This Booklet describes briefly the well known BALL IMPROVED REVERSE GEAR for Motor Boats. We call your attention to the important and practical features of this Gear by a few illustrations of the Gear itself, and by explanations of what it will do in actual operation. We are the oldest manufacturers of the all-Spur Planetary Reverse Gear, being the inventors and the first to construct and operate a successful Reverse Gear of the planetary type, and, therefore, can give our patrons the benefit of our long experience in this special line of manufacture. Although our earlier gears met with most gratifying success, it has been our constant study and aim to make some marked improvement each year, always maintaining, however, the original and distinctive characteristics of this Gear. Changes have been made where experience has shown it necessary in order to meet the extra demands put upon the Gear. By being able to fulfill and even exceed these additional requirements, the Ball Gear has successfully continued its superiority and leadership.

We carry four sizes in stock, but make gears to order up to any horsepower. When ordering, give diameter of engine shaft. We bore the hub end of gear to fit on engine shaft, thus making it very simple to install, as only one coupling is needed for the propeller shaft. The number by which we designate our gears does not correspond with that of any other make of gears, as will be seen by comparison.

The Brake Band must be supported on each side and the screws for holding it down by the lugs must be left about one thirty-second slack to allow side play, so that the band can be tightened completely around the drum when reversing. For the larger size gears it is desirable to use a thrust bearing on the propeller shaft to take the thrust both ways. When assembling the gear, be sure to have the marks (1) on the double gears toward the center of the shaft.

To adjust the clutch, take out the set screw and lock nut on the spider that carries the three dogs. Screw the spider on the sleeve sufficient to make clutch hold so the cone can be thrown in with moderate pressure. Next, replace the set screw so the point enters one of the grooves in the sleeve, moderately tight; then screw lock nut tight.

The gear case must always be kept filled with soft grease, and outside working parts oiled enough to prevent them rusting fast. All gears when shipped are filled with grease ready for use.

All bearings are extra large for the amount of work they have to do and are all bushed with the best of bronze.

By shifting the lever aft, the band is tightened, thus giving the reverse speed. By shifting the lever forward the band is released and at the same time the cone is thrown in, giving the speed ahead or direct drive with no gears in operation. By shifting the lever so that it is straight, the band is released and the cone thrown out so that the motor runs without moving the boat.

The reverse speed is one-fourth slower than the forward speed.

The clutch is one of the main features of this Gear. We have been furnishing this type of clutch for a number of years and experience has taught us that this cone clutch gives the best satisfaction. The Clutch has only one adjusting part and that is in sight at all times. It is built for strength and durability combined with simplicity as shown in the cuts.

When ordering give dimensions of engine shaft and horse-power.

All parts sent back to be replaced must be sent transportation prepaid.

Prices quoted are for immediate acceptance, and the manufacturer reserves the right to withdraw quotations without notice.

Terms, C.O.D. by express or sight draft with bill of lading attached.

The BALL IMPROVED REVERSE GEARS are manufactured under the most careful supervision of competent mechanics, and all the parts are made perfectly interchangeable by the use of jigs and gauges and automatic machinery, in the most up to date manner. All the gears are made of the best grade of steel for this purpose, and box hardened in the most approved method, and the bearing surfaces ground.

When in doubt as to what size gear to use, write us and give bore and stroke, number of cylinders, two or four cycle, speed of motor and diameter of engine shaft; also the diameter of propeller shaft.

We are the owners of the United States Patents covering the SPUR PLANETARY REVERSE GEAR, and we wish to caution manufacturers and purchasers against infringement of our rights either in manufacturing or in the use of any device which is an infringement on these patents.

If we desired to do so, we could offer more than enough testimonials to fill this pamphlet. But the fact that we have been making Reverse Gears for a great number of years and the steady increase in our output are the best testimonials we know. That we have been obliged to greatly increase our plant from year to year is the strongest proof of the satisfaction the Ball Gear has given to all purchasers.