Old Iron That Still Earns Its Keep



If your plant runs hot, heavy, and around the clock, you already know the value of a good motor. Not the shiny stuff that looks great on a spec sheet but throws a fault code the second the power blinks. We’re talking about old-school, cast-iron, belt-driven machines built to run for decades without a fuss.


And when it comes to induction motors that check every one of those boxes, Allis-Chalmers still stands tall.


At Power Drive Supply, we’ve got a handful of solid, used Allis-Chalmers induction motors—fully inspected, tested, and ready to go. No backorders. No fluff. Just real-world power for the people who keep facilities running.


What Makes Allis-Chalmers Motors So Dependable?


These aren’t your average commodity motors. Allis-Chalmers built machines with thick steel, over-engineered windings, and bearings that just don’t quit. They're built like tanks—and that’s why they’re still in demand decades after the company closed shop.


Here’s why they continue to earn respect:


  • Rugged enclosures handle dirt, dust, and humidity without shorting out
  • Simple, solid design means fewer failure points and easier maintenance
  • Excellent thermal performance—they run cool, even under heavy loads
  • Quiet and stable operation at full RPM
  • Easy to rewire or rewind if needed


You don’t baby these motors. You bolt them in and forget about them—until the plant shuts down for the holidays.


Common Applications for Allis-Chalmers Induction Motors


These motors are found in some of the toughest industrial environments you can imagine, including:


  • Water treatment facilities
  • Aggregate and cement plants
  • Pulp and paper mills
  • Steel and forging operations
  • Oilfield skids and processing stations
  • Power generation facilities


If you need torque, runtime, and reliability—not touchscreen diagnostics and internet-connected nonsense—Allis-Chalmers motors are the smart call.


In Stock Now: Real Power, Ready to Ship


We’ve got units ranging from 50 HP up to 500 HP, with various frame sizes and mount styles. Some are vertical hollow-shaft units (ideal for deep well pumps), others are horizontal mount with standard bases.


Examples include:


  • 150 HP, 460V, 1800 RPM
  • 300 HP, 2300V, totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC)
  • 100 HP, 575V, 3-phase, explosion-proof enclosure
  • 250 HP, 4160V, vertical mount with coupling


These units have already passed our in-house inspection—including megger testing, bearing checks, and full rotational tests.


Used vs. New: The Numbers Don’t Lie

A brand-new TEFC industrial motor in the 250–300 HP range? That’ll run you $20,000 to $30,000 easy—and that’s if it’s even in stock. Add in freight and lead time, and you're months out with your budget bleeding.


But a clean, fully-tested used Allis-Chalmers motor from us? You’re looking at savings of 50% or more, often with shorter turnaround and better build quality.


And let’s not forget: these motors have already proven themselves. The startup gremlins are long gone.


What to Look for in a Used Induction Motor (And How We Check It)


Not every used motor is worth your time. We've turned down plenty of units that looked fine—until they got under load.


Here’s our inspection checklist:


✔️ Megger testing – No shorts, solid insulation

✔️ Bearing check – Spin smooth, no slop or noise

✔️ Rotor balance – Confirmed through test-run

✔️ Windings – No hot spots, insulation intact

✔️ Enclosure integrity – No cracks, no corrosion, clean conduit box

✔️ Mounting feet and shaft alignment – Verified with dial indicators


We’ll also provide startup notes, voltage configuration, and load data if available. You know exactly what you’re getting before it shows up at your dock.


Why Customers Keep Coming Back


A facility manager in Arkansas told us last month, “I’ll take a 30-year-old Allis over a new import any day of the week.” Why? Because he’s still running two 1980s units on pump duty—and when the bearings finally needed replacement, it cost him a few hundred bucks, not a total teardown.


Another crew in Oklahoma used one of our vertical hollow-shaft motors to replace a failed pump drive. They were back online in two days—no waiting on the OEM, no scrambling for adapters, no drama.

When it works, it works.


Why Power Drive Supply?


We’ve been in the trenches. We know a motor isn’t just a spec—it’s a jobsite lifeline. If it fails, people wait, and you lose money. That’s why we only list what we trust.


✔️ We own what we sell

✔️ Every unit is inspected and tested

✔️ We’ll help with freight and installation logistics

✔️ No runaround, no empty promises—just solid gear and clear answers


Buy Once. Run Forever.


If you need a motor that starts every time and holds RPM without hiccups, this is your answer. Used Allis-Chalmers induction motors are the quiet backbone of American industry, and there’s a reason they’re still powering facilities decades after others have failed.


You can spend more on new. You can waste time chasing availability. Or—you can bolt in a motor that’s already proven it belongs on the job.


Call us or drop us a message today. We’ll send photos, videos, specs, and get you pricing that actually makes sense.

No fluff. No waiting. Just horsepower that works.