Air Compressors are one of the best pieces of equipment you can own. Whether your needs are residential or commercial, there are many options to consider before choosing which one is best.
In this review, we are going to look at ten different models of 60-gallon air compressors which will help you with your research before choosing.
Types of Air Compressors and How to Choose the Best One for You
An Air compressor is an instrument that transforms power into energy with the use of inert gases, electricity, and batteries.
It then stores this energy as a form of pressurized air into a holding tank. The compressor turns off when the tank is full, storing it until needed.
Which air compressor you choose will depend on what you are looking for.
Electric air compressors are generally used in small and large indoor job applications and are less noisy when compared to gas.
Gas air compressors are used outdoors, have more power, and are usually used for longer periods of use in industrial applications.
There are also options of oil-lubricated and oil-free air compressors. It can be confusing when you come across one stage, one phase, two-stage, two-phase, etc.
The phase of the machine correlates to the electrical, while the stage is referring to the compressor. (Simply meaning, the stage number is how many times the air is compressed before being released and utilized).
If the machine is two-stage, that would mean that the air inside the tank has been compressed twice, doubling the pressure.
A one-stage compressor’s efficiency will not be as great as that of a two or three-stage which allows for multiple users at a greater efficiency).
Gas vs Electric
Advantages of Gas Air Compressors
Longer life spans compared to electric
Usually mounted into the back of a vehicle, making it convenient to transport to multiple job sites
High efficiency
Disadvantages of Gas Air Compressors
Requires gas to operate, and can be expensive
Gas is combustible
Gas air compressors are very expensive compared to electric
The Quincy QT-54 is a 60 gallon, 5 HP, single-phase, two-stage air compressor, weighing four hundred and seventy-five pounds.
The pump on this compressor is crafted from cast iron with a lifespan of 30,000 hours, and the design of the flywheel circulates the air, keeping the compressor cool.
The compressed air is produced at a maximum rate of 175 psi, operating on a 230-volt outlet, making this unit ideal for all construction, agricultural and automotive type industries
Advantages
Space-saving with its vertical design
Easy to wire
Long life span
Low noise levels compared to other models
3-year warranty with the purchase of a maintenance kit, which includes enough fluid to last for three years
The Ingersoll Rand 2340L5-V is a 60 gallon, 5 HP, three-phase air compressor weighing four hundred and thirty pounds.
The pump is crafted from cast iron with a lifespan of 15,000 hours.
The compressed air is produced at a maximum rate of 175 psi, operating on a 460-volt outlet, making it ideal for industrial use such as automotive and manufacturing shops.
Using an all-season lubricant lessens the time in between for maintenance.
Ingersoll Rand recommends the use of synthetic lubricants as they prolong the life of their products when compared to other lubricants.
This unit would be ideal for the construction, agricultural, and automotive type industries.
The NorthStar (model #75711) is a 60 gallon, 3.7 HP, single-phase air compressor weighing 228 pounds.
The pump is crafted from cast iron with a lifespan of 1,500 hours, has a glass oil level sightline for easy viewing, and an easily accessible plug for draining.
The compressed air is produced at a maximum rate of 135 psi, operating on a 230-volt outlet. This compressor is best suited for livestock and service truck operations.
Advantages
Upright design for space-saving efficiency
Heavy-duty motor
Disadvantages
Shorter lifespan compared to other models
6-minute tank fill
Regulator not included
Ingersoll Rand SS5 5HP 60 Gallon Single Stage Air Compressor
The Ingersoll Rand SS5 is a 60 gallon, 5HP, single-stage air compressor weighing 310 pounds.
The pump is crafted from cast iron with a lifespan of 5,000 hours, and the industrial size strength of this compressor makes it perfect for heavy jobs or putting air in your tires.
The compressed air is produced at a rate of 135 psi and operates on a 230-volt outlet. With the use of synthetic lubricants, this device will operate four times longer than using other lubricants.
Advantages
Safe in enclosed areas
Quiet
Disadvantages
Does not come with a built-in regulator
The unit is recommended to be hard-wired and not plugged in, as stated
The DeWalt (model #DXCMV5076055) is a 60 gallon, 5 HP, two-stage air compressor weighing 400 pounds.
The Dewalt features a cast iron pump with a compressor producing a maximum of 175 psi and operates on a 230-volt outlet.
The strength and durability of this compressor provide enough strength to operate more than one tool at a time, making it the perfect option for any shop.
Advantages
Accessible Oil level sight
Low pump RPM
Pump and Piston design provides a cooler running machine
The EMAX V4 is a 60-gallon, two-stage,18 HP gas engine (honda engine) air compressor with an electric start and a maximum velocity of 175 psi.
The pump in this compressor is manufactured with cast iron, including the cylinder and heads, crankcase, and flywheel.
These compressors sit on stands, aiding in air distribution to help in the unit’s prevention of overheating. Longer work spans are made possible with cold-weather starting ability, the 5-gallon gas tank, and low oil shutdown.
Advantages
Long lifespan
Excellent fuel efficiency
Airstream technology provides a 50% longer pump life
The Industrial Air (model # IL3106016) 60-gallon air compressor is a single-stage, splash lubricated; 3 HP induction motor manufactured with cast iron and aluminum fins for cooling, operating on 208v or a 240-volt outlet.
The compressed rate of airflow is a maximum of 130 psi and allows multiple tools to be used at once, making this compressor ideal for automotive and paint shops.
Advantages
Two-year warranty
Induction motor resulting in higher efficiency
Pressure gauge comes standard
Disadvantages
Hard to understand instructions
California Air Tools 60 Gallon Oilless Air Compressor
The California Air Tools (model #60040CAD) is a 60 gallon, single-phase air compressor and operates on a 220-volt outlet, with a maximum airflow rate of 125 psi. It has twin motors equalling 4 HP.
Operating at 75 decibels makes this one of the quietest compressors in production, and the fact that its oilless makes it ideal for operating in any weather condition.
Its projected life span of 3000 hours before wear is due to the efficiency of the motors operating at 1680 RPM. This compressor would be perfect for the dental industry, hospitals, and schools.
Advantages
Quiet with only 75 decibels
Cleaner air with an oil-free pump
Overload protector
Less maintenance
Disadvantages
Teflon on pistons wear
The compressor is noisy when purging air
Final Thoughts
Deciding on which air compressor is best will depend on what your needs are. If you travel to multiple job sites and the cost isn’t an issue, then the E V4 gas air compressor is definitely an option with its powerful 18 HP motor and adaptability to perform in any weather condition, and it has a 5-year warranty.
If you own a dental clinic or work in the food industry and you’re looking for an air compressor, then you will need an oil-free unit. The California Air Tools, 4 HP, 60-gallon oilless compressor, is a brilliant choice.
For all other applications, I would definitely say the Quincy QT-54 is a clear winner in this review. It has a powerful 5 HP motor allowing multiple tools and users to use the efficiency of this machine with its 2 stage compressor.
It has one of the largest pump lifespans compared to other models of 30,000 hours before showing wear. The warranty is extended from one year to three years on the pump with the purchase of a warranty kit, which includes enough fluid and a filter to last for three years.
