Let me start with a fact: more than 70% of all the companies from all kinds of industries use compressed air for their operations. These air compressors’ importance is beyond words. It’s useful in terms of transforming power into energy.
From small businesses to giant industries… everyone needs an air compressor. But… do we know what it is?
In simple terms, this machine forces air eventually into the storage tank and increases the pressure. A typical industrial air compressor has several applications.
In the farming industry, it’s used for spraying crops and ventilating agricultural facilities. Not only that, an air compressor is used for operating pneumatic machinery in manufacturing plants.
Ever wondered how does a laundry press work?
They use a good ol’ air compressor. They also have a huge role to play in food and beverage manufacturing, and oil and gas operations as well.
The strongest argument in favor of these products is that they’re technologically advanced and highly reliable. The advantages that your business can gain from them are plenty. It’s as simple as that. The better question is, why shouldn’t you have one? If you do, then… which one to go for?
For me? It’s Industrial Air! Why this particular brand? Well, I have my reasons. In this article, I’ll be clarifying them AND doing some of the best Industrial-Air air compressor reviews. But, in steps.
For a start, I’ll be talking about the types of compressors you’ll be dealing with. Also, you’ll find some of the best industrial air 60-gallon 2-Stage air compressors out there. All you have to do is to read the reviews and find your match!
Types of Air Compressors and their Applications
You have to know your machines to get the best results from them, right? Before going straight into the part where I review stuff, I want to turn your attention to something else. Something important.
Not all air compressors can do everything. There’re particular types of compressors that are well-equipped in particular cases. Yes, there are differences. These differences cause different results in your production lineup as well. hence, knowing what you need for your business is paramount.
It’s actually pretty tough to boil down all types of air compressors into a small number of categories. There’re so many of them. But if forced to do so, I would divide them into three types.
They are: Commercial-grade reciprocating compressors, rotary screw air compressors, and oil-free scroll air compressors.
- Usually, Commercial-grade Reciprocating Compressors facilitate small to medium-sized businesses. Be aware of the noise though. Apart from that, it costs much less than the other two. If you own a small business; and you don’t like a little bit of noise… this can be your answer.
- The Rotary Screw Compressor is way powerful than the previous one. They are pretty quiet too. However, they’re built to take on more heavy-duty work. If your workshop requires a constant concentration of pressurized air such as, powder coating and sandblasting…this is the kind of compressor that’ll be perfect for you.
- An oil-free Scroll Air Compressor is awfully quiet, and efficient. This is better suited for works that require utmost accuracy and a self-contained, clean environment. For example, pharmaceuticals manufacturers use this kind of compressor.
Top-Rated Industrial 60-Gallon 2-Stage Commercial Air Compressors You’ll Find!
With that’s out of the way, let’s jump straight into the part where I review some products for you guys. Here, I enlisted three of my favorite air compressors from Industrial Air that will enhance your business’ productivity by a huge margin and make your workflow much smoother than before.
1. Industrial Air ILA3606056 60-Gallon Single Stage Cast Iron Twin Cylinder Air Compressor
Best medium sized single stage 60 gallon air compressor for the money
Industrial Air ILA3606056 60-Gallon Single Stage Cast Iron Twin Cylinder Air Compressor
Industrial Air
The ILA3606056 model from Industrial Air is a beast. It’s robust, strong, and made to withstand the toughest and demanding conditions. If your line of work requires a high magnitude of robustness, this machine from Industrial Air can be your go-to option.
Designed exclusively for heavy-duty gigs out there, you can use this in any mechanic shop, livestock operation, and service truck. They’ll perform well no matter how tough the condition is. As I mentioned earlier, this air compressor is built to last and perform on the highest level. Yet, it’s very affordable.
The crankcase is entirely made of cast iron. It’s a twin cylinder and oil-lubricated pump that has a thermally stable cast iron cylinder body. So, yes…It’s durable and reliable. This air compressor also has an aluminum head and valve plate and automotive-style ball bearings.
Equipped with a 12” cast iron balanced flywheel it has a one-piece cast iron crankcase. It can develop 13.4 CFM at just 40 PSI. But if your project requires more volume of air…say, around 11.5 to 12 CFM, you have to increase the PSI to 90.
Does it have oil-level sight glass? Yes. This fine feature will help you to determine the level of oil in the air compressor. It also simplifies maintenance by taking the guessing game out of the equation.
Let’s talk about the heart of an air compressor: the motor. The Industrial Air ILA3606056 60-Gallon Single Stage Cast Iron Twin Cylinder Air Compressor has a massive heart. The 3.7-HP induction motor is a spitting image of performance and efficiency.
It operates on 240-volt and single-phase power. What is the meaning of that? In simple words, single-phase power ensures the unit operates at optimum with increased efficiency of its transmission. Anyway, to run this motor, you’ll need at least a 15-amp circuit.
As the name suggests, it has a 60-gallon vertical air receiver. Does it have any electrical valve? Sadly, no. However, it provides a long time of service on air tools. You’ll not run out of air in the middle of your work. The large capacity 60-gallon ASME air receiver also makes sure it has longer run times.
Let’s take a closer look at the pump. Made from extremely durable solid cast iron, it has a maximum PSI of 155. Pump type is single-stage with no ‘after cooler’ or ‘pump low oil shut-off’. On the other hand, it’s oil-lubricated and the oil system is splash lubricated.
This is a high-performance air compressor. It’s efficient and highly reliable. This compressor doesn’t have any shortage of power, has a decent motor breathing inside, and provides a longer run time. If you take care of it regularly, it’ll continue to provide its amazing service without any problem.
2. Industrial Air IV5076055 60 gallon 5 HP Two Stage Air Compressor
Best large 2 stage 60 gallon industrial air compressor reviews
Industrial Air IV5076055 60 gallon 5 hp Two Stage Air Compressor
Industrial Air
Let’s say you want more power…more efficiency. Well, in that case, the IV5076055 model from Industrial air can solve all your problems. Perfect for the tradesman and industrial users, this one packs a powerful 5 horsepower motor. It has more PSI than the previous one and works more efficiently too.
So, if you want to up your game, then this can be the one. With that said, let’s dive deep into this machine and discover what else it has to offer.
First things first, the build. Since it’s made to withstand extreme conditions, the manufacturers didn’t hold back while making it. They made it extremely durable and strong. It’s specifically designed for heavy-duty professional users and won’t falter under t5ough situations.
An obvious question comes to mind. That is… “Since it’s heavy, would it be a nuance to transport it?” Actually, no. Industrial Air thought of this problem too and came up with a simple solution. They added four tie-down holes in the platform so that you can transport it easily.
The more you know about this machine the more you’ll see that a lot of thought went into making this air compressor. The sublime mechanical design requires no magnetic starter. It has a patented pump and piston design.
This patented design…what does it do? Well, it features a deep groove directional and asymmetrical cooling fin. The flywheel is also made of cast iron just like the ILA3606056 model. But the difference lies in the dimension of the fin.
The fly wheel’s fins are a bit extended which provides a cooler running machine. It maintains a consistent compression efficiency. The performance is further improved for the addition of wire from the belt guard. It improves compressor cooling as well.
Hence, this air compressor from Industrial Air becomes more complicated in a good sense and more efficient than its predecessor.
What about the performance then? As it has a better design than the first one, it’s only natural that it produces a better result. The numbers don’t lie. For example, this one delivers a maximum CFM that is 13.5 at 175 PSI. While the ILA3066056 can deliver 11.5 CFM at 90 PSI. See the difference?
Now, if the numbers don’t paint a clear picture of how powerful this is, then let me put that in a simpler perspective. The IV5076055 60-gallon 5 HP Two-Stage Air Compressor is powerful enough to operate more than one air tool or device at the same time. So, yes…it’s not only durable, but also it’s very powerful.
Moving on to the motor, it has 5 horsepower and runs on 230-volt AC. It’s a single-phase motor that needs a 22-amp circuit with a 30-amp breaker to run well. As for the pump, it’s made of durable solid cast iron and has a max PSI of 175. It’s a two-stage pump that also has oil-sight glass for easier maintenance. This one excels in all categories comparing with the first air compressor. It has a nice balance between power, efficiency, and durability. Although both are from the same manufactures, this air compressor was made to quench the thirst of the ones who want more power and performance.
3. Industrial Air ILA4546065 60-Gallon Hi-Flo Single Stage Cast Iron Three Cylinder Air Compressor
Industrial Air ILA4546065 60-Gallon Hi-Flo Single Stage Cast Iron Three Cylinder Air Compressor
Industrial Air
This one is also from Industrial Air. To be honest, there’s not much difference between this ILA456065 model and the other two. It stands somewhere between the first and second products that I’ve mentioned here.
So, who is this air compressor is for? Let us assume, you don’t want to work with a less powerful compressor like ILA3606056. But I have to say, it’s not in any way a less powerful compressor. Yet, for the sake of this argument… let’s say 3.5 horsepower is not going to cut it. Or you don’t want to go higher than 5 horsepower.
In that case, the ILA456065 works as a middle ground. Let’s take a closer look at it then. Weighing just about 287 pounds, this air compressor doesn’t shy away from handling larger loads. Or say… multiple pneumatic tools. The ILA4546065 is a versatile compressor. Due to its heavy-duty nature, anybody can use it.
Are you thinking of cranking up your game? Get this one. It’s more than capable of handling tough objectives. But that’s not all. Apart from DIY users, this can also be a useful piece of machinery for any professional.
It can be used for high-consumption air tools such as nail guns, paint sprayers, sanders, and many more. Is this going to last long? Absolutely. This Hi-Flo single-stage stationary electric air compressor from Industrial air is a durable and long-lasting compressed air solution for all kinds of users.
The ILA4546065 model is has a durable one-piece cast iron crankcase. This solid crankcase is coupled with a full cast iron cylinder body just like the previous two compressors. The leaf valves are made from sturdy Swedish stainless steel. It ensures that your pump gets a stretched lifetime. Nice!
To give the user a more trouble-free experience the manufacturer included high pump performance. Not only that, but it also features an aluminum head and valve plate. It provides the necessary overall cooling surface that ensures faster heat dissipation.
Hence, the compressor won’t overheat or get damaged easily. Because these machines tend to generate heat on a massive scale. So, the faster the heat dissipates to the environment the better it is for your compressor.
Now, let’s take a look at the performance of this product. This one can deliver 16.1 CFM at 40 PSI and 14 CFM at 90 PSI. Apart from the IV5076055 model, it has the same amount of maximum PSI as the very first one which is 155 PSI. The rest are pretty the same with all these three air compressors.
It has an oil sight glass, 12-inch cast-iron balanced flywheel, belt drive, splash lubricated oil system, and no aftercooler.
Equipped with a pressure gauge and an on/off switch, it has a 4.7 HP electric motor. So, it doesn’t require any old-school magnetic starter. Runs on 230-volt AC just like the previous two compressors, this heavy-duty motor protects the compressor against voltage fluctuations.
Overall, this ILA4546065 model from Industrial Air is a great air compressor. It can carry out any heavy objective without breaking a sweat. It provides more air so that you can work longer without any interruptions. It’s also durable and produces better results than other air compressors on the market.
Tools You Need to Operate These Bad Boys!
Air compressors are complicated machines. To run them smoothly and maintain them, you’ll need severaladditional accessories. It may give off an ominous vibe, but just like a lot of complex machines this one also needs other corresponding tools to get the most out of it.
Here I will briefly discuss the accessories that you must have in your body shop. Let’s begin…
- Air Hoses
Air hoses come in several different types. They are different in lengths, diameters, adaptors, and materials. You can’t just go to the market and buy whichever air hose is closest to you. Because the differences are important.
If you intend to use it for a small shop that operates sanders or other power tools, then you will be okay with a 10’ braided air hose. But the story will be different if you work in large-scale projects that require more power and more reach. So, choose wisely.
- Air Couplers
You can’t do without air couplers. You’ll need this to connect your air compressor hose to your tools. Actually, they’re pretty cool. They work like joints and are very flexible also. Air couplers twist and move with the user and prevent the hose from entwining.
They make sure that there’s no loss in pressure. They do so by creating a seal between all the air compressor parts. Now, just like the air hoses, the air couplers do come in different shapes and sizes.
So, before you buy, please examine the mating connector and the internal configuration of the coupler. Make sure that they are compatible. If not, the wrong coupler will create problems. For instance, the pieces could shoot off into your workshop endangering everyone in the area.
- Blow Guns
If you run body shops or detailing shops, you will need blowguns. There’s no better way to blow away dust than this. It’s perfect for use after sanding, drilling, painting, or detailing. It uses intense and pin-pointed air.
Using this you can blow away dust, shavings, and any other debris from areas where you can’t reach such as the engine or the seams of a seat.
Before you purchase one for your shop, it is advised to consider the style, reach, and airflow of a blowgun. Select the one that goes with your line of work otherwise it’ll be just a waste of your hard-earned money.
- Paint Guns
Get a paint gun that can withstand the pressure. At the same time, make sure your air compressor is capable of delivering the amount of power you need for your work. If your air compressor is not powerful enough, it won’t deliver the right amount of pressure.
In short, buy a paint gun that is compatible with your air compressor. Otherwise, you won’t be able to carry out your work.
- Filters
Do you want to use your compressor for a long time? Then get an air filter. They remove scale, condensation, rust, and other debris from your hose and attachments. There are lots of air filters in the market for different purposes. Make sure you buy the one that suits your work best and will fit well with your compressor.
- Dryers
Not every workshop would benefit from filters. Sometimes dryers might be the best option for them. These are mainly used in situations where there is a lot of air contamination such as gas or paint fumes.
It has a very crucial role to play if you come to think of it. Air dryers filter through either refrigeration or desiccant. In that process, they produce pure oxygen and it can be used as a way to filter the gasses from your shop. It keeps a healthy environment for you and your employees.
- Pressure Regulators
When you buy an air compressor, make sure you buy a pressure regulator at the same time. It will stop dangerous fluctuations in pressure output from happening. Besides, it will help you to keep the pressure of the airflow at your desired level.
- Lubricants
This is essential for your air compressor to run smoothly for years. It keeps your compressor from overheating and makes sure that the seals don’t leak. Because both the scenarios are bad for your product. They cause the compressor to consume more energy than it’s necessary.
To speed up your workflow and increase your productivity these are the tools that you’ll need at least. As you become more and more acquainted with your compressor, you’ll automatically know what else you need to get the best out of your compressor.
With that said, let’s move on to the final section of this article. Here, I will try to lay out all the details that you need to know before you purchase yourself an air compressor.
Before You Buy
It’s common knowledge that all compressors are not created equal. There are lots of factors to consider if you want to buy an air compressor that will meet all your machining needs. You don’t want to go through a lot of trial and error before you find yourself with the perfect compressor for your workshop.
To save you from that trouble, I’ve put together a list of concerning factors that you need to take into your consideration before you hit the market. Hopefully, this buying guide will nudge you in the right direction.
How Much Power Do You Need for Your Work?
You will want your compressor to deliver enough compressed air to drive your tools and machines. Hence, it’s vital to choose a machine that has the necessary power to get the job done.
How do we determine the power? Easy. The horsepower rating is a good way of determining what power level of the compressor you will need for your workshop.
If you’re a bit skeptical about the HP (you have every right to be), you can check if the HP is accurate or not. You can do so by checking how much electrical power it draws to function. A true 5 HP motor normally draws about 24 amps on a 220-volt circuit (single-phase power).
On the other hand, overrated compressors tend to run on a 15 amp 110- volt circuit. The thing is, this kind of circuit can only run about 2 HP. All the three compressors that I mentioned above have accurate HP. They all run on a 230 Volt AC circuit. So, no issues there.
Let’s assume you’ve figured that out. That leaves us to the question of how much power do you actually need. It totally depends on your line of work. Need more power? Look for compressors that have at least more than 4.5 HP. Not below that.
But if you’re a hobbyist or just want to light work, you can resort to a compressor that has a 3.5-HP engine. Much like ILA3606056. Honestly speaking, a 3.5 HP engine is still pretty powerful…So, it should be okay assuming your work doesn’t demand too much power.
- Take The PSI Number in Consideration
Air pressure is rated in PSI which stands for pounds per inch. Almost all air tools need at least 90 PSI to run properly. But it’s not an easy task. You see, to maintain 90 PSI at the tool, your compressor will have to have a higher shut-off pressure.
If you’re a hobbyist, then you can live with 90 PSI, no problem. You can achieve that sort of PSI with a single-stage air compressor like ILA3606056 or ILA4546065. These single-stage small commercial duty compressors shut off at 125 to 155 PSI. This sounds like a lot, right? There is a catch though.
When you consider the pressure drop, you might not have enough pressure on the tool to work with. Why does the pressure drop happen? It happens because of the restrictions on the hose and couplers. So, it totally depends on your line of work. If you don’t need a high amount of PSI, why would you spend the extra money?
On the other hand, for heavy-duty users, you got to go with two-stage compressors. Here, the first stage builds up to about 90 PSI and the second stage builds to 175 PSI. The IV5076055 model from Industrial Air is a decent two-stage compressor that produces a maximum of 175 PSI.
- Size of the Tank
Frankly, it won’t matter that much if you have thought about it thoroughly. A tank doesn’t produce air rather simply stores it. You need to concentrate on your pump and motor more.
It, certainly, won’t make a difference if you’re producing as much air as you want to use. You won’t face any shortage of air either no matter how small your tank is.
But then again, if you want to save some bucks and your work area permits you so, you can go with a smaller compressor with a bigger tank. If you’re only confident enough that the air stored in the tank will do the job, then it’s totally fine.
Conversely, to run your air tools smoothly and steadily, you would want to have a powerful pump and motor that’ll produce as much air as your job demands. Don’t worry if the tank size is small. If the compressor is powerful enough, you have nothing to worry about.
- What is the Pump Drive? Is it Belt or Direct?
Let’s confront direct pump drive first. The main issue about the direct drive is that they’re cheap. With low prices, it’s only natural that the quality will be bad. There are, however, good-quality direct-drive compressors out there. But the thing is, they have very low RPM.
To get the best out of a low RPM compressor, the engineers came up with a solution. They make it spin faster. But when they’re forced to spin faster than they’re supposed to, their lifespan gets shorter.
Also, they make so much noise. Now, don’t look away from an air compressor just because its pump simply has a belt drive. It has its perks too.
For instance, they are cheaper and much smaller in size. These types of compressors are a nice choice for finishing carpenters. They’re also quiet compressors that use direct drives. They’re easier to transport and if the work environment requires quietness, they can also become just that.
What about the belt drive then? Well, if you don’t intend to move your compressor and need higher air volume… you can easily bet your money on the belt-drive oil-lubricated compressors. It’s more efficient and low maintenance.
Why so? The thing is, belt-drive compressors can spin a lot slower than the motor hence the more efficiency. In addition, since it spins slowly, there’s not much pressure on the tools.
Not only that, most of the belt-drive compressors are splash lubricated. It ensures the longevity of the pumps as long as there’s oil in the crankcase. So, if you want to have more efficient and better results, then you can easily rely on a belt-drive, oil-lubricated compressor.
Just a reminder though, all three air compressors on this list from Industrial Air are belt-drive and splash lubricated. If any one of them suits your purpose, you can definitely try them. All you need to kickstart these things is a fine and dandy operator manual.
This is pretty much it. Look for an efficient compressor that is solid in nature, has good build quality, and is powerful enough to suit your work. Make sure it has good motor breathing inside of it and is capable of withstanding tough situations.
My Final Thoughts
Air compressor is a very versatile piece of machinery. You can’t call a factory or workshop complete without it. Over time, it has become smaller in size and at the same time, it got quite ingenuine in nature. You can do so many things with the help of a decent air compressor.
You can transport them easily. They are very efficient and can work tirelessly under difficult situations. All you have to do is take care of them. That is to say, just do a little bit of oiling and check some basic things like its tools such as filters, separator element, lubricants, motor bearings, and belts. Check these regularly to stretch their lifetime
If you ask me, what is the sole advantage of air compressors… I would say, without any hesitation, they don’t require extra bulky motors. As long as you have a clear-cut idea about how these things work, you’ll have no problem unleashing their full potential.