Air compressors are one of the most essential pieces of equipment in a workshop. To ensure you get the best bang for your buck, we recommend models with a capacity of 60 gallons. Thanks to their large air tanks, these air compressors provide extended runtimes, helping you complete your project without running out of air.
That said, finding a good 60-gallon air compressor can be challenging, especially if this is your first time purchasing such a tool. To help you, we’ve compiled a list of the best 60-gallon air compressors.
Best 60 Gallon Air Compressor
Quincy QT-54 Reciprocating Air Compressor – Best Overall
Are you looking to invest in a quality air compressor? If you are, the Quincy QT-54 is one of the top-rated models on the market.
Though it’s pricier than most air compressors, it’s a powerful model that boasts optimal efficiency and durability.
Performance
The Quincy GT-54 is one of those air compressors that provide the utmost efficiency. It’s engineered to generate more compressed air at very little horsepower.
Its working PSI ranges from 145 to 175, allowing you to power a wide range of heavy-duty tools.
This tool also has an RPM of 1310. Although this RPM is on the higher side of the spectrum, the air compressor isn’t too loud during operation.
Important to note is that this air compressor employs a single stage mechanism. What this means is that air gets compressed just once between the inlet filter and storage reservoir.
Pump Life
One of the reasons why we choose Quincy QT-54 is its impressive pump life of 30,000 hours. Thus, you can rely on this device to work for years to come before you start experiencing any issues.
Another factor that contributes to the air compressor’s durability is the integrated thermal overload protection. In case of any electrical problems, this component disrupts the electrical connection to the motor; hence shielding the compressor from damage.
Pros
- Has a long pump life
- Equipped with thermal overload
- Backed by 1-year limited warranty
- Highly-efficient
Cons
- Expensive
Puma Industries PK-6060V Air Compressor – Best Value
Is it possible to get a high-end air compressor without spending a fortune?
Well, Puma Industries PK-6060V, which is surprisingly affordable, proves that you don’t have to break your bank to invest in a quality machine.
Quiet Operation
In addition to being affordable, this air compressor boasts an ultra-quiet operation.
This is a crucial feature if you often use the air compressor at odd times like early in the morning, and don’t want to have to wake your entire family.
Performance
Another pleasant feature of the Puma Industries PK-6060V is its remarkable speed. The rate at which it fills up is stunning, and this enables you to make quick work of your projects. Essentially, the sooner you can achieve strong air pressure, the sooner you can start powering your air tools.
Sadly, this air compressor is not the most powerful model on the market. It’s a single-stage unit with a motor that operates at 3 HP, making it a little weak compared to others. However, it produces enough power to use at your home-based workshop. In fact, it generates more than enough power to perform any nailing or painting work.
Weight
On the plus side, the air compressor is way lighter than other units. More specifically, it weighs 305 lbs., which is a reasonable weight considering others weigh up to 500 lbs.
Pros
- Relatively lightweight
- Quiet operation
- Comes with a splash lubricated oil system for ease of operation
Cons
- The on/off switch button is made of low-quality plastic material
DeWalt DXCMV5076055 Two Stage Air Compressor – Most Powerful
If you’re looking for ample power from your air compressor, a two-stage air compressor like the DXCMV5076055 unit by DeWalt is the perfect option.
Boasting a maximum working pressure of 175, the dual-phase air compressor is suitable for industrial and residential use.
Design and Performance
Right off the bat, you’ll notice how well-engineered the air compressor is. The pump and motor assembly are particularly well thought out to provide superior performance.
So even though the DXCMV5076055 reaches a maximum pressure of 175 PSI, it’s impossible to experience overheating issues.
One of the reasons that make the DeWalt perfect for industrial applications is its combination of a quick pump, extremely high air pressure, and cooling design.
This enables the user to run multiple tools simultaneously. What this means is that it can be used by up to 4 workers without experiencing any decline in its performance.
Quiet Operation
For a 60-gallon compressor with such a high PSI level, you’d expect it to generate a lot of noise during operation. Surprisingly, the DeWalt unit offers very quiet operation.
Unfortunately, this kind of performance does not come cheap. The compressor has a high upfront cost. Plus, you’ll need to ensure that you have a decent supply of oil in the reserve to keep it well-lubricated.
Pros
- Capable of handling large loads
- Provides a long runtime
- Durable construction
- Perfect for industrial applications
- Offers consistent compression and efficiency
Cons
- Expensive
Industrial Air ILA4546065 Hi-Flo Air Compressor – Best for a Home Workshop
If you’ve been looking for a powerful unit that you can use at home, the Industrial Air ILA4546065 is your best bet.
It’s not too expensive, and it’s powerful enough in case you want to use it for heavy-duty applications.
Lightweight Design
One of the things that set this air compressor apart is its lightweight design. It weighs about 250 pounds, which is considerably light considering similar compressors weigh twice as much.
Performance
Despite its lightweight structure, the product is equipped with three cylinders and a 4 HP motor. This enables it to provide top-notch performance even though it employs a single-stage mechanism. It can achieve a maximum working pressure of 155 PSI.
Based on these specifications, this compressor is ideal for a small to a medium-sized workshop where it can be used to run multiple tools simultaneously.
However, ensure that the tools you’re powering don’t require a huge amount of air pressure. Some of the tools you can use with this device are those used for painting, nailing and stapling jobs.
That said, this compressor is pretty loud during operation. This means you might have to wear ear protective gear. In addition, you’ll need to schedule your projects appropriately to avoid interrupting your family or neighbors.
Long Warranty
This air compressor is backed by a 2-year limited warranty. This is a pretty decent length of time. However, this also means that the manufacturer only covers damages that are as a result of poor workmanship or the use of low-quality materials on their part.
Pros
- Can be used with multiple tools at the same time
- Has a pretty high PSI threshold for a single-stage air compressor
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
- Lightweight and durable design
Cons
- Louder than its competitors
PowerMate Vx PLA3706056 Air Compressor – Budget Pick
Looking for a pocket-friendly product that you can use at your workshop? Well, the PowerMate Vx is as cheap as air compressors can get.
Even though it costs almost half of what you’d spend on our top pick, it has several features that make it worth considering.
Dual-Cylinder
One such feature is its twin-cylinder motor. As you’ll see later in the article, an air compressor with two cylinders enables you to tackle large-scale and continuous applications without the risk of overheating.
Durable Construction
Also worth pointing out is the solid construction of the PowerMate Vx. The air compressor’s 60-gallon cylinder comprises of a cast iron crankcase to provide maximum durability. Even better, this casing is said to be thermally stable to improve the safety of the air compressor.
Other features that contribute to the compressor’s longevity entail the durable Swedish stainless steel reed valves, aluminum head, and valve plate and automotive style ball bearings.
Performance
Equipped with a 3.7 HP induction motor and the ability to achieve a maximum working pressure of 155 PSI, this air compressor is relatively powerful. This motor provides an extended runtime and is capable of spread voltage ranging between 208 and 240 volts.
Warranty
Unlike other air compressors that don’t have any warranty, the PowerMate Vx is backed by a 2 year limited warranty. Given that you’ll be spending several hundreds of dollars, the warranty is a welcome addition and it shows that the manufacturer has confidence in this product.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Comes with a twin-cylinder motor
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty
- Long run time
Cons
- A bit loud
Best 60-Gallon Air Compressors for Home – Buyer’s Guide
Why Consider 60-Gallon Air Compressors?
- They provide a decent amount of compression power for use with heavy-duty tools
- They make it easier to work with pneumatic tools
- They are safer than electrical models, which makes them suitable for an array of work settings
- They can be used to power multiple tools at the same time
- Provide longer runtimes
Essential Features to Consider when Buying a 60 Gallon Air Compressor
As you probably guessed, there are tons of features you should take into account when purchasing a 60-gallon air compressor. In this section, we’ll explain the primary features to make your selection easier.
Type of Compressor
Compressors are distinguished using one key aspect- the number of phases the motor goes through. To that regard, there are single stage and two-stage compressors. The kind of compressor you buy will depend, to a large extent, on the scope of your work.
Single-stage air compressors
This air compressor is so named because the air in them is compressed just once. Once the air has been compressed, it’s sent directly to the storage reservoir. Single stage models are perfect for small-scale jobs like stapling, sawing and nailing. This makes them the ideal choice for your home-based workshop.
Dual-stage air compressors
With a two-stage unit, the air is compressed a maximum of 2 times. After the air has been compressed the first time, it’s directed to a tiny cylinder which not only cools it but also compresses it a second time.
This process results in a higher PSI level, making such an air compressor ideal for large-scale jobs. You will find dual-stage air compressors being used for industrial and automotive applications.
Number of Cylinders
If you’ve been shopping for an air compressor, you might have noticed that some come with one cylinder while others come with two or three cylinders. The number of cylinders has an impact on how efficiently the air gets compressed. It also has a direct effect on how much it costs to operate your air compressor.
One cylinder
If you don’t intend to use your air compressor on a regular basis, a unit with one cylinder will suffice. This model tends to compress air quickly and efficiently. However, don’t use it for extended jobs as this may cause it to overheat.
Two cylinders
A two-cylinder air compressor is best suited for running air-powered tools. This model is able to operate for a longer duration without the risk of overheating as is the case with a single-cylinder unit.
Three cylinders
If you’d like to use your air compressor to power a variety of tools at different PSI levels, then a three-cylinder air compressor is a great option. This is the priciest of the three options. The upside to this is that it’s also the most cost-efficient to operate.
Oil-lubed vs. Oil-free
One of the things you should do to ensure your air compressor works optimally is to lubricate it. To achieve this, you’ll need to make a choice between two main models. You can get one that needs to be lubricated on a regular basis or an oil-free compressor.
Oil-lubed
With this air compressor, you’ll have to add a bit of oil every once in a while to ensure it’s working properly. Compressors that rely on oil lubrication are the most suitable for heavy-duty applications such as industrial use.
Oil-free
As the name suggests, these air compressors don’t need any kind of oil for lubrication. Instead, they come with a band of Teflon that provides all the required lubrication. Unfortunately, this lubricating mechanism deteriorates over time, which makes the compressor best-suited for light duty applications.
Power Source
Another factor you should take into account is the type of power that the air compressor utilizes. You have the option of choosing a gas-powered model or electrically-driven compressor.
Gas
If you’re looking for an air compressor that you can use on the go, a gas-powered model is your best bet. The good thing about this unit is that it doesn’t have to be plugged into an outlet to operate, giving you the freedom to take it with you.
The drawback of using a gas-powered compressor is that it’s more expensive to operate. This is because you have to keep refilling it with gas to operate. These costs can add up pretty quickly if you’re using your compressor round-the-clock. Furthermore, this model comes with a risk of gas spills.
Electric
Electric air compressors are not as portable as their gas-powered counterparts. But even then, they have a couple of advantages. For one, they’re more efficient. Secondly, they’re cheaper to operate as you don’t have to keep buying gas. Ultimately, if you plan to use the compressor from a fixed location like your home workshop, an electric model is the perfect option.
Pressure (PSI)
The amount of pressure that a particular air compressor can generate depends on one thing- the number of phases the motor goes through when it comes to air compression. That said, single stage models often have a maximum working pressure of 100 PSI. But depending on the brand, you may find a few -like the ones in our review- that can achieve high PSI levels.
On the other hand, two-stage compressors easily achieve a high pressure of up to 175 PSI. To choose between the single and two-stage compressor, consider the kind of work you’re doing.
If you’ll only be using the compressor to fill up your tires or run a couple of woodworking tools, then you shouldn’t spend a fortune purchasing an air compressor with a very high PSI level.
However, if you plan to use the compressor to power heavy-duty pneumatic tools, an air compressor with a high maximum working pressure is recommended. This way, you’ll be able to run any tool you want and get your tasks done.
Durability
Regardless of the type or scope of work, you’ll want to invest in an air compressor with maximum durability. To determine just how durable a particular model is, check its pump life. Some can operate for 30,000 hours while others have a pump life of up to 50,000 hours.
You should also pay attention to the materials used in the compressor’s construction. A majority are made of cast iron, which is a tough and hard-wearing material.
Revolutions per Minute (RPM)
Another factor you should pay close attention to is the number of revolutions per minute of the compressor’s motor. The rule of thumb here is that the higher the RPM number, the faster the compressor can fill up with air. However, a higher RPM also means that the motor is likely to burn out, so look for a compressor that strikes a good balance.
Warranty
Air compressors are a really pricey piece of equipment. So if it gets damaged before you get to use it for a decent amount of time, you’re likely to incur a huge loss. To avoid this loss, consider investing in air compressors that come with warranties on the parts.
This way, you’re guaranteed that if it suddenly stops working because one of the elements was poorly designed, the manufacturer will cover the cost of repair or replacement.
It’s not enough to get an air compressor that’s backed by a warranty. It’s also important to read the fine print. Read all the details provided in the warranty as carefully as possible. This is because some manufacturers provide warranties that exclude certain parts. What this means is that if the excluded components break, you’ll have to fix them using your own dime.
FAQs
Does an air compressor come with oil?
No, the majority of air compressors that rely on this type of lubrication don’t come with oil. However, you can purchase this oil from most supply stores.
How do I regulate the output pressure of the air compressor?
Well, most models come with a dial that allows you to control the air pressure level. If your unit doesn’t have a dial, look for a regulator on the outlet hose.
Are 60-gallon compressors loud?
The noise level of a compressor varies from one brand to another. So while some provide quiet operation, others are quite loud. For the loud models, there are a few things you can do to minimize their noise levels. These include:
- Equipping it with an intake silencer
- Adding thick rubber grommets on the motor
- Setting up the air compressor far away – the nearer you are to the unit, the louder it sounds
- Keeping it in a soundproof box
- Wearing hearing protection like ear plugs or muffs
Wrap Up
If you do a lot of nailing, stapling or drilling in your workshop, a 60-gallon air compressor will make an excellent addition to your arsenal of tools. This piece of equipment will provide you with the power, speed, and precision you need to operate your power tools.
One of the best models we recommend is Quincy QT-54 Reciprocating Air Compressor. Although it’s more expensive than others, it has several features that make it worth the investment. For instance, it uses a powerful motor that achieves a maximum working pressure of 175 PSI. This enables you to power heavy-duty tools. It also has a long pump life and is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
