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19 March, 2020

This article has been reviewed and re-published on 23 August, 2022

Belt drive versus direct drive: A comparison of differences and benefits

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

When it comes to choosing an air compressor, you may be faced with two types of compressors to choose from; belt drive or a direct drive compressor. This article will help you understand the differences between the two

When it comes to choosing an air compressor, you may be faced with two types of compressors to choose from; belt drive or a direct drive compressor. This article will help you understand the differences between the two

When it comes to choosing an air compressor, you may be faced with two types of compressors to choose from; belt drive or a direct drive compressor. This article will help you understand the differences between the two

When it comes to choosing an air compressor, you may be faced with two types of compressors to choose from; belt drive or a direct drive compressor. This article will help you understand the differences between the two types of compressors and their respective advantages, which will help you in choosing an air compressor that matches your requirements the best.

Belt drive versus direct drive – The technology

One of the first things to remember is that belt drive and direct drive versions are available for both rotary screw air compressors and piston compressors. Each option works effectively and can be beneficial to your needs, but they are very different. A belt drive compressor consists of a belt that is connected to the motor of the compressor pump. When the motor runs, the belt turns, powering the pump to your air compressor. When using a direct drive air compressor, the crankshaft is connected directly to the compressor's motor.

Belt drive versus direct drive – The benefits that matter to you

air compressor - high pressure oil-free air - piston compressor - illustration - image -
Which type of air compressor is better? Well, it depends on what is important to you. If your primary concerns are reliability, ease of operation, cost-effectiveness and power, then a direct drive compressor is likely right for you. If you need to adjust speed and power, a belt drive may be the better option. As long as it is properly lubricated, a belt drive compressor will run more smoothly and therefore quieter. That makes it a good choice for environments in which noise levels matter.

Start from your needs

That means your needs will play a big role in the decision of choosing the right air compressor. In that sense, it’s really not so much about “belt drive versus direct drive” but rather “infrequent use versus constant operation” or “flexibility versus energy efficiency”. For example, if you have a workshop and you use your pneumatic tools not as frequently, then a smaller compressor with belt drive will suffice – such as the Atlas Copco G 15-22, which is reliable, user friendly and has a low initial investment cost. If, however, you use compressed air all the time and are particularly mindful of keeping energy costs down, or if you have to operate your compressor in harsh conditions, then you are probably better served with a direct drive model – such as Atlas Copco’s LT or LE, which deliver unmatched efficiency and performance every time you turn it on.

So,  different types of compressors have different strengths due to the different drive technology described above.

Environment and use

Atlas Copco's oil-free compressors are a key component in exclusive, fully-automated snow-making machines.

Atlas Copco's oil-free compressors are a key component in exclusive, fully-automated snow-making machines.

After making a compressor selection, the key to making the greatest possible advantage of each type of compressor's benefits is knowing where, how – and how much – it will be used Energy-related expenses constitute the majority of the total cost of ownership of industrial compressors. That means that one that is used a lot should be as energy efficient as possible to keep those costs down. In that case, a direct drive model probably is the right choice. However, if the compressor is used intermittently, then the belt-driven version is likely best as it is more flexible regarding airflow and pressure adjustments. The latter is also easier to install and maintain, which makes them the right choice for people who are not experts. Finally, as noted above, the environment in which the compressor has to operate matters. Belt-driven models, which are quieter, are generally better for environments in which noise emissions have to be kept low, e.g. in indoor environments or residential neighbourhoods. Direct drive air compressors are often the right choice for harsh environments because they are designed to withstand those conditions.

Belt drive versus direct drive – The final verdict

As you can see, as long as you go into your compressor selection with a good idea of what it will be used for, the decision regarding belt drive versus direct drive practically makes itself.

Ask an air system professional about the best option for your needs.

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Related Topics and Project

Air compressors Screw compressors Piston compressor