Number one mill low speed gearbox failure at Pioneer Mill

Number one mill was installed in the Pioneer Sugar Mills Limited factory in 1976. It is a 2.5 m x 1.25 m diameter six roll mill, powered by a 1120 kW turbine. The low speed gearbox has a ratio of 20: 1. During the 1983 crushing season the intermediate shaft failed on a similar gearbox at Plane Creek sugar mill. Pioneer mill immediately took steps to prolong the life of the intermediate shaft when a crack was discovered at the same position where the shaft failed at Plane Creek Mill.