In mechanics, the term “over-geared” typically refers to a situation in which a vehicle’s or machinery’s gear ratio is set too high for the given conditions or task. In simpler terms, the equipment uses a gear that provides more speed but less torque, which might not be appropriate for the current load or terrain.
Let’s break it down:
Gear Ratio:
Gears in vehicles and machinery are used to transmit power from the engine or motor to the wheels or other moving parts. The gear ratio determines how many times the output shaft (wheels or moving parts) rotates compared to the input shaft (engine or motor) for each revolution. A higher gear ratio (more output rotations for each input rotation) provides higher speed, but typically less force or torque.
Torque:
Torque is the rotational force that an engine or motor generates. It’s what allows an engine to overcome resistance and move a vehicle or perform other tasks. Higher torque is often needed for tasks that require moving heavy loads or dealing with challenging terrain.