Bagnall claimed that Bagnall–Price valve gear eliminated some of the complexity of the Walschaerts gear, specifically the combination lever and return gear; this in turn meant the externally mounted gear had greater ground clearance which was an advantage in industrial locations where lineside obstructions could damage the gear of passing locomotives.
Bagnall asserted that Bagnall–Price valve gear simplified some aspects of the Walschaerts gear, particularly the combination lever and return gear; as a result, externally mounted gear had increased ground clearance, which was beneficial in industrial settings where lineside obstructions could damage passing locomotives.