Update on this:
I eliminated the VFD and replaced with a reversing contactor and overload. In hindsight, I should have done this years ago. The line has performed flawlessly since, gaining about 8% in efficiency. I think the efficiency came from the elimination of ramp-up, ramp-down. Potentially, the gearbox may not last as long, but I've already paid for a replacement with what we've gained in efficiency
I eliminated the VFD and replaced with a reversing contactor and overload. In hindsight, I should have done this years ago. The line has performed flawlessly since, gaining about 8% in efficiency. I think the efficiency came from the elimination of ramp-up, ramp-down. Potentially, the gearbox may not last as long, but I've already paid for a replacement with what we've gained in efficiency