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A 60 gallon air compressor is one size available on the market, and these are still diverse in themselves.
Some of them are good for home DIY uses, while others are designed to be able to finish industrial jobs and run for extended periods of time. So what makes a good 60-gallon air compressor?
In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about these heavy-duty beasts as well as recommend the best 60-gallon air compressor you can find on the market.
60-Gallon Air Compressor – Comparison Table
| Air Compressor | Pressure (PSI) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DXCMV5076055 | 175 | 400 |
| Industrial Air ILA3606056 | 155 | 247 |
| Quincy QT-54 2V41C60VC | 175 | 475 |
| Ingersoll 2340L5-V | 175 | 430 |
| Porter-Cable PXCMLC3706056 | 135 | 247 |
| Puma Industries PK-6060V | 135 | 305 |
| Maxair C5160V1-MAP | 170 | 306 |
The 6 Best 60-Gallon Air Compressor
1. DeWalt DXCMV5076055
This two-stage 60-gallon air compressor is a great choice for anyone looking for extended run times.
It has a powerful 5 HP motor that enables it to reach a maximum of 175 PSI pressure.
Moreover, it runs at a lower RPM without compromising SCFM to minimize the wear on the motor and to run at cooler levels.
The warranty of the DeWalt DXCMV5076055 lasts two years for the pump and a year for everything else.
Pros
- Lower RPM for less wear and tear on the motor
- Powerful motor
- Patented piston and pump to run cooler
- High 175 maximum pressure
- Protection against overheating
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- A little pricey
Bottom Line
Although it’s a bit pricey, the DeWalt DXCMV5076055’s performance is fantastic, and it’s a quite durable model.
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2. Industrial Air ILA3606056
If you’re looking for a strong home air compressor, the Industrial Air ILA3606056 is a good pick.
Its 3.7 HP motor enables it to reach a maximum pressure of 155 PSI. So it can deliver 11.5 CFM at 90 PSI –which is good enough but may not suit some industrial-grade tasks.
Moreover, the Industrial Air ILA3606056 is equipped with a cast-iron ASME tank and oil-lubricated twin-cylinder that make very robust and durable.
For a 60-gallon tank, the Industrial Air ILA3606056 is pretty compact and lightweight at only 247 pounds.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Affordable price
- Twin-cylinder motor
- Easy oil refill
Cons
- Subpar CFM
- Pretty loud
- Doesn’t have proper cooling mechanisms
Bottom Line
The Industrial Air ILA3606056 is a great 60-gallon single-stage air compressor that comes with a sleek design and solid construction.
However, it’s a little loud and may not reach the level of CFM that industrial jobs require.
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3. Quincy QT-54 2V41C60VC
The Quincy QT-54 2V41C60VC’s motor is the building unit of the compressor and is the reason why it’s such a great choice.
The capacitor-start motor spares you the need for any special wiring when you’re installing it, consequently saving time and money.
However, the initial price of the Quincy QT-54 2V41C60VC is a little higher than the average 60-gallon air compressor.
But then again, it gives you a 5 HP motor and 175 PSI maximum pressure in such a compact package.
It’s not the quietest unit, but for its capacity, it’s not that noisy.
Pros
- Efficient operation
- Quiet performance
- Very compact
- Powerful motor with high pressure levels
- Helpful customer service
Cons
- Expensive
- Some issues may arise with the pump
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a powerful 5 HP 60-gallon air compressor, you should opt for the Quincy QT-54 2V41C60VC. Although it’s a little expensive, it provides you with an amazing operation that proves it’s a smart investment.
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4. Ingersoll 2340L5-V
The Ingersoll 2340L5-V provides you with quality performance and durability. It runs on electricity rather than gas, so it doesn’t require little to no maintenance.
The 175 PSI maximum pressure and powerful 5 HP qualify it to be an industrial-grade compressor and make it fit for demanding use. This includes fleet maintenance, manufacturing lines, dry cleaners, car washes, woodworking shops, repair shops, or farms.
Moreover, to keep the motor and cylinders cool, the 2340L5-V comes with radical fins, an integral flywheel, and a high-energy copper cooler.
Pros
- 5 HP motor
- High CFM with 175 PSI maximum pressure
- Easy maintenance
- 100% continuous duty
- Integrated cooling
Cons
- Allows you to see the level of oil you add
- Doesn’t have vibration pads
Bottom Line
The Ingersoll 2340L5-V is a reliable 60-gallon air compressor for the money. It provides you with high pressure levels thanks to its powerful 5 HP motor. However, it may be a little noisy, especially as it lacks anti-vibration pads.
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5. Porter-Cable PXCMLC3706056
The twin-cylinder motor on the Porter-Cable PXCMLC3706056 allows it to run smoothly with reduced vibrations and heat.
Moreover, the unit has a high-quality cast-iron flywheel that is quite durable and has a long lifespan.
However, it doesn’t produce that high pressure, and it takes relatively longer to refill than other models.
So if you’re looking for a continuous-duty compressor, skip on this one.
Furthermore, you might face some quality control issues. It’s not the most value you can get for the price, but it’s a pretty budget-friendly choice.
Pros
- Twin-cylinder motor with adequate 3.7 HP performance
- Relatively quiet operation
- Amazing flywheel
Cons
- Low CFM
- Some issues with the quality control
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a suitable 60-gallon air compressor for a home garage, the Porter-Cable PXCMLC3706056 is a good candidate for its compact dimensions and light weight. However, you shouldn’t be expecting industrial-grade pressure levels.
6. Puma Industries PK-6060V
As portable as 60-gallon air compressors get, this model can be moved around thanks to its light 305-pound weight and the wheels it comes with.
The oil-lubricated cast-iron is durable and resists corrosion effectively.
Moreover, for a unit of its size, you’d expect that it runs noisily. However, that’s not the case as the Puma Industries PK-6060V is a quiet 60-gallon air compressor.
The 135 maximum pressure it can reach is generated in minutes thanks to the quick performance of the unit.
Pros
- High capacity
- Equipped with wheels for portability
- Has overload protection
Cons
- Prone to overheat
- Airflow is not suitable for the size
Bottom Line
The 3 HP motor on the Puma Industries PK-6060V doesn’t make it the strongest model you can get. However, it’s still a budget-friendly choice that provides you with reliable performance for demanding medium-duty tasks.
7. Maxair C5160V1-MAP
The Maxair C5160V1-MAP is a heavy-duty air compressor that you can use to tackle any job. It’s both durable and functional.
The single-stage, high performing compressor runs on a powerful 5 HP motor that produces pressures as high as 170 PSI.
This enables you to use it for inflating tires, high-pressure cleaning, and much more.
With a 60-gallon tank, it weighs a little over 300 pounds, so it’s quite portable when compared to other options of this tank size.
Moreover, the Maxair C5160V1-MAP comes with an extended rain valve that makes maintenance a straightforward task.
However, this compressor is a bit of an expensive pick. Some parts didn’t seem to fit the premium-quality description, but the Maxair C5160V1-MAP is still strong and durable.
It’s also a bit loud in its operation, but then again, it does produce high levels of pressure.
Pros
- High-capacity tank
- Powerful motor
- High maximum pressure
- Perfect for heavy-duty work
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some components aren’t very sturdy
- Pricey
Bottom Line
The Maxair C5160V1-MAP is one of the best 60-gallon air compressors you can get. Although it’s a little expensive, it’s of very high value as it combines capacity, power, pressure, and portability.
How to Pick a Good 60-Gallon Air Compressor?
Horsepower
The amount of power you can get from your compressor depends on the horsepower.
Some of the advertised numbers can be misleading, however. That’s why you should check the electrical power use during operation.
For example, a 5 HP motor should run on 24 amps on a single-phase power (220 volts).
Air Pressure
The pressure of an air compressor is measured in PSI (Pressure per Square Inch) and indicates the raw power of the unit.
Since you’re getting a 60-gallon compressor, you’re most probably going to be doing heavy-duty jobs.
So you should get a compressor with high PSI that matches the kind of tools you’re going to run and the difficulty of tasks you’re going to finish.
Noise
Just because you’re getting a large-size unit with strong pressure levels doesn’t mean you have to suffer from noise. Try getting a unit with less than 80 dB noise levels to get reliable performance without a headache at the end of every use.
Easy Tank Drain
To keep your compressor running as new, you’ll have to drain it frequently. That’s why you should get a model with an easy tank drain process as you don’t want to make this essential task a tedious one.
How to Install a 60-Gallon Air Compressor?
Keep your unit at least 18 inches away from the wall or any other surface.
Place vibration pads beneath the feet of the compressor to prevent any movement that may damage the unit.
Using these pads as guides, drill holes into the ground to fix your compressor. These holes should be at least 5 inches deep in the concrete.
Fix your compressor to the ground using mounting bolts. Make sure not to tighten the nut fully so that there’s some room for stress-relief during operation.
If they’re not already, install the breather and filter after you’ve checked your pump for oil.
Attach the hose to the regulator valve.
Set the proper pressure level, wear your safety gear, turn your compressor on, and you’re ready to go.
How Much Oil Does a 60-Gallon Air Compressor Need?
The amount of oil an air compressor needs is directly proportional to its size. Since 60-gallon air compressors are pretty big, they usually use 11.5 ounces of oil, give or take.
How to Maintain a 60-Gallon Air Compressor?
The most important thing to do when it comes to air compressor maintenance is draining the moisture. It’s as simple as opening the drain valve, letting the water out, and closing it again.
You should do this after every use to extend the lifespan of your compressor as long as possible.
Final Thoughts
Each of these best 60-gallon air compressors shines in a particular aspect, and some even combine several beneficial features.
For starters, the DeWalt DXCMV5076055 combines affordability with robust performance in terms of pressure levels and motor.
However, it’s not very compact and operates a little noisily.
If you’re looking for something more compact yet still very powerful, opt for the Quincy QT-54 2V41C60VC. But this one is one of the more expensive choices.
The Industrial Air ILA3606056 is an excellent choice for someone who’s looking for a compact, light, and affordable unit as long as they’re okay with not getting the highest pressure levels or motor power.
