Abstract: A mechanical transmission having reduced friction direct drive. An input shaft from a flywheel is drivingly connected to a clutch cover and a tubular shaft. The tubular shaft is connected to a sun gear which engages a pair of planetary gears. The planetary gears are connected to an output drive shaft mounted within and coaxial with the flywheel driven tubular shaft by means of a pair of support arms. The other end of the output shaft is connected to a clutch plate mounted adjacent to the flywheel within the clutch housing. A ring gear, mounted within a gear cover, engages the planetary gears. The gear housing is mounted for rotation around both the tubular and output drive shafts. A band brake surrounds the outside of the gear housing. In reduced ratio drive the clutch is disengaged from the flywheel and the band is clamped to the gear housing so that the ring gear is fixed.