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[seagate]

Hi,
Can anyone tell me whether there's any advanhtage in fitting metal as opposed to plastic geared servos in my case? My boat is a small tug which has a single rudder measuring 45mm x 30mm.
Thanks in advance,
John

[Martin (Admin)]

Metal gears are much harder wearing and are 'usually' fitted to the 'better' servos.

[essex2visuvesi]

Yes metal are normally stronger and do last longer, the downside of metal however is that they can be noisier in operation and if there is a problem (ie jammed rudder) you are more likely to burn out the servo motor/electronics than just strip a gear or 2.


In my opinion plastic gears are fine for most boats.  If you are racing or have a big heavy boat then metal gears could be an option.


I do use metal gear servos in the Kids RC cars, but then the steering servo on an offroad RC car takes a lot more punishment that a rudder servo in a average model boat (especially with my stepdaughters at the controls!)

[dusty]

 
 
 
I'd  go for the cost, cheaper to replace a plastic servo than a metal geared one.
if there is a problem better the plastic breaks than the rudder is damaged.

[Subculture]

Plastic gears should be longer lasting than metal. Has anyone here actually worn a set of gears out on a servo. I've busted a couple, but never actually worn them out.

They won't take overloading like metal gears, but that is very unlikely to be an issue in boats. Cars and helicopters are the hardest on servos.

[Martin (Admin)]

Usually when plastic gears wear out,  they snap teeth...

[essex2visuvesi]

Has anyone here actually worn a set of gears out on a servo.

Now that you mention it no..... I usually strip the teeth following some kind of impact 
Also a good quality plastic geared servo will outperform a cheap metal gear one

[Martin (Admin)]

Also a good quality plastic geared servo will outperform a cheap metal gear one

???!!!!! Never! I challenge you to a dual sir! Servos at Dawn!

[Norseman]

Dawn?
Why not a bit later when the server is down

... Ah The Devil made me do it Martin

Dave

[essex2visuvesi]

???!!!!! Never! I challenge you to a dual sir! Servos at Dawn!

No theres a thought Servo Tug o war! maybe a challenge for the next mayhem weekend

[sparkey]

  I have no preference myself, some of the composite plastic's that  are out now are as strong as steel and very hard wearing so you pay your money and take your pick,the better quality servo's will alway's be strong whatever the gears are made of,Ray.

[CF-FZG]

Now that you mention it no..... I usually strip the teeth following some kind of impact 
Also a good quality plastic geared servo will outperform a cheap metal gear one

Hear, Hear!!