How to Identify a Replacement Geared Motor from the Nameplate

A replacement geared motor can usually be identified from its nameplate. If the plate is readable, photograph it and send it to us together with a photo of the installed unit. We pass the data to the manufacturer, who confirms the matching unit, and we send you a quote with price, lead time and country of origin.

VBN Vertriebs GmbH supplies original drive technology from Offenburg, Germany to industrial customers worldwide. See our pages on geared motors and drive technology, electric motors and motors and drives for demanding applications.

What is on the nameplate and why it matters

A geared motor often has two plates: one on the motor and one on the gearbox. Read both. The most useful data are:

Type designation and serial or order number — the key identifier for the manufacturer.
Rated power (kW) and rated speed (rpm) of the motor.
Voltage, frequency and current — for example 400 V / 50 Hz or 460 V / 60 Hz. Check this carefully for export projects.
Output speed (rpm) and gear ratio of the gearbox.
Output torque (Nm) and service factor, if shown.
Mounting position and year of manufacture.

Data that is not on the plate

Some details you have to check on the machine itself:

Output shaft: solid or hollow shaft, diameter and length, key or shrink disc.
Mounting: foot, flange or shaft-mounted, with flange diameter and centre height.
Options: brake (voltage and torque), encoder, thermal protection, separate cooling fan, protection class.
Application and conditions: conveyor, mixer, pump, hoist; dust, moisture, ambient temperature.

Step by step: how to send your request

Photograph the plates. Take sharp, straight photos with good light. If the plate is dirty, clean it first. Photograph the motor plate and the gearbox plate separately.
Photograph the installed unit from the side and from the output shaft side.
Measure shaft diameter and length, flange dimensions and centre height.
Note the application and operating conditions.
Send everything through our request form with quantity and delivery country.

Same type, successor or equivalent?

If the type is still in production, the manufacturer confirms the same unit. If it has been discontinued, the manufacturer usually proposes a successor. In that case the mounting dimensions and shaft data must be compared before you order. Do not choose by power alone: two units with the same kW can have different output speed, torque and shaft dimensions. For older units, read our guide on finding discontinued industrial spare parts.

Gearbox types and what they mean for a replacement

The gearbox type is part of the type designation, and it decides how the unit is built. Helical, bevel-helical, worm and shaft-mounted gearboxes have different dimensions, efficiency and output shaft positions. A replacement should normally be the same gearbox type with the same mounting, otherwise the new unit may not fit the machine or the foundation. If you want to change the type, ask the manufacturer first and check the space, the direction of rotation and the torque arm.

Operating conditions that affect the choice

Ambient temperature. Very hot or cold sites may need special lubricant or seals.
Dust and moisture. The protection class and surface treatment must match the environment.
Duty cycle. Frequent starts and stops or heavy shock loads need a suitable service factor.
Frequency inverter. If the motor runs on an inverter, tell us the speed range.
Power supply. Voltage and frequency must match the local grid, for example 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

Give us this information in your request. It helps the manufacturer to confirm the right unit the first time.

Typical mistakes to avoid

Reading only the motor plate and ignoring the gearbox plate.
Ignoring the mounting position, which affects oil quantity and venting.
Mixing up 50 Hz and 60 Hz data.
Forgetting the brake, encoder or other options.
Ordering by power alone.

Frequently asked questions

What if the nameplate is unreadable?

Send photos of the whole unit, the measured dimensions and a description of the application. The manufacturer can often still identify the unit, but it takes longer and we cannot promise a match in every case.

Can you supply only the motor or only the gearbox?

In many cases yes. Tell us what you need to replace and we ask the manufacturer for the correct combination.

Can I replace a worm gearbox with a helical gearbox?

Not directly in most cases. Dimensions, output shaft position and ratio differ. Ask the manufacturer to confirm a change of gearbox type.

Do you export to my country?

We deliver from Germany to many countries. Please state the delivery country in your request.

How fast do I get a quote?

We answer within 24 hours. The lead time depends on the manufacturer and is stated in the quote.

Working on a conveyor line? See our conveyor package with chains, geared motors and belts and the overview of conveyor belt components.

Request a quote — 24h response. Send us the nameplate photos, drawings or your list, and we will come back with price, lead time and country of origin.