IBM Refurbished Tape Drives
We stock refurbished IBM tape drives for LTO backup and archiving, including library drives for IBM TS-series tape libraries, internal and external drives for IBM servers, and the libraries themselves. Whether you're replacing a failed drive, adding a drive to an existing library, or expanding tape capacity, we have refurbished IBM tape drives ready to ship. If you need a drive that isn't listed, our team can often source it by part number or library model.
Every refurbished drive is inspected and tested before shipping under our ISO 9001-certified quality management system. Orders ship from our warehouse in Denmark — with express delivery, your order will be delivered within 1–2 working days.
- Save up to 80% versus buying new
- Inspected and tested under our ISO 9001-certified quality management system
- 1-year warranty included
- LTO tape drives, libraries, and cartridges for IBM TS-series libraries and IBM servers
Refurbished IBM Tape Library Drives
Library drives are built for a specific IBM tape library, so a drive for a TS4300 and a drive for a TS3100/TS3200 are different parts even in the same LTO generation. Drives come in half-high and full-high versions with Fibre Channel or SAS interfaces. Match the library model, LTO generation, and interface to the drives already installed.
Refurbished IBM Internal and External LTO Drives
For Power Systems and other IBM servers, we stock internal half-high LTO drives and external drives for the 7226 media enclosure, with SAS or Fibre Channel interfaces. Internal drives attach to the server's SAS controller, while external drives connect to a host adapter, so check that your server has a matching port before ordering.
Refurbished IBM Tape Libraries
We also stock complete IBM tape libraries, from the TS4300 and TS3310 to the larger TS3500, including base units and capacity expansions. Base units are sold separately from the drives that go into them, so confirm the drive count and interface you need, and check that your backup software supports the library and drive generation.
IBM LTO Backup Tape Cartridges
For backup tape, we stock Ultrium data cartridges, cleaning cartridges, and cartridge labels. The cartridge generation must match your drives, so check which LTO generation your drive reads and writes before ordering.
LTO Generation Compatibility
LTO generation decides which cartridges a drive can use. Drives up to LTO-7 read two generations back and write one generation back. From LTO-8 onward, drives read and write only one generation back, so an LTO-8 drive can't read LTO-6 cartridges. If you need to restore from older tapes, keep a drive of the right generation rather than assuming a newer one will read them.
IBM Tape Drive Part Numbers
IBM tape drives carry FRU part numbers, such as 00NA117, and are also listed by library or enclosure machine type plus model, for example 7226-8546. The same drive is often sold under many different numbers, so match the library or enclosure model along with the LTO generation and interface. Search by any of them in our Parts Finder, or use our Storage Configurator to check compatible hardware for your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a used and a refurbished IBM tape drive? A used drive is sold as-is, without testing. Every drive we sell is refurbished: inspected, tested, and covered by a 1-year warranty. We're an independent refurbisher, not part of IBM's own programs.
Can I put any LTO drive in my IBM tape library? No. Library drives are matched to the library model, LTO generation, and interface. Match the part number from your existing drive, or contact our team with your library model and we'll confirm the right drive.
Will a newer LTO drive read my existing tapes? It depends on the generation. Drives up to LTO-7 read two generations back, and from LTO-8 onward drives read only one generation back, so check the generation before replacing a drive you still restore from.
How much does a refurbished IBM tape drive cost? Prices are listed on each product and depend on the LTO generation, interface, and whether it is a library drive. Refurbished IBM tape drives typically cost up to 80% less than new.
What's the warranty on a refurbished IBM tape drive? Every refurbished IBM tape drive comes with a 1-year warranty.