Product Description
Mitchell 82581 Drive Gear – Heavy-Duty Power for the 900 Series
The Mitchell 82581 Drive Gear is the heavy-duty mechanical heart of the Mitchell 900 and 901 spinning reels. As the primary gear responsible for converting handle torque into high-speed rotor rotation, the 82581 is built to significantly higher tolerances than the standard 300-series gears.
Designed for the larger, more powerful 900-series chassis—often used for heavy freshwater and saltwater applications—this gear features a reinforced drive shaft and a precision-cut tooth profile. Replacing a worn drive gear is the most critical step in restoring the crushing power and smooth operation required to handle trophy-sized fish.
Product Specifications
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Part Number: 82581
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Component Type: Main Drive Gear
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Series: Mitchell 900 / 900A Series
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Material: High-strength, corrosion-resistant alloy (Engineered for high-torque loads)
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Design: Spiral-cut planetary interface with integrated drive shaft
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Origin: Genuine Mitchell Engineering
Compatible Models
The 82581 drive gear is the engine for the "Second Generation" heavy-duty Mitchell chassis. It is a verified fit for:
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Mitchell 900 (Standard Right-Hand Retrieve)
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Mitchell 900A
Technical Insight: The 900 series utilizes a specialized gear geometry that differs from the classic 300 series. The 82581 gear must be perfectly meshed with the 81083 pivot gears to ensure the "Match-style" oscillation remains smooth under heavy drag pressure. To verify the exact gear alignment for your specific 900-series model, visit www.reelschematic.com to download the high-resolution PDF parts diagrams.
Professional Maintenance & Lubrication
Because the 900 series is built for power, the drive gear experiences significant pressure at the tooth interfaces. Proper lubrication is vital to prevent "gear galling" (metal-on-metal tearing).
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Gear Teeth: Apply a generous, even coat of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the teeth of the 82581 gear. Its specialized "Dust-Shield" technology creates a persistent, high-pressure lubricant film that stays on the teeth even when battling large fish, significantly reducing noise and wear.
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Drive Shaft Interface: Use a drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil on the drive gear shaft where it enters the side plate bearing or bushing. This ensures the handle turns with minimal startup resistance and provides a secondary barrier against saltwater intrusion.
Why Choose Genuine Mitchell 82581?
The Mitchell 82581 is factory-balanced to eliminate the vibration often found in lower-quality aftermarket gears. In a high-torque reel like the 900, precision is paramount; an improperly cut gear can lead to uneven line lay or, in extreme cases, internal housing damage. Using a genuine factory replacement preserves the legendary "workhorse" reliability and the substantial collector value of your Mitchell 900 series.
