Choosing between these two 56C-frame industrial motors comes down to more than price. Both are new, TEFC-enclosed, 60 Hz AC motors with the same compact 56C footprint, but one is a 2 HP three-phase workhorse and the other is a 3/4 HP single-phase general-purpose motor. Before you buy, figure out what phase your shop has and how much torque the application needs.
Quick verdict
If you already run three-phase power and need a 2 HP motor, the 2 HP three-phase motor at $176.80 is the one to get. Its higher horsepower and inverter-rated design make it the stronger pick for heavier equipment. If you're on a single-phase supply and want a lower-cost motor with a 5/8-inch keyed shaft, the 3/4 HP single-phase motor at $144.06 is the right fit.
Side-by-side specs
| Feature | 2 HP 3-Phase Motor | 3/4 HP Single-Phase Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $176.80 | $144.06 |
| Horsepower | 2 HP | 3/4 HP |
| Phase | Three-phase | Single-phase |
| Voltage | 230/460V | 115/230V |
| Frame | 56C | 56C |
| Enclosure | TEFC | TEFC |
| Notable features | Inverter-rated, C-face removable base | Induction, reversible, 5/8-inch keyed shaft |
Where each motor wins
The 2 HP three-phase motor wins when horsepower is the priority. It brings more than double the output of the single-phase option and adds heavy-duty touches like a C-face removable base and inverter-rated design, making it a stronger fit for equipment that demands more running power.
The 3/4 HP single-phase motor wins on power-supply flexibility and price. It runs on either 115V or 230V single-phase, includes a 5/8-inch keyed shaft, and is reversible, which makes it easy to match to smaller 56C-frame equipment without needing a three-phase supply.
Product notes
2 HP Three-Phase Motor (56C Frame, TEFC)
This motor is built for applications that need more than light-duty running. At 2 HP and 3-phase, it brings substantial output to equipment that already has a three-phase supply. The TEFC enclosure keeps the motor fully enclosed and fan-cooled, and the C-face removable base gives flexible mounting. Add the 1.15 service factor and Class F insulation, and it's designed to handle sustained duty. The limitation is real: without three-phase power, this motor will not run, so it's not a choice for a standard single-phase shop. It also costs more than the single-phase option, which matters if you're watching budget.
3/4 HP Single-Phase Motor (56C Frame, 5/8-Inch Shaft)
If your shop runs on standard single-phase power, this 3/4 HP motor is the simpler fit. It runs on either 115V or 230V and includes a 5/8-inch keyed shaft, making it a useful replacement for smaller 56C-frame equipment. The motor is reversible, so you can change rotation direction, and the TEFC enclosure matches the other option for protection. The key trade-off is capacity: 3/4 HP is well below the 2 HP output, so it suits lighter loads rather than high-draw equipment. Choose it when you need a compact, reversible single-phase motor that fits a 5/8-inch shaft.
Final choice by use case
Choose the 2 HP three-phase motor when your equipment requires three-phase power and you need the extra horsepower for heavier loads. Choose the 3/4 HP single-phase motor when your power supply is single-phase and your application fits the 5/8-inch shaft and lighter duty cycle. For most single-phase shops, the 3/4 HP motor is the practical buy; for three-phase users, the 2 HP motor is the high-output choice.
