What is an idler wheel record player?
An idler drive uses a wheel usually with a rubber tire to couple the motor shaft to the turntable platter. They were at one time the most common. They were largely displaced by belt drive which were purportedly more quiet as the belt connecting the motor pulley to the turntable platter served as a filter.
What do idler wheels do?
An idler-wheel is a wheel which serves only to transmit rotation from one shaft to another, in applications where it is undesirable to connect them directly. For example, connecting a motor to the platter of a phonograph, or the crankshaft-to-camshaft gear train of an automobile.

How good is a Garrard 401?
Common to both the 301 and the 401 is a superb die-cast chassis and platter, massive motor, a quality idler drive and superbly engineered main bearing. The 401 was launched in 1964, and was more a cosmetic upgrade than anything else with a re-styling from the pen of industrial designer Eric Marshall.
How does a direct drive turntable work?
A direct-drive turntable eliminates belts, and instead employs a motor to directly drive a platter on which a vinyl record rests. This makes scratching possible, as the motor would continue to spin at the correct RPM even if the DJ wiggles the record back and forth on the platter.
Are idler wheels and bogie wheels the same?
Bogie wheels = idler wheels. They are the same thing…

Why are idler gears used?
An idler gear in a gear train is defined as the gear placed between the input and output shafts (between the drive gear and the driven gear). For example, it is used to change the rotational direction of the output shaft, or to fill a large gap between the input and output shafts without affecting the speed ratio.
Are Garrard turntables good?
Garrard turntables are formidable turntables in the industry. They withstood the test of time and provided audiophiles with an impeccable experience. They serve as a collective piece for some vinyl enthusiasts. However, they still function effortlessly if adequately maintained.
Does Garrard make turntables?
After several years in decline, Garrard was sold by Plessey to Gradiente Electronics of Brazil in 1979 and series production was moved to Brazil (Manaus)….Garrard Engineering and Manufacturing Company.
Industry | Electronics |
---|---|
Products | turntables |
Parent | Plessey (1960-1978) Gradiente (1979-1992) Loricraft Audio (1997-2018) Cadence Audio SA (2018-current) |
Do turntables last longer direct drive?
A direct drive turntable features quick start-up times, slightly more consistent speed and stronger torque. They’re used by many, due to their overall reliability and durability.
Which is better direct drive or belt?
Direct drive washing machines perform better than belt-drive washers. In addition, they lack belts and the other parts that most commonly wear down and break on belt-drive washers. Direct drive washers are also quieter, more reliable, and more energy-efficient than their belt-drive counterparts.
What brands do you offer for phono and turntable idler wheels?
We have phono and turntable idler wheels and turrets for popular brands including Voice of Music, Admiral, BSR, Collaro, Elac, Garrard, GE, Glaser-Steers, Magnavox, Motorola, Panasonic, Philco, RCA, Telefunken, Zenith, and others.
How does an idler drive work?
The wheel is mounted on an arm which pivots and forces the wheel against the platter. A belt connects drives the belt off of the motor spindle (right). Speed is selected by raising the pivoting arm up and down. This wheel has flat spots from storage and is cracked. A similar double disk idler drive setup, from the Gates table.
How do I find idler wheels for my brand?
To find idler wheels that are known to have been found in any particular brand, just click on your brand below. To check out part number listings, try our very powerful records database but clicking the record above.
What is a double disk idler wheel?
This large wheel (more than 3 inches in diameter) is from a Gates Broadcast Table. It is billed as a double disk idler because of its two-step outer rim. This wheel is held in place by an E-Clip. It is easily removed by sliding it to the left with a slotted screwdriver. This is a common double disk idler wheel setup.