A 60-gallon air compressor provides just the right amount of pressure. To be paired with a variety of pneumatic tools for both DIYs and heavy jobs.
In this guide, we are going to list the 60-gallon air compressors which will offer the best bang for your buck.
We have also included a buyer’s guide that will give you the different variables to look at. To help you make an informed decision when choosing an air compressor.
Best 60-Gallon Air Compressors-Top Picks
Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor
This durable 2-stage air compressor from Quincy has a 30,000-hour pump life rating. One of the highest in the market. This is partly because it’s made using some of the toughest materials which include; a cylinder made using solid cast iron, an aluminum head for extra heat dissipation, and a cast iron flywheel for energy efficiency and durability.
It’s purposefully built to have low operating costs. Producing more compressed air at low horsepower. You also need not worry about overloads because the air compressor comes with a thermal overload protector. That protects the motor from damage during voltage fluctuations.
Key Features
- 140-175 PSI working pressure
- 15.4 CFM @ 90PSI & 15.2 CFM at Max PSI
- Air tank size 60-gal.
- Tank Fill Time 6 ½ min.
- Noise level 75 dB.
- 5 hp, 240V. 1,310 working RPM motor.
- Oil requirement: Yes.
- Dimensions L x W x H in. 29 x 21 x 64
- Weighs 475 lbs.
What we like
- Exceptional durability
- Comes with a 3-year parts warranty
- Built In thermal overload protector
- Low operational cost
What we dislike
- Slightly higher price
- Heavy
DeWalt DXCMV5076055 60-gallon Air Compressor
The Dewalt name rings a bell in many peoples’ minds. Partly due to the reputation it has in building durable and good quality power tools. This two-stage 60-gallon air compressor also bears all these characteristics. It’s constructed for cooler running giving the user 13.5 CFM at 175 PSI, good enough for a variety of uses.
So much has been done to safeguard the life of the electric motor that runs this compressor. The 5hp motor runs at a low 767 RPM for longer life. In the safety of a 230V thermal overload protection in case of a high voltage.
Key Features
- Max pressure 175 PSI
- Single phase 5hp 230v electric motor
- 13.5 SCFM @ 175 PSI:
- 15.3 SCFM @ 100 PSI
- Dimensions: 40 x 31 x 80 inches (L x W x H)
- Oil requirement: Yes
- Weight 400 lbs.
What we like
- 2-year pump warranty
- A lot has been done to safeguard the motor
- Coolest running in its class
- Four tie-down holes add a lot of ease to the transportation
What we dislike
- It doesn’t include any wiring instructions
PowerMate Vx PLA3706056 60-Gallon Vertical Air Compressor
This iron cast twin cylinder 60-gallon air compressor will give you good performance and long life at one of the lowest prices. The following features enhance its durability; a cast iron crankcase, cast iron cylinder body, aluminum head, and durable Swedish stainless steel reed valves.
Also, this air compressor is shipped with synthetic oil for use in lubrication.
Key Features
- Power 230V corded electric
- 7 hp. Motor
- Dimensions: 30 x 27 x 68 inches (L x W x H)
- 155 PSI maximum pressure
- Oil requirement: Yes
- Weighs 247 lbs.
What we like
- Comes at a budget price
- Shipped with synthetic oil for lubrication
- The manufacturer has done a lot to enhance durability
What we dislike
- Has a lower maximum PSI
California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD
The air compressor also utilizes the oil-free dual piston pump with a minimum lifecycle of 3,000 plus hours. So, you are assured of a long life coupled with fewer service costs.
Key Features
- 60-gallon tank
- Oil requirement: No
- 2 x 2 hp. motors
- 10.6 CFM at 90 PSI and 12.60 CFM at 40 PSI
- Max pressure 125 PSI
- Dimensions: 21 x 29 x 66 inches
- Weighs 213 lbs.
What we like
- Smooth and silent operation
- Lightweight for easy mobility
What we dislike
- Doesn’t keep up with pneumatic tools that require high PSI
Industrial Air ILA4546065 Three Cylinder Air Compressor
The pump features an aluminum head and valve plate for longevity. And to facilitate cooling, through faster heat dissipation.
Most operators praise it as being able to produce faster and easier results when being used in different applications.
Key Features
- 60-gallon tank size
- 155 PSI maximum pressure 125-155 PSI working pressure
- 7 hp. 240 v Motor 1,000 RPM
- 16 SCFM @ 40 PSI.
- 14 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- Oil requirement: Yes
- Dimensions: 38 x 29 x 76 inches (L x W x H)
- Weight 250 lbs.
What we like
- High PSI for its size
- Runs pretty cool and refined
- Shipped together with synthetic oil
- Built using durable materials
What we dislike
- Some complaints about the customer service
Best 60-Gallon Air Compressor- Buyer’s Guide
Unfortunately, it’s not an easy task to determine the right air compressor without knowing the right variables to look at. Here is a comprehensive buyer’s guide to provide you with just that information.
1. Single stage vs Two stage
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Single-stage compressor
This type of compressor as the name denotes compresses air just in a single stage before the air is sent to the storage tank.
From the storage tank, the air is then released for use. This type of compressor has a lower pressure compared to the two-stage. This makes them only suitable for smaller DIY tasks like; nailing, sawing, stapling, and painting.
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Two-stage compressor
Likewise, these types of compressors compress air twice before it can be sent to the storage tank. The air is sent to a small tank after being compressed the first time, where it is cooled, then compressed again for a second time.
This two-stage process is able to create a compression with a higher PSI. This characteristic makes it the ideal compressor for industrial and automotive purposes.
2. PSI rating
PSI denotes (Pound Per square inch). This is the metric used to measure the total amount of pressure created after compression. The PSI created by single-stage models ranges from 100 to 150 PSI. While two-stage models can have up to 180 PSI of compression.
The ideal PSI needed depends on the pneumatic tool requirements.
3. Oil vs Oil-free compressors
The oil-type compressors periodically require a little lubrication. Not only does this help with efficiency but oiled compressors offer more smooth and silent operations. And are also suited for heavy applications.
The oil-free type conversely does not require any oil for lubrication. Because of this, they are slightly noisier and mainly suited for light applications
4. Tank design
The tank style plays a huge part when it comes to the storage of the air compressor. The most common designs are the vertical tank and the horizontal tanks.
The vertical tanks are easier to store in small spaces, whereas the horizontal style occupies a larger space and is only ideal for open workshops.
We also have smaller portable pancake air compressors with a little capacity of up to 9 gallons. Which are easy to carry and move around with.
5. Power
The power of the motor of an air compressor is measured in HP (horsepower). A motor powering a 60-gallon air compressor requires a motor with power from 2 hp. to 6.5 hp.
A more powerful motor irrespective of the application will be more efficient and offer superior performance.
6. Power Source
An air compressor can either be electrically or gas powered. Both however can have motors with similar power.
The gas-powered one is more adaptable and you can use it in various locations. But are more suited for outdoors because the combustion creates fumes that are noxious when regularly inhaled
The electric-powered air compressor on the other hand is suitable where there exists a power outlet. And because they rely on electricity are affected by wetness.
7. The Cycle Time
The CFM (cubic feet per meter) combined with the capacity of the tank gives you the cycle time of the air compressor. The cycle time is the time taken before the compressor kicks in. This happens when the PSI (pressure) inside the tank decreases past a certain threshold after more air has been pumped out.
The CFM measures the amount of compressed air pumped out in a minute. A higher CFM means that the compressor pumps out more air per minute. And these types of compressors typically provide more air.
8. Durability
Look for air compressors built using durable materials like cast iron and stainless-steel components. This will offer more durability, especially to the moving parts. And the air compressor will last for a longer time.
Final Verdict
Air compressors have numerous uses both in the home workshop and industrial scale. These include pneumatic tools like a sandblaster gun, a nail gun, an impact wrench, and an air hammer.
A 60-gallon compressor is capable of holding enough air for a wide variety of tasks. However, if you require something more portable, consider a compressor with a smaller capacity. Using the buyer’s guide that we have provided.
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