High-Power Cast Iron Motors 2026: 90–355 kW Price Table, Starting Method and Quote Checklist

When the motor of a cement mill, a mining conveyor or the main pump of a municipal booster station has to be replaced, the question on the purchasing desk is no longer just “how much?”. For cast iron motors of 90 kW and above, the label price is a large part of the job, but not all of it: supply voltage, starting arrangement, crane unloading, base plate and alignment all enter the budget. This article focuses only on the 90–355 kW range; it first lists the 1500 rpm prices in the DRG Motor online store, then goes through the items that should not be missed at the quotation stage.

2026 List Prices for 90–355 kW Cast Iron Motors (1500 rpm)

The table below covers the 4-pole (1500 rpm) cast iron models most requested in the field. The current column is the catalogue value at 400 V; it is a useful first reference for cable and breaker sizing.

Prices are taken from the DRG Motor online store list dated 24.09.2026; a 3% discount applies to bank transfer/EFT payments, shipping is not included in the price and is paid by the buyer. For current prices please see the store page.

Two things are worth noticing. First, price does not double when power doubles: between the 160 kW and 315 kW models, power almost doubles while the VAT-inclusive price rises about 1.86 times. At high power, cost per kW tends downwards. Second, several power steps may share the same IEC frame (e.g. 160, 185 and 200 kW in the 315L frame). When the frame stays the same, mounting dimensions usually stay the same too, which is a real advantage for plants that may increase power later. 1000 and 3000 rpm versions are also listed in the store; since frame and price change with speed, fix the speed of your application in advance.

400 V or 690 V? Fix the Voltage Before Requesting a Quote

Motors in this class are usually referred to with a dual-voltage winding: 400 V delta / 690 V star. Which connection you use depends on your transformer output. Saying “400 V” alone is not enough when requesting a quote; confirm in writing at which voltage the motor runs in delta.

In the field the difference looks like this: when the same motor runs at 690 V, line current drops by about √3 (1.73) compared with 400 V. The 355 kW model in the table draws 593 A at 400 V; on a 690 V supply this falls to roughly 340 A. That means thinner cables and smaller contactors and breakers. Considering 690 V on a new line can significantly affect the cable budget; if you are replacing a motor on an existing 400 V panel, keep exactly the connection shown on the old motor's nameplate.

• Photograph the transformer secondary voltage and the existing contactor/breaker ratings in the panel.
• Attach a photo of the old motor's nameplate to your quote request.
• Note the position of the links (star/delta) in the terminal box.

The Starting Method Can Cost More Than the Motor Itself

Connecting a motor above 90 kW directly to the grid means drawing several times the rated current at start-up. In most plants the grid and the transformer do not allow this, so the starting arrangement must be planned together with the motor. The three common options affect the motor order differently:

Star-delta

The motor must be delta-connected at the operating voltage. So if you plan star-delta on a 400 V network, the motor needs a 400 V delta winding with six leads in the terminal box. A 690 V delta motor cannot be started with star-delta on a 400 V line. The panel side is relatively simple and economical, but the current and torque jump at changeover can cause trouble on conveyors or crushers that start under load.

Soft starter

It raises the starting voltage smoothly, limiting current and mechanical shock. It is common on pumps and fans. There is usually no special requirement on the motor side, and a three-lead connection may be sufficient. The cost goes to the panel; the soft starter is selected according to the rated current in the table.

Frequency drive

If speed control is needed, it is the only sensible option. At high power the drive price can exceed the motor price. Also ask about shielded motor cable, an output filter on the drive and, for large frames, insulated bearings against bearing currents. Treat these as separate lines, not as part of the motor quote.

Lifting, Transport and Installation: Items Missing From the Quote

Frames of 280M and above cannot be slid into place by hand. The following costs appear on site, and none of them is included in the motor's list price:

• Shipping: Large motors are sent palletised with contracted freight carriers; shipping is paid by the buyer. Ask for the data sheet for exact weight and dimensions and plan the vehicle type accordingly. Details on the delivery and shipping page.
• Unloading: A forklift or crane must be ready at the delivery point. Lifting the motor from anywhere other than its lifting eye (e.g. the terminal box or fan cover) causes damage.
• Base and anchoring: If the foot hole spacing of the new motor does not match the old one, an adapter plate or a new base is needed.
• Alignment: Running coupled drives without laser alignment shortens bearing and coupling life.
• Commissioning: Allow service time for insulation measurement, rotation direction check and vibration measurement.

Dimensional Fit When Replacing an Old Motor

At high power the most expensive mistake is a motor that does not fit the base. Looking closely at the table, the frame is 280M at 90 kW, moves to 315S at 110 kW, to 355M at 250 kW and to 355L at 315 kW. If your old motor comes from another manufacturer, it may have used a different frame at the same power. Compare these dimensions before ordering:

1. Shaft height (the number in the frame size; e.g. 315 = 315 mm)
2. Foot hole spacing and hole diameter
3. Shaft diameter, shaft length and key size — in the same frame the 2-pole version may have a different shaft end
4. Mounting: foot (B3) or foot-and-flange (B35)
5. Terminal box position (top/side) and cable entry direction

Checklist for a High-Power Motor Quote

Match the quote you receive against the items below one by one. If an item is blank, the two quotes you are comparing may not actually describe the same product.

1. Are the model code, power (kW) and speed (rpm) clearly stated?
2. Are winding voltage and connection (400 V delta / 690 V star) specified?
3. Do the IEC frame size and mounting (B3/B35) match the old motor?
4. Is the price excl. VAT or incl. VAT? Are both figures shown separately?
5. Has the bank transfer/EFT discount been applied, and on which amount?
6. Is shipping included; if not, who pays and which carrier is used?
7. Does it state how many leads the terminal box has, for the starting method?
8. If used with a drive, has the insulated bearing question been answered?
9. Is a dimension sheet (feet, shaft, flange) attached?
10. Are delivery place, unloading responsibility and damage check at delivery clear?

For payment options and bank details, see the payment options page.

Example Scenario: 160 kW Pump Station Motor

Suppose a 1500 rpm, 160 kW pump motor at a water booster station is to be replaced. In the store this model is listed as DRG-315L1-4: 276,944.80 TRY excl. VAT, 332,333.76 TRY incl. VAT. When paid by bank transfer/EFT, the 3% discount is applied to the VAT-inclusive amount and the payable total becomes 322,363.75 TRY. The separate items to add to this figure are:

• Palletised freight shipping (paid by the buyer)
• Crane hire and unloading on site
• A soft starter and panel work if the existing panel has none
• An adapter base and coupling alignment if needed
• Insulation and vibration measurement at first start-up

On a 400 V line the 160 kW model draws 271 A; do not order before confirming that the existing cable and breaker suit this current. For cable cross-section and current calculations you can use the electric motor calculators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the table prices include a starter or drive?

No. The figures in the table are for the motor only. A star-delta panel, soft starter or frequency drive are separate items.

How are large motors shipped?

They are sent palletised with contracted freight carriers. Shipping is not included in the price and is paid by the buyer. Unloading equipment must be ready at the delivery point.

My network is 690 V; which model should I choose?

The power and speed selection stays the same; what matters is the connection the winding will use at 690 V. Confirm the nameplate data with us before ordering.

My old motor's frame differs from the table; can I still use the new one?

If shaft height, foot holes and shaft dimensions do not match, an adapter base is required. Send us the old motor's nameplate photo and dimensions and we will compare them together.

For model selection or quote checks in the 90–355 kW range, contact us: +90 (542) 666 11 11 · [email protected] · contact page.