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Top Ten Best Large Air Compressors

This article reviews the top ten large air compressors on the market.

Air compressors are one of the more important tools in the workshop because the proper working of many other tools depends on their performance. The machine is available in a variety of air flows, gallon sizes, and duty cycles. A good unit will also come with various support features for ensuring efficient and smooth operation.

To find the best large shop air compressor, we considered multiple products offered by different manufacturers. We also factored-in shop air compressor consumer reviews received for each product.  If you’re looking for the best large-sized air compressor, some of your homework has already been done with this well-researched list of the top 10.

1. Quincy QT-54

Quincy QT 54 Large Air

The industrial size Quincy air compressor is efficient and economical to operate with a pump life of 30,000 hours. One of the best 60-gallon air compressors, it runs at a lower RPM of 1310 and has a pressure capacity of 140 PSI to 175 PSI. The splash lubricated, cast iron pump has a 5 horsepower, 24 amp, 230 volts, single phase motor with a belt drive system. The QT-54 has a blow by of less than 5 PPM and an air outlet of 0.5”.

2. Industrial Air ILA1883054

Industrial Air ILA1883054 Large Air Compressors

The Industrial Air air compressor has a thermally stable cast iron cylinder body, twin cylinders, and a 30 gallon ASME vertical tank. The belt driven machine is powered by a 1 HP 120 volt induction motor and delivers a maximum pressure of 155 PSI. The oil lubricated compressor has an aluminum head and valve plate for dissipating the heat and an air flow rate of 5.7 CFM (cubic ft. per minute) at 90 PSI and 7 CFM at 40 PSI. The unit is also highly portable thanks to its pneumatic wheels. To ensure hassle-free operation, there are pressure gauges, a quick-set regulator, and an on/off switch.

3. NorthStar PK6060VNS

NorthStar PK6060VNS Large Air Compressors

The 60 gallon Northstar air compressor features an oil lubricated, two-cylinder, V-style pump designed for cooler operation. The welded steel receiver tank has a gate valve and a weather resistant finish. The cast iron machine is powered by a 3 HP single-stage motor that runs at 3450 RPM. The pump operates at 920 RPM and has CFM of 11.3 at 90PSI and 12.5 at 40 PSI. There’s also heat-resistant alloy steel reed valves, a triple ring piston, heavy-duty paper filters, and an oil sight gauge. The pump has a work life of 20,000 hours and a duty cycle of 60%.

4. Ingersoll Rand SS5

Ingersoll Rand SS5 Large Air Compressor

The Ingersoll Rand air compressor is a single-stage machine equipped with a 5 HP, 30 amp motor prewired for 230 volts and 100% duty cycle. The gallon capacity is 60 gallons and pressure capacity is up to 135 PSI with a CFM of 18.1 at 90 PSI. The single phase motor has a manual reset and thermal overload protection. There’s also an enclosed blade guard for enhancing safety, an oil sight gauge, and easy-to-change filter. The machine has a pump life of 5000 hours.

5. DeWalt DXCMV5048055

DeWalt DXCMV5048055 Large Air Compressors

Fitted with an 80-gallon tank, the industrial class DXCMV5048055 has a pressure capacity of 175 PSI and flow rate of 17 SCFM at 175 PSI and 17.9 at 100 PSI. The two-stage machine is powered by a 5 HP single phase electric motor operating at 230 volts and having thermal overload protection. The control panel features a pressure relief valve, two quick-connects, and tank and pressure gauge. The cast iron pump is supported by oversized taper roller bearings and hardened-steel disc valves.

6. DeWalt DXCMLA1983054

DeWalt DXCMLA1983054 Large Air Compressors

The Dewalt DXCMLA air compressor has a 30-gallon single-stage compressor and a 1.9 HP dual voltage induction motor. The oil lubricated machine has a  V-twin cast iron pump with a thermally stable body and a one-piece case. The operating pressure limit is 155 PSI and CFMs of 7 and 5.7 at 40 and 90 PSI respectively. The pneumatic wheels allow for easy transportation. The tool pressure gauges and high flow regulator enables smooth operation of the machine.

7. Ingersoll Rand 2340L5

Ingersoll Rand 2340L5 Large Air Compressor

Designed for heavy use, the 60-gallon, two-stage Ingersoll Rand compressor has a 5 HP, 230 volt, ODP motor, a maximum pressure of 175 PSI, and a duty cycle of 100%. The pump has radial fins for improved cooling and an overhung crankshaft is precision-balanced to improve performance. At 175 PSI, the compressor delivers a flow rate of 14.3 ACFM. A candidate for the best 2-stage air compressor, the machine has a 15,000-hour pump life and 2000-hour use before changeout.

8. Industrial Air IV5076055

Industrial Air IV5076055 Large Air Compressors

The 60 gallon IV5076055 offers flows of 15.3 SCFM and 13.5 SCFM at 100 and 175 PSI and a low pump RPM of 767 for durability. The two-stage machine has a 5HP, 230V, single phase motor featuring a thermal overload safety and a tank pressure gauge. There are cooling fins and cast iron flywheel with extensions to keep things cool and consistent. The unit also has an oil drain with 4″ extension and oil level check glass.

9. DeWalt DXCMV5076055

DeWalt DXCMV5076055 Large Air Compressors

Dewalt’s offering in the 60-gallon category, this air compressor features a 175 PSI pressure capacity and a 5 HP, 230-volt motor that has thermal overload protection. The machine has a speed of 767 RPM and SCFM values of 13.5 at 175 PSI and 15.3 at 100 PSI. The pump has multiple cooling features, including asymmetrical fans and a flywheel with large extensions. Other features of the compressor include a tank pressure gauge, 3/4″ air outlet, oil sight glass, and wire form belt guard.

10. Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5-V

Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5-V Large Air Compressor

The Ingersoll Rand is equipped with an 80-gallon tank and a 7.5 HP, 40 amp, single phase motor at 230 volts. The splash lubricated, V-Block pump is made of cast iron. The two-stage, stationary machine has a drive belt system and CFMs of 23.1 at 175 PSI, 24.2 at 90 and 100 PSI. With a duty cycle of 100%, the pump has a life of 10,000 hours.

By BCR Staff
June 2019

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