Juki Automatic Shuffle Walking Foot Sewing Machine DU-1481-7

$3,799.00 $4,499.00

Automatic industrial top and bottom feed

JUKI DU-1481-7 Automatic Top & Bottom Feed Sewing Machine

The JUKI DU-1481-7 combines dependable top and bottom feeding with direct-drive power, automatic thread trimming and automatic reverse sewing. It is a productive industrial machine for upholstery, bags, covers, canvas products and other medium-to-heavy sewing.

Its longer, higher arm provides more room around bulky work, while the horizontal-axis double-capacity hook reduces the number of bobbin changes required during production.

JUKI DU-1481-7 automatic top and bottom feed industrial sewing machine installed on its table
2,200 Stitches per minute
9mm Maximum stitch length
Up to 16mm Presser-foot lift by knee
335 × 150mm Needle-to-arm workspace

Built for productive medium-to-heavy sewing

The DU-1481-7 is designed for businesses that need consistent material feeding together with labour-saving automatic functions. Its high-torque direct-drive motor responds quickly at low speed and eliminates the belt between the motor and machine head.

Top and bottom feed

The upper walking foot and lower feed dog work together to move layered material and help reduce uneven feeding.

Automatic thread trimming

The rotary thread-trimming system cuts the upper and bobbin threads automatically, reducing manual finishing between seams.

Automatic reverse sewing

Automatic reverse stitching can secure the beginning and end of a seam while helping improve consistency across repeat work.

Needle thread clamp

The standard thread clamp helps draw the starting thread to the underside of the material for a cleaner seam beginning.

Double-capacity hook

The horizontal-axis double-capacity hook holds more bobbin thread than a standard-capacity industrial hook.

Adjustable LED lighting

Integrated LED lighting improves visibility around the needle and can be adjusted to suit the operator and material.

Integrated control panel and stitch length adjustment on the JUKI DU-1481-7

Direct-drive control at the machine

The motor and control system are integrated with the machine head, creating a clean installation with responsive power and straightforward access to the automatic sewing controls.

  • High-torque direct-drive motor
  • Adjustable operating speed
  • Automatic thread-trimming control
  • Automatic start and end reverse-stitch settings
  • Reduced idle noise compared with a constantly running clutch motor
  • Convenient stitch-length adjustment dial

Understanding the DU-1481-7 feed system

The DU-1481-7 is a top and bottom feed machine, sometimes described as a shuffle-feed or walking-foot machine. The upper foot and lower feed dog transport the material while the needle forms the stitch.

It is not a compound-feed or needle-feed machine. For very dense assemblies, heavy webbing intersections, heavy horse-rug production or work where needle feed is required, talk to Direct Sewing about a JUKI DNU or LU-series machine.

Suitable applications

A versatile choice for workshops sewing firm, medium-to-heavy materials where positive top and bottom feeding is beneficial.

Upholstery and furniture

Furniture panels, cushions, seating components and layered upholstery fabrics.

Bags and equipment covers

Canvas bags, robust carry products and protective covers within the machine’s sewing capacity.

Automotive and transport seating

Car-seat components and firm upholstery materials where the feed surfaces will not cause unacceptable marking.

Canvas and outdoor products

Tents, selected awning work, firm canvas assemblies and other medium-to-heavy sewn products.

Important information for leather and vinyl

Because both the upper foot and lower feed dog grip the material, this machine can mark soft leather, soft vinyl, coated fabrics and other delicate surfaces. We recommend testing the exact material before production. Contact Direct Sewing if you need help choosing a machine for mark-sensitive work.

Supplied as a complete industrial workstation

The DU-1481-7 is supplied assembled as a complete industrial sewing setup, ready for final commissioning and operator familiarisation.

  • JUKI DU-1481-7 machine head
  • Integrated direct-drive motor and control system
  • Industrial table and stand
  • Thread stand
  • Wheels for easier workshop positioning
  • Oil, bobbins, needles and screwdriver

Table, stand and minor components may differ slightly from the images depending on current supply.

JUKI DU-1481-7 direct-drive industrial sewing machine head

JUKI DU-1481-7 specifications

Machine type Single-needle lockstitch industrial sewing machine
Feed system Top and bottom feed
Maximum sewing speed 2,200 stitches per minute
Maximum stitch length 9mm forward and reverse
Presser-foot lift 7mm by hand; up to 16mm by knee
Needle-to-arm space 335mm horizontal × 150mm high
Needle-bar stroke 38mm
Alternating vertical movement 2–5.5mm
Hook Horizontal-axis, full-rotary, double-capacity hook
Needle system DP×17 / 135×17, size #23 supplied as standard
Motor Integrated high-torque direct-drive motor
Automatic functions Automatic thread trimming, reverse sewing and needle thread clamping
Lubrication Automatic lubrication
Lighting Adjustable LED needle-area light

Needles and thread for your DU-1481-7

The DU-1481-7 uses the DP×17 industrial needle system. Needle size and thread should be matched to the material, seam construction and required finish.

The Direct Sewing advantage

An industrial sewing machine is only as useful as the advice and support behind it. Direct Sewing has more than 30 years of experience helping New Zealand businesses choose, set up and maintain industrial sewing equipment.

Practical machine advice Recommendations based on your materials, thread, seam construction and production requirements.
Setup and operator guidance Help getting the machine adjusted correctly for your intended work.
Servicing and after-sales support Local technical knowledge, parts assistance and ongoing machine support.

Talk to Direct Sewing

Showroom:
138 Railside Avenue, Henderson, Auckland 0612

Phone: (09) 838 8674

Mobile: 021 274 2910

Email: info@directsewing.co.nz

Includes a one-year return-to-base warranty. Freight outside Auckland can be arranged; contact us for delivery options and pricing.

Product information and manuals

Frequently asked questions

What type of feed system does the JUKI DU-1481-7 use?
The DU-1481-7 uses top and bottom feed. The upper walking foot and lower feed dog work together to transport the material while the needle forms the stitch.
Is the DU-1481-7 a compound-feed machine?
No. It is a top and bottom feed machine, not a compound or needle-feed machine. If your work requires the needle to move with the material, ask Direct Sewing about a suitable JUKI DNU or LU-series model.
What automatic functions does the DU-1481-7 have?
It provides automatic thread trimming, automatic reverse sewing for securing seams and a standard needle thread-clamping device. An automatic presser-foot lift is not included in the advertised package.
How does it compare with the JUKI DU-1181N?
The DU-1481-7 adds an integrated direct-drive motor, automatic thread trimming, automatic reverse sewing, needle thread clamping and a longer, higher sewing area. It also has a maximum sewing speed of 2,200 stitches per minute.
Can the DU-1481-7 sew leather or vinyl?
It can sew selected firm leather, vinyl and upholstery materials within its capacity. However, its toothed upper and lower feed components can mark soft leather, soft vinyl, coated fabric or other delicate surfaces. Always test the actual material first.
Is this machine suitable for heavy horse rugs?
The DU-1481-7 is not our first recommendation for dense horse-rug assemblies, heavy webbing intersections or especially bulky layered work. A heavier compound-feed machine may be more appropriate. Direct Sewing can assess your materials and recommend the correct model.
Which needles does the DU-1481-7 use?
It uses the DP×17 industrial needle system, also known as 135×17. The correct needle size and point should be selected according to the thread and material being sewn.
Is the DU-1481-7 supplied as a complete setup?
Yes. It is supplied with its industrial table, stand, integrated motor and control system, thread stand, wheels and standard accessories. Table and stand details may vary slightly depending on current supply.
What warranty and support are included?
The machine includes a one-year return-to-base warranty backed by Direct Sewing’s Auckland-based advice, servicing and after-sales support. Freight outside Auckland can also be arranged.