random inspections of their services to ensure they are meeting our quality requirements. All major parts are also machined by Valley, providing a second quality level control. A final inspection is conducted by examining each gearbox before it is shipped. And, to further ensure Valley quality, randomly chosen gearboxes are life-tested inside our gearbox testing laboratory.
But, even the best gear design and components won’t help if the gearbox isn’t sealed from the components. That’s why Valley uses a patented six-barrier irrigation gearbox insight and nine-barrier result seal to keep oil in and complications out. To compensate for this longer shaft, particular wheels are used that truly move the center of the tire closer to the gearbox output bearing compared to the industry standard, reducing the strain on the gearbox.
Valley also uses U.S.-made, case-hardened bearings made from ultra-pure steel instead of through-hardened Chinese bearings utilized by others. Case-hardening provides superior wear characteristics while maintaining the inner toughness of the core material. Because of this, Valley bearings possess a 40 percent greater load rating.
The Valley gearbox also offers a 52:1 gear ratio. This implies the gearbox uses 4 percent much less energy to move 
the machine through the field, but, more importantly, the design has a completely recessed tooth actions. With a completely recessed design, the gears maintain lubrication oil between your gears longer, reducing friction for improved load capability and longer life.