This paper is concerned with speed tracking control problem for permanent-magnet synchronous drives (PMSM) in the presence of an variable load torque and unknown model parameters. The disturbance of speed control caused by inaccuracy of model parameters has been investigated. A load torque observer has been proposed to observe the load torque and estimate the disturbance caused by inaccuracy of model parameters. Both inertia and friction coefficient are identified in gradient descent approach. The stability condition of the observer has also been studied. Furthermore an improved feed-forward control has been introduced to reduce the speed track error. The proposed control strategy has been verified by both simulation and experimental results.