When you're comparing options in the vfds soft starters motor controls space, the first big decision is often new versus used. Here you have two very different picks: a used Vortek SP1406 Unidrive SP variable frequency drive listed at $359.97, and a new Single To 3 Phase 7.5KW 10HP 220V Variable Frequency Drive Inverter CNC VFD VSD listed at $119.15. Both are meant to run three-phase motors, but they come from opposite places in the lifecycle.
Quick Verdict
If you want a new unit with clearly listed specifications and a smaller price tag, go with the 7.5KW 10HP 220V VFD. If you're comfortable buying used industrial hardware and specifically want the Control Techniques Unidrive SP platform, the Vortek SP1406 is the one to think about.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vortek SP1406 Unidrive SP | $359.97 | Used | Control Techniques Unidrive SP model removed from a working environment |
| Single To 3 Phase 7.5KW 10HP 220V VFD | $119.15 | New | Accepts 1 or 3-phase input, outputs 3-phase, max 20A per phase |
Where Each Product Wins
The Vortek SP1406 Unidrive SP wins for someone who wants an established industrial drive model and is willing to accept the risks of a used unit. The 7.5KW 10HP 220V VFD wins for someone who wants a new inverter with published electrical specs, single-phase input flexibility, and a $240.82 lower listed price.
Product Notes
Vortek SP1406 Unidrive SP Variable Frequency Drive
The Vortek listing is a used Control Techniques Unidrive SP, specifically the SP1406 model. It was removed from a working environment, which at least suggests it has real operating history behind it. The listed price is $359.97. The catch, and it's an important one, is the sale terms: the unit is sold as-is, only the pictured items are included, and there's no stated guarantee it works. That makes it a bigger risk than a new drive. Choose it if you already know the Unidrive SP family or if you need a replacement for a machine that uses this specific platform. The used condition and as-is sale are the limitations to weigh against the higher price.
Single To 3 Phase 7.5KW 10HP 220V Variable Frequency Drive Inverter CNC VFD VSD
The Single To 3 Phase 7.5KW 10HP 220V VFD is a new unit, and the spec sheet is the main selling point. It accepts either 1-phase or 3-phase input at 220V and outputs 3-phase power. Output frequency goes from 0 to 3200 Hz, and the max amperage for each phase is 20A. It uses SPWM control and runs on 48-63 Hz input frequency. At $119.15, it's $240.82 less than the used Vortek. The limitation is that 20A per-phase maximum is the ceiling; if your motor draws more than that, this drive isn't the right fit. For a new install with a known motor draw, the published specs make this the easier call on paper.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you're building a new setup or retrofitting a machine and you know your input is single-phase, the new Single To 3 Phase 7.5KW 10HP 220V VFD gives you clear specs at a lower listed price. If you're maintaining existing equipment and a Control Techniques Unidrive SP is exactly what your system needs, the Vortek SP1406 at $359.97 is the one to consider, with the understanding that it's a used, as-is purchase.
