Paddlewheel aerators tested in our experiments would have earned better SAE
ratings if they had more efficient gearboxes. This is asserted because less motor
capacity would have been used to deliver mechanical power to the paddles. The
three paddlewheels that we tested were similar in design, with a vertical motor/gearbox
assembly under a central enclosure. The gearboxes were all worm-driven, with
wear reported by most Australian aquaculturalists. Reduced speed operation
certainly reduces wear and tear of the aerator, but also reduces erosion of pond
banks and improves pond sediment condition