Surplus centers are good! Harbor Freight is OK but you want to get their "farm motors". They have better bearings, the windings are completely dipped making them last MUCH longer and
they have great startup torque. If I went new, this is what I'd get. If used, surplus or from a friend.
about 15 yrs ago i ran across a bunch of 240v single phase 56YZ frame air compressors that were "special 5Hp" manufactured by GEWatch what you are buying, they have some ''5hp special'' compressor motors that are closer to 3 hp. Look at the amps, a 5 hp motor draws about 23 amps on 240V.
I bought mine from Surplus Center. Watch what you are buying, they have some ''5hp special'' compressor motors that are closer to 3 hp. Look at the amps, a 5 hp motor draws about 23 amps on 240V. I bought another NOS 5HP, 3 phase for my other compressor off of Craigslist for $125.
The largest motor that Harbor Freight lists now is 3HP, and I have not been happy with the HF electric motors.