Martin Engineering Blog

What Is Superior: Brushless or Brushed?

Written by Larry Horrie | Feb 23, 2024 4:49:50 PM

We can politely (or not so politely) discuss what manufacturer makes the best powered hand tools that can be bought at the big box retailers, but one thing that sure seems to be agreed upon (at least in my garage) is that the brushless versions are far superior. 

 Brushless Vs. Brushed

According to Consumer Reports, brushless motors are more energy-efficient than brushed, often running on battery power for up to 50 percent longer. Since brushless motors don't contain brushes that lose energy to friction, they have a longer battery life than brushed tools. 

Brushed versions require regular replacement of brushes, increasing maintenance time and wear part purchases. 

You Get What You Pay For

A downfall to brushless motors is cost. Brushless power tools generally cost 30 percent more than brushed ones. However, the price tag of brushless tools are worth the value gained by increased performance life and reliability.

  • Efficiency: Brushless motors are more efficient than brushed motors because they do not suffer from the friction and wear associated with brushes. 
  • Maintenance: Brushless motors require less maintenance compared to brushed motors since they lack brushes that wear out over time and need replacement.
  • Longer Lifespan: Brushless motors typically have a longer lifespan than brushed motors due to their design, which reduces mechanical wear and tear. 
  • Higher RPM: Brushless motors can achieve higher RPM (revolutions per minute) compared to brushed motors, making them suitable for applications requiring high-speed operation. 
  • Better Heat Dissipation: Brushless motors tend to dissipate heat more effectively than brushed motors, which can help prevent overheating during prolonged use.

Brushless Concrete Form Vibrators

And just as the seasoned contractor, or even the DIY’er, needs reliability and longevity out of the tools that are necessary to complete their jobs efficiently, precast concrete producers understand the benefits of vibrating their concrete forms externally. Concrete producers need to be able to rely on vibrators to perform the same from the first pour through the next pour to produce quality precast concrete products.

The features an on/off switchbox with an integrated voltage inverter and variable frequency drive to operate the vibrator.

  • BRUSHLESS!
  • Can be used portably or permanently
  • 115V input with 3 prong plug
  • Continuous duty
  • 1500 Force lb – 6000 RPM

I attended the World Of Concrete Tradeshow last week and found out that we won the 2024 Experts Choice Award! This product was named as a "Top Sustainable Innovation" in the Precast & Block Production category. Here is what they said: 

The Innovative Product Award is a testament to exceptional skills, forward-thinking approach, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in the concrete & masonry industries. Your product innovation has not only impressed those within the field but has also laid the foundation for future advancements and improved practices.