MRO Field Guide

GARVEE 5HP Air Compressor Motor vs Baldor-Reliance RL1324A: Which Industrial Motor Should You Choose?

Compare the GARVEE 5HP SPL air compressor motor at $128.79 with the Baldor-Reliance RL1324A at $275.00. One brings high-speed 3450 RPM power; the other offers 115/230V flexibility and continuous-duty operation. Decide by workload, frame fit, and budget.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Choosing an industrial motor starts with the job it has to do. For an air compressor or shop application, these two motors take different routes: one is a high-horsepower, high-speed replacement at a lower listed price, and the other is a compact continuous-duty motor with dual-voltage wiring. You need to know whether your priority is maximum output or all-day flexibility before you decide.

Quick verdict

The GARVEE 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor is the right choice when your priority is high output and fast operation and you want the lower listed price. The Baldor-Reliance RL1324A is better suited to lighter loads that need continuous operation and the flexibility of 115V or 230V input.

Comparison at a glance

ProductListed PriceRated PowerSpeedInput VoltagePhaseCondition
GARVEE 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor 230V 3450RPM 5/8\" Keyed Shaft Single Phase$128.795 HP3450 RPM230VSingle phaseNew
Baldor-Reliance RL1324A Industrial Electric Motor$275.003/4 hp1725 RPM115/230VSingle phaseNew - Open box

The key takeaway from the table is that the GARVEE is built for high-speed, high-output compressor duty, while the Baldor-Reliance is a more versatile motor for lighter continuous jobs.

Where each motor wins

  • GARVEE 5HP Air Compressor Motor wins on raw power and speed. It is built for air compressor replacement with a 5/8-inch keyed shaft and reversible rotation.
  • Baldor-Reliance RL1324A wins on operational flexibility. It offers 115/230V wiring choices, a 60 Hz AC rating, and continuous-duty operation in a compact 56-frame design.

Product notes

GARVEE 5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor 230V 3450RPM 5/8\" Keyed Shaft Single Phase

5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor 230V 3450RPM 5/8" Keyed Shaft Single Phase

Choose the GARVEE when you need a high-speed replacement for a 230V air compressor. It is rated at 5 HP and 3450 RPM on a single-phase circuit, and it ships with a 5/8-inch keyed shaft for straightforward installation. The 56-frame design and reversible CW/CCW rotation make it easy to slot into an existing setup, while the copper-clad aluminum coil and cast iron and aluminum housing are built for heat dissipation and corrosion resistance. At $128.79, it is the lower-priced motor in this pairing. The main limitation is the voltage: this is a 230V-only motor, so you cannot feed it from a standard 115V outlet. It is also a special-purpose (SPL) air compressor motor, which means it should stay in compressor duty rather than be treated as a general-purpose replacement.

Baldor-Reliance RL1324A Industrial Electric Motor

Baldor-Reliance RL1324A Industrial Electric Motor

Go with the Baldor-Reliance RL1324A when your application calls for a compact industrial motor that can run continuously. It is rated at 3/4 hp with a base speed of 1725 RPM, operates on 115V or 230V, and carries a 60 Hz AC frequency rating. The motor uses an open enclosure and fits a NEMA 56 frame, keeping the footprint manageable. At $275.00, it is the higher-priced option in this pairing. The trade-off is power output: 3/4 hp is far below the 5 HP the GARVEE offers, so this motor is better suited to lighter or auxiliary duties than to driving a large air compressor. It is also listed as New - Open box, which is worth considering when you compare its condition with the brand-new GARVEE.

Final choice by use case

If you are rebuilding a 230V air compressor and need strong high-speed output, the GARVEE is the better fit. If you have a smaller machine that runs continuously and you want dual-voltage input flexibility, the Baldor-Reliance RL1324A is the more appropriate buy. Match the motor to your machine's demands-frame size, speed, and input voltage-and either one can be the practical pick.

Products in this article
5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor 230V 3450RPM 5/8" Keyed Shaft Single PhaseUSD 128.79View on eBayBaldor-Reliance RL1324A Industrial Electric MotorUSD 275.00View on eBay
5HP SPL Air Compressor Electric Motor 230V 3450RPM 5/8" Keyed Shaft Single PhaseUSD 128.79View on eBayBaldor-Reliance RL1324A Industrial Electric MotorUSD 275.00View on eBay

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