SEW-EURODRIVE is helping pump operators boost performance and cut costs through advanced geared motor technology.
With rising cost pressures, the pump industry is turning to high-efficiency geared motor solutions to deliver superior performance and minimise downtime.
SEW-EURODRIVE has established itself as a trusted partner for pump original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users, offering a comprehensive range of geared motors that deliver improved performance, reliability, and energy efficiency.
The company’s product portfolio includes inline (R/RX series), parallel-shaft (F series), and right-angle (K, W and S series) geared motors – each engineered to meet specific spatial and mechanical requirements across different pump configurations.
“Inline gear units are ideal for high-speed pumping applications where compactness is key,” SEW-EURODRIVE national product manager – standard products Francois Sieberhagen told Pump Industry.
“Right-angle gear units, on the other hand, are preferred when space is limited or a 90-degree power transfer is required, making them well-suited to tight plant layouts and complex piping configurations.
“Thanks to our modular design, the same core components can be adapted to different orientations, torque levels, and speed requirements, ensuring every customer receives a solution optimised for their specific pumping operation.”
SEW-EURODRIVE prides itself on delivering tailored solutions for each site’s unique requirements and efficiency goals, with no operational challenge too complex.
“Pump motors operate under demanding conditions,” Sieberhagen said. “They often run continuously, handle variable loads, and operate in wet or corrosive environments.
“To meet these challenges, we provide high-efficiency motors, robust corrosion protection and sealing, smooth torque delivery, and compact designs that integrate seamlessly into pump skids.
“Our motors can be paired with the ideal frequency inverter for added energy savings, precise flow control, and reduced mechanical stress.”
Key features of SEW-EURODRIVE’s geared motors include:
- IP56/IP66 enclosures: Superior protection against dust and water ingress.
- KS corrosion protection: Designed for wet or chemically aggressive environments.
- OS surface coatings (OS1 up to OS4): Tailored for everything from humid to severe chemical conditions.
- Factory-sealed bearings: Protect internal components from contaminants and moisture.
- Stainless-steel output shafts: Ideal for hygienic, marine, and wastewater applications, ensuring long-term integrity and performance.
SEW-EURODRIVE complements its geared motor range with advanced drive technology, adding digital precision and smarter control to pumping applications.
“With the option of cabinet, wall-mounted, or motor-mounted inverter, variable-speed control enables controlled ramps, flow optimisation, and energy-efficient operation under varying load conditions,” Sieberhagen said.
“The result is enhanced performance, predictive maintenance, and improved process control.”
Long-term gains
SEW-EURODRIVE also addresses the demand for higher-efficiency geared motors, offering IE3, IE4 and IE5 options – all exceeding Australia’s IE2 standard. These motors enable end users to achieve incremental gains, improving throughput, reducing mechanical wear, and lowering costs over time.
More efficient motors also help OEMs and end users reduce their environmental footprint – an increasingly important goal under growing ESG requirements.
“Efficiency levels depend on the end user’s application duty, load profile, and sustainability goals,” Sieberhagen said.
“IE3 motors already exceed the mandatory efficiency standards in Australia and suit many general-purpose pump applications. IE4 and IE5 motors offer substantial energy savings compared with IE3 – making them ideal for continuous-duty systems where small efficiency gains add up to significant lifecycle savings.”
Sieberhagen describes efficiency improvement as a “continuous journey” for SEW-EURODRIVE.
“We’re already investing in next-generation motor technologies that push well beyond IE5, including permanent-magnet synchronous designs and digital drive integration for precise control and diagnostics,” he said.
“While IE6 isn’t yet standardised, our focus is on system efficiency – optimising not just the motor, but the entire drivetrain through smart control, energy recovery, and condition monitoring. That’s where the biggest efficiency gains for pump operators lie.”
Every SEW-EURODRIVE geared motor is supported by industry-leading pre- and post-sales service, with a nationwide network providing expert assistance throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.
“Across Australia, SEW-EURODRIVE offers local assembly, rapid turnaround service, and spare parts availability from our national inventory,” Sieberhagen said.
“Our on-site technical support and training programs have kept our clients’ systems running smoothly for years. Our clients can operate with confidence knowing they have access to comprehensive support across the lifetime of their assets.”
As energy costs rise and performance demands intensify, SEW-EURODRIVE’s geared motor solutions provide the reliability, control, and longevity the pumping industry depends on.
By maximising total system efficiency, the company helps operators unlock their equipment’s full potential – boosting uptime and reducing costs in the process.
For more information, visit sew-eurodrive.com.au
This feature appeared in the Summer 2025/26 edition of Pump Industry.
