The Smart Way to Buy Used and Surplus Electric Motors
Purchasing used or surplus electric motors can save 40-70% compared to new equipment. But not all used motor dealers are created equal. The difference between a good deal and an expensive mistake comes down to testing, engineering evaluation, and the reputation of your supplier.
At The Pump & Motor Works, we maintain one of the world’s largest inventories of used, surplus, and new electric motors — over 2 million horsepower spread across our 10-acre facility in Oklahoma. Here’s what every buyer should know before purchasing a used motor.
New vs. Used vs. Surplus: Understanding the Difference
New motors come directly from the manufacturer with full warranty and documentation. Lead times for large custom motors can be 16-52 weeks.
Surplus motors are new or like-new motors that were over-ordered, from cancelled projects, or surplus to a plant’s needs. They’ve never been installed or operated. Surplus motors represent the best value — you get essentially new equipment at used prices.
Used motors have been installed and operated. Quality varies enormously depending on the motor’s history, how it was maintained, and what testing has been performed before sale.
What to Look for When Buying
1. Complete Testing Documentation
A reputable dealer should provide comprehensive test results including:
- Insulation resistance testing (megger) per IEEE 43
- Polarization index measurement
- Winding resistance balance
- Surge comparison test results
- Vibration analysis data
- Visual inspection report with photographs
At PMW, every motor in our inventory undergoes our standard evaluation before sale. For critical applications, we can perform the full IEEE 112 test suite on our custom-built test stand.
2. Engineering Support
Does the dealer have engineers on staff who can verify the motor matches your application? Voltage, speed, frame size, enclosure type, and mounting configuration must all be compatible. PMW’s engineering team evaluates every motor sale for application compatibility and can modify motors to meet your exact specifications.
3. Repair and Rewind Capability
The best used motor dealer also has full repair capability. If a motor needs new bearings, a rewind, or modifications, they can handle it in-house rather than sending it out — saving time and cost. PMW’s 60,000 sq ft manufacturing facility means we can repair, rewind, or completely remanufacture any motor we sell.
4. Warranty and Support
Look for dealers who back their motors with a warranty and provide ongoing technical support. Avoid dealers who sell motors “as-is” with no recourse if problems arise.
Motor Types We Stock
Our inventory includes thousands of large motors across all major types:
- AC Squirrel Cage — From 100 HP to 15,000+ HP, TEFC and WPI/WPII enclosures
- AC Synchronous — Large synchronous motors for applications requiring precise speed control
- Wound Rotor — Slip ring motors with liquid rheostat starting solutions
- DC Motors — Shunt, series, and compound wound configurations
- Vertical Motors — Hollow shaft and solid shaft for pump applications
We also carry thousands of large industrial pumps — vertical turbine, centrifugal, and circulating water pumps that are often paired with the motors we sell.
Why PMW for Your Motor Purchase
Unlike motor brokers who never touch the equipment they sell, PMW physically houses, inspects, tests, and when needed repairs every motor on our lot. Combined with our engineering team, manufacturing facility, and 24/7 support, we’re a complete motor solution — not just a parts yard.
Browse our current inventory or contact us with your motor requirements.
