When you're shopping for VFDs and soft starters in motor controls, the first decision is often new vs used. In this corner: a new Schneider Altivar ATV212HD11M3X rated at 15 HP and 3-phase, priced at $350. In the other: a used Vortek SP1406 Unidrive SP, priced at $359.97. The price gap is only about $10, so the real differentiator is condition, configuration, and the specific drive platform you need.
Quick Verdict
For most motor control installations that need a 15 HP, 3-phase variable frequency drive, the Schneider ATV212HD11M3X is the winner. It's new, comes in at the lower price, and carries a clear 15 HP rated load with 3-phase input. The Vortek SP1406 is a used Control Techniques Unidrive SP unit that costs about $10 more, so it only makes sense if you specifically want that model platform and are comfortable with a used, as-is drive.
At a Glance
| Consideration | Schneider ATV212HD11M3X | Vortek SP1406 Unidrive SP |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350.00 | $359.97 |
| Condition | New | Used |
| Brand | Schneider Electric | Control Techniques |
| MPN / Model | ATV212HD11M3X | SP1406 / Unidrive SP |
Where Each Product Wins
Schneider ATV212HD11M3X wins if...
You want a new unit with a published 15 HP, 3-phase rating and a $350 price. The Altivar name is tied to Schneider Electric, and the MPN is clear. Since it's new, you don't have to worry about prior service life or as-is quirks.
Vortek SP1406 Unidrive SP wins if...
You need the specific Unidrive SP platform and the SP1406 model from Control Techniques. It's only about $10 more than the Schneider, so the price difference isn't a deterrent. You'll need to accept that it's a used unit sold as-is, but for a direct replacement need, the model match can be more important than new-condition comfort.
Product Notes
Schneider ATV212HD11M3X
The Schneider ATV212HD11M3X is a new Altivar variable frequency drive with a rated load of 15 HP and a 3-phase design. At $350, it's the lower-priced option in this head-to-head, and it gives you the peace of mind that comes with a new unit rather than a used one. The drive is positioned for industrial automation and motion control, which is exactly the kind of work you'd expect from a VFD in motor controls. The MPN ATV212HD11M3X makes it easy to reference and order. Its limitation is the 15 HP, 3-phase spec itself: this is a drive sized for a specific motor range, so it won't suit an application that needs a different power rating. For a straightforward new 15 HP drive at a competitive price, though, this is the one to beat.
Vortek SP1406 Unidrive SP
The Vortek SP1406 Unidrive SP is a used variable frequency drive from Control Techniques, identified by the Unidrive SP model name and the SP1406 MPN. It's priced at $359.97, making it the slightly more expensive of the two despite its used condition. The listing says the unit was removed from a working environment and is sold as-is unless otherwise stated, so there's no guarantee it will work in your installation. That's the big trade-off. The reason to consider it is the specific platform: if you're replacing an SP1406 in an existing Unidrive SP setup, having the exact model could simplify the swap. You're accepting a used drive with no verification, but for a target replacement need, the model match may be worth the extra $9.97. For someone who needs that specific drive family and has experience with used industrial gear, this one has a place.
Final Choice by Use Case
- You want a new 15 HP 3-phase VFD and the lower price: Choose the Schneider ATV212HD11M3X at $350.
- You need an SP1406 Unidrive SP replacement and accept used as-is gear: Choose the Vortek SP1406 Unidrive SP at $359.97.
For most other buyers, the Schneider is the safer default.
