Drives & Starters

Everything You Need to Know About Choosing Drives and Starters

You need to repair an essential piece of equipment, and an affordable drive or inexpensive starter is what you require. Drives and starters allow you to customize electronics, motors, and other essentials. On eBay, you can find different capacities, brands, and features of gently used and new drives and starters at affordable prices.

What are some features of affordable drives and starters?

Some features of inexpensive drives and low-cost starters on eBay include:

  • Dial controls - These allow you to turn the unit on or off by rotating the dial.
  • US plugs - The starter or drive works with standard US outlets and has a two-or three-prong plug.
  • Color-coded wiring - The color coding of the wiring allows you to install it correctly.
  • Operating environment - These powerful drives and starters operate at temperatures of -20 to 40 degrees Celsius.
  • Automatic shutoff - This feature shuts down the motor in order to prevent overheating.

When to choose a used drive or starter

There are many times when a pre-owned drive or used starter is a wise choice. If you have an older piece of equipment, an old drive or pre-owned starter may be the only way to replace it. If the manufacturer no longer makes the small drive or starter in those specifications, a gently used one could be your only option for restoring your equipment. You may also prefer a gently used starter or drive in order to save money.

How do you find the right drive or starter?

When you are looking for an inexpensive drive or starter, consider its:

  • Brand - Some of the options include Allen-Bradley, KB, and Lenze Americas.
  • Capacity - The capacities range from 12 to 220 volts and 0.5 to 12 horsepower.
  • Controller type - Choose fixed or variable speed.
  • Application - There are drives and starters for tools, routers, fans, radio-controlled cars, speed controllers, and inverters.
  • Condition - Choose a new or used drive or starter.

When to choose a starter with versus without a brush

When you need a new starter, you might not be sure of whether or not to choose one with a brush. A brushed motor uses carbon to create power. They have a high torque and inertia ratio, which is important in applications such as drilling and jack hammering. A brushless motor generates minimal friction and heat. These are ideal for sensitive applications such as electronics and radio-controlled cars.