Pololu 4786 / 4787 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 6V - 15:1 gear ratio
Pololu 4786 / 4787 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 6V - 15:1 gear ratio
Pololu 4786 / 4787 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 6V - 15:1 gear ratio
The Pololu 4786/4787 Micro Metal Gearmotor is a compact, high-performance 6V DC motor with a 15:1 gear ratio reduction, delivering controlled torque and speed for precision robotics and embedded systems applications. Professional engineers and hobbyists use these motors in autonomous robots, line-following systems, and mobile platforms where compact form factor and reliable torque delivery are critical. This gearmotor solves the challenge of balancing motor speed reduction with minimal physical footprint, enabling efficient power transmission in space-constrained designs.
Product Overview
The Pololu 4786/4787 Micro Metal Gearmotor features a precision-engineered planetary gearbox coupled with a high-efficiency DC motor core. The 15:1 gear ratio provides significant torque multiplication while maintaining adequate speed for mobile robotics applications, typically delivering approximately 100-120 RPM output at 6V nominal voltage. The HPCB (High Power Carbon Brush) variant ensures extended operational life and consistent performance under continuous duty cycles, with the carbon brush design minimizing electrical noise and providing smooth commutation across varying load conditions.
This motor series is engineered with tight mechanical tolerances and precision-molded gears, resulting in minimal backlash and reliable power transmission for servo-critical applications. The compact cylindrical housing measures approximately 10mm in diameter, making it ideal for integration into confined spaces within robotic platforms. The 6V operating voltage aligns perfectly with standard battery configurations used in educational robotics, autonomous vehicles, and DIY electronics projects, while the 15:1 reduction ratio offers an optimal balance between torque output and rotational speed for most wheeled robot designs.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Micro Metal Gearmotor with Planetary Gearbox |
| Brand | Pololu |
| Model Number | 4786 / 4787 |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| Nominal Voltage | 6V DC |
| Gear Ratio | 15:1 |
| No-Load Speed | Approximately 100-120 RPM at 6V |
| Motor Type | Brushed DC Motor with Planetary Gearbox |
| Brush Type | High Power Carbon Brush (HPCB) |
| Motor Diameter | 10mm |
| Output Shaft | 2mm diameter with flat |
Key Features
- 15:1 Gear Ratio Reduction: Delivers enhanced torque output while maintaining practical rotational speeds for mobile robotics and wheeled platforms, enabling smooth acceleration and reliable load handling
- High Power Carbon Brush Design: Extended brush life and reduced electrical noise compared to standard brushes, ensuring consistent commutation and smooth operation under continuous duty cycles
- Compact Micro Form Factor: 10mm diameter cylindrical housing fits seamlessly into confined spaces within robot chassis and mechanical assemblies, critical for space-optimized designs
- Precision Planetary Gearbox: Minimal backlash and tight mechanical tolerances ensure accurate power transmission with low vibration, essential for precise motion control in servo applications
- 6V Operating Voltage: Direct compatibility with standard battery packs and power supplies used in educational robotics, eliminating need for voltage conversion circuits
- 2mm Output Shaft with Flat: Standardized shaft design compatible with common wheel hubs, couplers, and mechanical adapters available in the robotics ecosystem
Applications and Use Cases
- Line-Following Robots: The 15:1 gear ratio provides sufficient torque for smooth acceleration and stable speed control on line-tracking platforms, while the compact size enables tight wheel placement for precision steering
- Autonomous Mobile Robots: Ideal for small-scale autonomous vehicles and obstacle-avoidance platforms where balanced torque and speed are required for navigation across varied surfaces
- Educational Robotics Projects: Perfect for STEM learning environments, robot competitions, and maker projects where reliability, ease of integration, and consistent performance are essential
- Robotic Arm Joint Actuation: Suitable for lightweight robotic manipulators and articulated mechanisms where controlled torque delivery and compact motor placement are critical design constraints
- Conveyor Belt Drive Systems: Applicable in miniature conveyor and transport mechanisms where the 15:1 ratio provides adequate torque for material handling at controlled speeds
How to Use
To integrate the Pololu 4786/4787 Micro Metal Gearmotor into your project, first identify your power source and ensure it provides 6V DC nominal voltage with sufficient current capacity (typically 100-500mA depending on load). Connect the motor leads directly to your power supply through a motor driver circuit or PWM speed controller if variable speed control is required. The 2mm output shaft can be coupled to wheels, pulleys, or mechanical loads using standard robot hubs or custom adapters. Ensure the motor is mechanically secured to your chassis using the mounting holes or brackets, and verify that the output shaft rotates freely without binding before applying power.
For optimal performance in robotics applications, implement closed-loop speed control using optical encoders or Hall sensors if precise velocity regulation is critical for your system. The motor operates most efficiently at or near its 6V rated voltage; operating significantly below this voltage reduces torque output and speed consistency, while exceeding 6V may shorten brush life. Always use a motor driver IC (such as L298N, DRV8833, or similar) between your microcontroller and the motor to protect your control electronics from back-EMF spikes. Test the motor under actual load conditions before final integration to verify that torque and speed characteristics meet your application requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 15:1 gear ratio and other available ratios?
The 15:1 gear ratio provides a balanced compromise between speed and torque. Compared to lower ratios like 10:1, it delivers higher torque suitable for heavier loads and terrain variations, while maintaining practical speeds around 100-120 RPM for wheeled robots. Higher ratios like 30:1 or 50:1 provide more torque but reduce speed significantly, making them suitable for applications requiring maximum pulling force over slower movement. For most educational robotics and mobile platforms, 15:1 offers the optimal balance for smooth, controlled motion.
Can I operate this motor at voltages other than 6V?
The Pololu 4786/4787 is rated for 6V nominal operation. Operating at lower voltages (4-5V) reduces both speed and torque proportionally, which may be acceptable for lighter loads but compromises performance. Exceeding 6V (such as 7-9V) increases speed and torque temporarily but significantly reduces brush life and may cause overheating under sustained operation. If variable voltage control is needed, use PWM speed controllers that maintain the 6V supply while varying the duty cycle, rather than changing the actual supply voltage.
How do I measure motor speed and verify the 15:1 gear ratio performance?
Motor speed can be measured using optical encoders, Hall effect sensors, or by counting wheel rotations over a timed interval. To verify the 15:1 ratio, measure the motor's no-load speed at 6V (should be approximately 1500-1800 RPM for the ungearedsection), then measure the output shaft speed (should be approximately 100-120 RPM). The ratio of input to output speed should equal 15:1. Alternatively, use a tachometer or smartphone app with reflective tape on the output shaft for direct speed measurement.
What is the maximum continuous torque output of this gearmotor?
The Pololu 4786/4787 with 15:1 ratio typically delivers approximately 1.5-2.5 kg-cm (0.15-0.25 Nm) of continuous torque at 6V, depending on motor variant and load conditions. Peak torque during stall conditions can be significantly higher but should be avoided for extended periods to prevent overheating. For precise torque specifications, consult the detailed datasheet or contact our technical team. The actual torque available depends on current supply capacity and motor efficiency under load.
When will I receive my order?
Orders are dispatched within 1-5 business days from our Bengaluru warehouse. Delivery takes 7-8 days to most locations across India.
What is your return and warranty policy?
We offer a 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only. Contact support within 7 days of receipt for free replacement or full refund. Not applicable for user damage or misuse.
Are bulk discounts available?
Yes, wholesale pricing for orders of 10 or more units. Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email for a customized bulk quote.
Why Buy from The Tech Depot
- Genuine Products: Sourced directly from authorized distributors with authentication
- Expert Team: Our technical team validates every product before listing
- Fast Shipping: Dispatched within 1-5 days from our Bengaluru warehouse
- Pan-India Delivery: 7-8 days to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata
- Payment Options: COD, UPI, credit/debit cards, net banking, EMI available
- Technical Support: 24/7 expert guidance via email and WhatsApp
- Returns: 7-day return policy on manufacturing defects only
Buy Pololu 4786 / 4787 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 6V - 15:1 gear ratio Online in India
Purchase the Pololu 4786 / 4787 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 6V - 15:1 gear ratio online at The Tech Depot, India's trusted source for genuine electronics. We deliver across Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Surat. Get the best price on Pololu 4786 / 4787 Micro Metal Gearmotor HPCB 6V - 15:1 gear ratio with fast