Your compressor is the heart of the shop. When the motor dies, work stops. We’ve rounded up the top replacement motors to get your air tools spinning again without the headache.
Compare The Best 5hp Electric Motor for Air Compressor
| Motor Name | Frame | RPM | Voltage | Best For |
| Bonvoisin 5HP | 56HZ | 3450 | 230V | Heavy Duty DIY |
| Generic 5HP SPL | 184T | 3450 | 230V | Versatile Fits |
| maXpeedingrods 5HP | 56 | 3450 | 230V | Budget Friendly |
| Baldor 5HP | 56HZ | 3450 | 230V | Top Tier / USA Made |
| Generic 3-Phase | 184T | 1770 | 208-230/460V | Industrial (3-Phase) |
| Farm Duty 5HP | 184T | 1750 | 208-230V | High Torque / Low RPM |
Power Up: The best 5hp electric motor for air compressor replacements
Stop guessing which motor fits your rig. Whether you are running a commercial shop or a serious home garage, these motors are built to handle the heavy starting loads of air compressors. We have filtered out the junk to give you the reliable workhorses you need.
Bonvoisin 5HP Compressor Motor
This Bonvoisin unit is a solid choice if you need a beast for your single-phase setup. It runs on standard 230V and handles the rough start-up torque compressors demand. The reversible rotation (CW/CCW) makes wiring it into your existing setup a breeze, so you aren’t fighting with the manual for hours.
Key Features:
This motor rocks a 56HZ frame with a 7/8″ keyed shaft, which is thicker and more durable than standard consumer shafts. It spins at a rapid 3450 RPM, perfect for most belt-driven compressor pumps. At 25 Amps, it delivers true power, not just inflated marketing numbers.
Generic 5HP SPL Motor (184T Frame)
If you are looking for a general-purpose replacement that can handle compressor duty, this unit covers the bases. It is labeled as an SPL (Special) motor, often meaning it mimics the performance of larger motors in short bursts. It is designed to get your rig running without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
It lists a 184T frame but utilizes a 5/8″ keyed shaft, so double-check your pulley size before buying. The motor supports dual rotation and spins at the standard 3450 RPM. It’s a solid middle-ground option for general workshop equipment.
maXpeedingrods 5HP SPL Motor
This is your budget-saver “SPL” option. maXpeedingrods is known for affordable aftermarket parts, and this motor is aimed at the DIYer who needs to fix a home garage compressor cheaply. It pulls 15.0 Amps, making it easier on older electrical sub-panels than the heavy-duty industrial options.
Key Features:
Designed for the common 56 Frame mount, it fits many big-box store compressors (like Husky or Kobalt) easily. It features a standard 5/8″ keyed shaft and a 1.88″ shaft length. Ideal for light-to-medium duty cycles where you aren’t running the pump 24/7.
Baldor 5HP Industrial Motor
This is the gold standard. Baldor is American-made iron that professional shops swear by. If you want to install a motor and never think about it again for 20 years, this is the one you buy. It’s built to withstand the abuse of daily commercial grinding.
Key Features:
It features a robust 56HZ frame with a heavy 7/8″ shaft. The 1.15 Service Factor means it can handle temporary overloads without frying the windings. It is a true single-phase, 208/230V workhorse running at 3450 RPM.
Generic 5HP Three Phase Motor
Warning: This is Three-Phase. Do not buy this for a standard home outlet. This motor is for industrial shops with 3-phase power. It runs slower (1770 RPM) and cooler, making it perfect for pumps that require high torque at lower speeds.
Key Features:
This is a Super Efficient motor with a cast iron shell, built for the long haul. It fits a 184T frame with a hefty 1-1/8″ shaft diameter. The lower RPM (approx 1770) runs quieter and extends the life of your compressor pump.
5HP Farm Duty Motor
“Farm Duty” means this motor is sealed and toughened to handle dirt, dust, and grime. While the title says “Air Compressor,” the 1750 RPM speed is key—ensure your pump is geared for this slower speed. It is built for high starting torque environments.
Key Features:
It uses a TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) design, protecting the internals from shop dust. Fits a 184T frame and runs on single-phase 208-230V. The lower RPM provides massive torque, great for driving heavy industrial pumps.
Buying Tip
Check your Shaft Diameter and Frame Size before clicking buy. Most 5HP motors are either 56 Frame (5/8″ or 7/8″ shaft) or 184T Frame (1-1/8″ shaft). If you buy the wrong shaft size, your pulley won’t fit, and you will be stuck searching for adapters.
Pro Tip: Avoid “SPL” (Special) motors if you are running a commercial shop. SPL motors are often overrated on horsepower (peak vs. continuous). For daily grinding, stick to motors with high Amperage ratings (20+ Amps) and a Service Factor of 1.0 or higher.
