The MagnaShear “Quickmount” Electric Brake has proven itself dependable and reliable in the toughest applications including mining conveyors and winches, concrete block manufacturing and cranes.
But like most things, if you need the quality, dependability and reliability – you pay for it.
Or do you… Recently, we compared our MagnaShear brakes with Stearns brakes for a customer. The results surprised even us. On small horsepower applications, our brakes cost 50-100% more – less expensive in the long run but higher list price. But what surprised everyone, as the horsepower increased, the costs difference decreases. Most surprising of all, above 10 HP the MagnaShear brake is actually cheaper than a comparable Stearns brake and this is based on the NEMA 2 enclosures. If you compare NEMA 4 enclosure Stearns brakes, our MagnaShear brakes cost only 10% higher at 1 HP and as much as 50% less at higher HP.
Cross Reference:
Any comparison can easily be biased in one direction or another. Comparing individual brakes could easily make one brake or the other look a lot better. Hopefully, the bias in this comparison is minimal.
This comparison is based on:
1. NEMA Motor Standards – To determine shaft sizes and mounting dimensions.
2. Generally Accepted Engineering Standards – Recommended torque is full load torque of the motor with a 2x safety factor.
3. Published Catalogs – Brake selection is based on latest published catalogs (Stearns 2006 Ref F; Force Control APC-2006). No Special or Custom brakes considered. Lowest price brake that meet recommended torque, mounting flange and shaft dia. Options not included (Nema 4, Cast Iron, Stainless Steel or Encoder).
4. Published End-User List Prices – List prices based on Stearns 2006 Ref F Catalog and Force Control Jan 2008 Price Schedule.
So, if you can get the quality, dependability and reliability of the MagnaShear Brake for less money than the Stearns Brake – Why wouldn’t you?
