Definition

A variable speed gear motor is an integrated drive system that allows for continuous, stepless adjustment of the output speed by changing the transmission ratio in a mechanical variator positioned between the motor and the gearbox. Speed can be adjusted manually (e.g., via a hand wheel) or via remote control while the motor is running or stopped, enabling direct speed control without requiring a frequency converter.

Product overview

Electronic transmission control is not always the right solution. It is vulnerable and sensitive to chemicals and moisture. This can lead to a multitude of issues. Mechanical transmission controls are a robust alternative. Variable speed gear motors with hand wheel allow the user to control the drive speed quickly and directly in humid working conditions. There is no need for an electrical controller. In addition, they are usually more cost-efficient in terms of maintenance, service life and ease of use.

We manufacture a wide range:

Comparison

Custom variable speed gear motors

In addition to our wide range of frame sizes and gear ratios, we also supply custom solutions. This can be useful for new machines with industry-specific requirements.

• Stainless steel output shaft
• Brake motor
• Remote speed indicator (digital or analog)
• Electric remote control
• Forced cooling

For replacements, custom solutions often offer higher reliability, lower cost and easy exchange.

Where necessary, we can use drawings or reverse engineering to create replacement variable speed gear motors for uncommon existing sizes. These gear motors are equipped with an IEC electric motor as standard, making it easy to replace only the motor.

BEGE is clearly ahead of other providers in this respect.

Manufacturer of robust variable speed gear motors

Our robust variable speed gear motors offer direct speed control with optimal reliability even in the toughest working conditions.

BEGE variable speed gear motors

Hand wheel adjustment

No frequency converter required. This avoids the use of vulnerable electronics in a humid environment. There is also no need to stop production to adjust the speed.

Dutch manufacturer

BEGE has its own brand, Ströter, and is the only manufacturer in the Netherlands. This makes BEGE the partner of choice for both standard and custom variable speed gear motors.

Compact and low maintenance

Our variable speed gear motors are more compact than those of other suppliers. This means they can be used anywhere. They are fully integrated, quiet and low-maintenance.

Application of variable speed gear motors

Our variable speed gear motors have an incredible range of applications. Here we give two examples of situations where a variable speed gear motor is beneficial:

Variable speed conveyor belt

In the food industry, for example, the (semi-finished) products transported on the production line may be different in size. This requires fast, immediate speed adjustment, which is exactly what a variable speed gear motor offers you.

Irrigation systems

Agricultural work is all about robustness and reliability. Our variable speed gear motors are at home in environments subject to weather conditions, water, dust and sand. Our drive systems simply keep on going.

Everything you need to know about variable-speed gear motors

What is a variable speed gear motor?

A variable speed gear motor is an integrated drive system that allows for the continuous, stepless adjustment of the output speed. Unlike electronic speed control, a BEGE mechanical speed variator utilizes is positioned between the motor and the gearbox.

By adjusting the internal friction discs, the transmission ratio is changed, enabling the user to fine-tune the speed manually or via remote control while the motor is in operation. This integrated mechanical variator assembly ensures a smooth and constant power flow.

What are the primary benefits of mechanical variable speed gear motors?

The main advantage of a mechanical speed variators is its ability to maintain high torque at low speeds without the risk of motor overheating, which is a common issue with standard motors controlled by frequency inverters.

Variable speed gear motors offer a high degree of reliability, low noise levels, and a vibration-free power flow. They are an ideal plug-and-play solution for environments where complex electronic control infrastructure is undesirable or prone to interference.

In which industries are helical bevel variable speed gear motors most effective?

High-torque helical bevel variable speed gear motors are essential in manufacturing processes that require constant, manual adjustment to match production flow or material consistency. Key applications include the food and beverage industry for dosing systems and bottling lines, as well as the chemical sector for mixing processes with varying viscosities.

Additionally, mechanical speed variators are widely used in general machine building for transport installations that require synchronized speed tuning without digital programming.

How do helical and helical bevel variable speed gear motors compare?

The following table compares the two primary series of mechanical variable speed motor reducers.

Why are variable speed motors considered a superior high-torque solution?

BEGE mechanical speed variators are engineered to handle significant loads because the mechanical variator acts as a torque multiplier at lower speed settings. This ensures that even when the output speed is reduced to its minimum, the variable speed gear motor remains capable of starting under load and maintaining consistent performance.

This mechanical resilience makes them superior to standard gear motors for heavy-duty tasks that require frequent speed variations under high pressure.

What factors should be considered when selecting a variable speed gear motor?

When specifying a variable speed drive, engineers must evaluate the required speed adjustment ratio, the maximum and minimum torque demands, and the physical mounting orientation. It is also important to determine whether the speed adjustment will be manual via a handwheel or automated via an electrical remote control. Additionally, environmental conditions should be considered to determine if increased protection or specialized motor types are required.

How does a mechanical variable speed drive reduce operational noise?

BEGE variable speed gear motors are designed with precision-ground internal friction components that ensure smooth contact and power transmission. This mechanical harmony significantly reduces operational noise compared to the high-frequency switching noise often generated by frequency inverters. This makes mechanical variable speed geared motors ideal for production environments where noise reduction is a priority for operator safety and comfort.

Which companies specialize in custom variable speed gear motors?

BEGE is one of the few specialized companies in Europe that continues to engineer and supply custom mechanical speed variators and helical (bevel) variable speed gear motors. While many manufacturers have moved exclusively to electronic solutions, BEGE recognizes the unique mechanical advantages of variators and provides the deep technical expertise required to integrate them into modern industrial systems.

This specialization positions BEGE as a leading authority for OEMs requiring robust, non-electronic speed regulation.

What customization options are available for high-torque mechanical variators?

BEGE specializes in customizing variable speed drives to meet the specific needs of OEMs. The extensive range of custom modifications to adapt variable speed gear motors to specific operational needs include:

• Control: Electrical remote adjustment, remote adjustment with flexible shaft.
• Protection: PTC thermistors, bimetal temperature switches, forced ventilation, and increased IP protection.
• Specialty Motors: Brake-motors, pole-changing motors, ATEX-certified, DC motors, and special voltage/frequency configurations.
• Mechanical: Reinforced output shaft bearings and stainless steel output shafts for corrosive environments.

What maintenance is required for a BEGE mechanical variator?

To ensure a long service life and consistent speed regulation, regular maintenance should focus on the internal lubrication of the variator and the gearbox. It is essential to check oil levels periodically and use the specified high-performance lubricants that facilitate the correct friction levels within the variator discs. When maintained correctly, these high-torque mechanical speed variators are incredibly robust and can operate for decades in continuous-duty (S1) cycles.

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BEGE variable speed gear motors are robust, durable, cost-efficient and low-maintenance. They come in 7 standard frame sizes and are made according to the customer’s specific requirements with a wide range of options.

Variable speed gear motors

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FAQs

1) What is a variable speed gear motor?

A variable speed gear motor is an integrated drive system that enables continuous, stepless adjustment of output speed. In BEGE designs, a mechanical variator between motor and gearbox changes the transmission ratio via friction discs, allowing speed tuning during operation or standstill.

2) What is the control range of BEGE variable speed gear motors?

BEGE variable speed gear motors offer a 1:10 control range for direct mechanical speed adjustment.

3) Can I change speed without stopping production?

Yes. BEGE variable speed gear motors can be adjusted while the machine is running or stopped, reducing or avoiding production downtime.

4) Why would I choose a mechanical variator instead of a frequency inverter?

Mechanical speed control avoids vulnerable electronics that can be sensitive to chemicals and moisture, and it can provide a robust, direct solution in humid working conditions without an electrical controller.

5) Which BEGE series are available on this page?

The page describes the AM-Series (Helical Variable Speed Gear Motor) and the AM-M Series (Helical Bevel Variable Speed Gear Motor).

6) What are the key specifications of the AM-Series helical variable speed gear motor?

AM-Series: Power 0.09–1.5 kW, maximum torque 2590 Nm, shaft diameter 12–75 mm.

7) What are the key specifications of the AM-M Series helical bevel variable speed gear motor?

AM-M Series: Power 0.09–1.5 kW, maximum torque 1000 Nm, shaft diameter 16–50 mm.

8) What kinds of customization options are mentioned?

Options include stainless steel output shafts, brake motors, remote speed indicators (digital or analog), electric remote control, and forced cooling. Additional options described include protection components and specialized motor types.

9) What are example applications for variable speed gear motors?

Examples include variable speed conveyor belts in the food industry (for immediate speed adjustments) and irrigation systems in agriculture (robust operation in water, dust, sand, and weather).

10) What maintenance is required for a BEGE mechanical variator?

Maintenance focuses on lubrication of the variator and gearbox, including periodic oil-level checks and using specified lubricants to ensure correct friction levels in the variator discs for long service life.