Finding distributors of power transmissions is not difficult. Even a quick shot on a general search engine yields many quality finds. However, general search engines do not know your specific needs. When you begin looking at power transmission component distributors, there are some ways to weed out the good from the bad.

Here are several simple tactics for finding the best power transmission suppliers for your needs:

1. Search out companies that sell the brands you've already used and trust.

2. If you have the knowledge to tell the difference between low and high quality components, or if you know exactly what you're looking for, wholesale and cut rate websites can save you some money.

3. If you need rare power transmission parts, shop sources that specialize in your particular range of use. You may find serviceable parts elsewhere, but the purpose specific websites will carry a larger selection of your specialized parts and may also have helpful information.

4. Look for power transmission distributors that have large selections and quality website designs. These types of websites tend to have quick shipping, the best customer service and give you the most product options.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find sources of wholesale power transmission equipment

If you know what you want, then why pay more? There are many distributors of power transmission equipment that sell high volume and specialize in keeping their prices low. The drawback is that these websites usually do not have as much product information. One way to get the best of both worlds is to find the product you want on the websites of power transmission manufacturers or retail sources, then find the same parts on wholesale sites.

I recommend: Among auto transmission wholesalers, Transmission Parts USA is a good place to start. Although some trails are dead ends, especially for foreign cars, they do have a wide selection of parts and checking their stock online is a breeze. As for industrial wholesale, take a look at WholeSale Industrial Supply. They have many types of industrial transmission parts, including for speed reducers.

Shop websites that are large distributors of power transmissions

If you're looking for a very specific power transmission component, then the main point is finding a quality distributor that carries it. However, generally speaking, the websites with the largest selections will give you the most options. You may even find something you hadn't heard of previously.

I recommend: Auto Parts Warehouse carries a pretty large number of products nicely organized, first by make, then year, then model. Even if they don't have your PT part, you won't have wasted much time looking. Another route, however, is PartsAmerica.com. They have a huge array of parts organized online by part type, but they also have a store locater on their website so you can find the nearest physical location.

Locate a distributor of power transmission parts that specializes in your field

Maybe you're looking for a common power transmission gear, or maybe you're on the hunt for more specialized power transmission supplies. The more particular your need, the more advantageous it is to find a specialty source.

I recommend: David Brown is a good industrial power transmission distributor that produces custom gear boxes and transmission for marine and even military use. Their capabilities go beyond many other companies. As for the auto world, there are all sorts of distributor power transmission specialists. Try Buddy Transmission, which will hook up a pass car for the next race or get your 4x4 or almost any wild vehicle rolling.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're a frequent buyer of power transmission gear, don't be disappointed to later find you've been overpaying. Compare prices with multiple websites.