Harbor Freight 5HP Two Stage 60 Gallon Compressor

[Venom2164]

I had recently posted about my purchase and installation of my Harbor Freight 5HP Two Stage 60 Gallon Compressor. I decided to make a specific thread about this installation and any problems encountered initially and over the long haul. I will move all content already posted to this thread. Here is a link to the original thread I was posting in:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=280490

2-25-2015
Yesterday I renewed my Harbor Freight Inside Track. The confirmation email had some coupons. One was for the $799 compressor. It was a $50 off Coupon that brings it down to $749.
I went and looked at it. As mentioned before, The Pump is made in Italy, The motor is made in Ohio and the Tank is also U.S. made, then it is assembled in the U.S. Quality looks good. I have been shopping for a new 60 Gallon since mine is finally dying after 10 years. I have not found any in the $750 price range that are 60 Gallon two stage. Most seem to be $995 and up.

2-27-2015
I bought it today with the $749 Coupon. It is the same 60 Gallon Tank that is on the Lowes Kobalt I am replacing(Lasted 10+ Years). The same company is making the Kobalt models and Also some Home Depot models. They have gone to a 3 foot base instead of 4. That irritates me as now I have to redo the mounting. Today I ran the 8-2 and installed the 40 amp breaker. By the end of this weekend I should have the job finished. I will post more then.

2-28-2015
Got the compressor installed today. Completely tested and no air leaks. Much quieter than the Old Single Stage Kobalt 60 Gallon, When standing in front of it we can even talk with raised voices to each other while it is running. Once the Kobalt turned on you could yell and not be heard. This compressor seems to be very good quality. Fit and finish are very good, no scratches or weld blobs. It fills very quickly and works perfectly. Tomorrow I will take some pics and post them.

 

[Venom2164]

3-1-2015
Here are pics of the compressor installed. I am waiting on a Timed Automatic Drain Valve to be delivered. I will post that install when finished. I went with Shock Absorbent Pads as well as Hockey Pucks on each leg. Because the legs are not smooth on the bottom they normally sink into the pads and make deep grooves. The hockey pucks keep this from happening and also gives a little more height for access to the drain. I installed a Harbor Freight Industrial Filter/Water Separator that is good up to 160 psi. I mounted it directly to the Pump / Motor Platform. The unit also come with a regulator, but it is trash... Look at the reviews. So, I just used my existing Amflo Regulator which is good up to 250 psi. I have a little more plumbing to do today for the Air Hose Reel. I am also including a pic of the Kobalt unit that this one replaced. The Air Pump Filter on the Kobalt is much better, so I will be moving that onto the Harbor Freight Compressor.
I did not buy the extended warranty for this Compressor. The unit is Built very well from great parts. I should know within the first 90 days if I have an issue.The warranty prices for it are ridiculous. And it is not just a warranty, it is a Repair Maintenance Agreement. 2 years is $169. So your total warranty would be for 2 years and 90 Days. Not worth it in my opinion since it is repair only. Then if you want it repaired on site you can add another $99.00 to your Repair Maintenance Agreement. Now you would be at the price where other Two stage compressor prices start and they come with a much longer warranty.

 

[Venom2164]

Having owned Oil less Compressors in the past... They are nosiy as hell.
Scale of 1-10 10 Being the Loudest.

Oil Less - 10
Kobalt 60 Gallon - 7
Harbor Freight Two Stage 60 Gallon 4.5

I have seen and heard larger much more expensive compressors that are pretty quiet.

When the Kobalt would turn on in the garage it could be heard pretty easily inside the house. The HF can barely be heard in the house.

 

[Venom2164]

Added the Hose Reel, it just clears the garage door. After using the compressor for a day, the safety valve triggered a couple times. The compressor was set a little to high from the factory. I adjusted it down about 5 psi and it is working perfectly.

 

[Venom2164]

Today I added a Timed Automatic Drain Valve. I routed the pipe through the wall to the side of the house. I also added a manual valve in case I have problems with the valve.
I have the timer set to the maximum delay before draining at 45 Minutes. I have the drain time set to 6 seconds. Since I do not want the Valve going off every 45 minutes all night long, I hooked up a Heavy Duty Timer that shuts it off at 6 PM and back on a 8 AM.

 

[e30bradley]

Thanks for posting. I'll consider one of these.. I've been looking to buy a used 60 gallon compressor for a while. I need 15-20 CFM and would prefer an old American made one.

 

[Venom2164]

I also added a ball valve to the water filter drain. It is much easier to use than the stock drain.

 

[Venom2164]

I am really Happy with this one so far. I looked for a little while once the old one started leaking. Once I looked into this one and found out that the Pump is made in Italy, The motor is made in Ohio and the Tank is also U.S. made, then it is assembled in the U.S. I decided to give it a shot. With the Harbor Freight Coupon it was $749.00. I did not buy the extended warranty.

Thanks for posting. I'll consider one of these.. I've been looking to buy a used 60 gallon compressor for a while. I need 15-20 CFM and would prefer an old American made one.

 

[redmondjp]

Looks good, although the way that you have the line to the air hose reel connected, any moisture that condenses out in that section may drain back and down into the coiled blue hose you have connected (you'll know right away by operating anything from the blue coiled hose if this does happen).

One of the advantages of having a longer section of fixed piping downstream of the compressor is for more cooling and moisture condensation, with a moisture trap close to the outlet.

From my own experience, I have a filter/separator right at the outlet of my 60 gallon compressor as you do, and I rarely get any water out of it.

 

[Venom2164]

Looks good, although the way that you have the line to the air hose reel connected, any moisture that condenses out in that section may drain back and down into the coiled blue hose you have connected (you'll know right away by operating anything from the blue coiled hose if this does happen).

One of the advantages of having a longer section of fixed piping downstream of the compressor is for more cooling and moisture condensation, with a moisture trap close to the outlet.

From my own experience, I have a filter/separator right at the outlet of my 60 gallon compressor as you do, and I rarely get any water out of it.

I added a shut off valve for the hose reel. Most of the time it is not used and I drain the pressure after closing the valve. Have not had any moisture build up yet. But what you say is true.

Living here in South Florida I drain water from my air water filter regularly. Not a large amount, but definitely large enough to want to drain it. My tank makes moisture like crazy in the summer months, that is why I installed the automatic drain.

I will look into modifying the hose to the reel. Thanks.

 

[larryq]

Nice writeup, thanks for it!

 

[CNGsaves]

Nice job OP with the auto drain setup . . . that's sweet for Florida with no freeze problems !!

Now you have plenty of air, start looking for cheap source of black pipe steel or copper so you can build an airline system around upper perimeter of garage. Not sure where you bench is located, but handy to have an air drop there.

 

[jgorm]

Do you really need it to drain that often? I would think once a day would be more than enough, and once a week would probably work. I need to get my final inspection done and go get one of these!

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

Very timely as I am about to buy a compressor with the same specs as the HF one you bought. Some questions:

1. Yesterday I looked at a Rolair compressor similar to yours. Rolair is in Hustisford, Wisconsin. It too has a compressor from Italy, US motor, and assembled in the US. I don't know where the tank comes from. Is it possible that Rolair builds this HF/US General compressor?

2. Does the bolt for the feet go through the square rubber pad and the hockey puck? Or just the hockey puck.

Nice write up. Very, very helpful.

 

[CobraChevelle]

I am also looking for a compressor, I also had a post on here asking about this HF model and was also thinking a quincy air compressor, but you could almost buy 2 of these HF for the price of the 1 quincy.

I know the pump is made in italy, Some reviews on harbor freight say the motor is made in china? this true?

edit: just notice you said the motor is made in the states.. I wonder if some of those reviews on harbor freight are off or if they are changing stock???

 

[TM98]

Where did you get the square rubber pad for the feet?

 

[Fugio]

Where did you get the square rubber pad for the feet?

Look at the texture. Those appear to be cut from a spare piece of jigsaw puzzle flooring. We did my son's room with that stuff. Super cheap! And it's easy as hell to fix or replace as needed. We ended up with lots and lots of scraps that I cut into all sorts of stuff.

 

[Venom2164]

I am still playing with the Drain Timing. At 45 Minute Intervals, water does come out ( a small amount ) but, I think maybe three times a day would be fine. I can add two more sets of on/offs to the Heavy Duty Timer. Then leave the Drain valve set at 45 minutes. The Timer would turn on which instantly initiates drain cycle, then the timer would shut off before the 45 minutes would complete. This South Florida Tropical Humidity is a killer....

Do you really need it to drain that often? I would think once a day would be more than enough, and once a week would probably work. I need to get my final inspection done and go get one of these!

 

[Venom2164]

1.
I had found this Online:

"The Harbor Freight assembled in the USA Air Compressors are assembled in Rock Hill SC. By the Atlas Copco Company. They are from Italy and one of the largest mining and construction compressor makers.
The tanks are ASME stamped made by Manchester Tank Company here in the USA. As are most of the others that are assembled
Here is the 800 number for the parts warranty in Rock Hill SC. 1-866-869-3114.
They also make 7 other brands at the same site.
Husky Pro, some Campbell Hausfields and Kobalt are assemble in the same plant here in the states."


I had also read that Harbor Freight had recently acquired the Air Compressor division in South Carolina. But I cannot find the article now.

2. Bolts go all the through anchored into the concrete floor.

Very timely as I am about to buy a compressor with the same specs as the HF one you bought. Some questions:

1. Yesterday I looked at a Rolair compressor similar to yours. Rolair is in Hustisford, Wisconsin. It too has a compressor from Italy, US motor, and assembled in the US. I don't know where the tank comes from. Is it possible that Rolair builds this HF/US General compressor?

2. Does the bolt for the feet go through the square rubber pad and the hockey puck? Or just the hockey puck.

Nice write up. Very, very helpful.

 

[Venom2164]

you can buy them from Amazon.
They don't have those exact model anymore. Here are two links:

http://www.amazon.com/PowerMate-Vx-094-0137RP-Vibration-Isolator/dp/B008JVM7G2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1426619138&sr=8-3&keywords=compressor+vibration+mount


http://www.amazon.com/Pack-Anti-Vibration-Rubber-isolation/dp/B001THXRP8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426619203&sr=8-1&keywords=compressor+vibration+mount

Where did you get the square rubber pad for the feet?

 

[Venom2164]

They are heavy rubber like Car Tires.

Look at the texture. Those appear to be cut from a spare piece of jigsaw puzzle flooring. We did my son's room with that stuff. Super cheap! And it's easy as hell to fix or replace as needed. We ended up with lots and lots of scraps that I cut into all sorts of stuff.

 

[trboxman]

Belaire is the retail brand name on those compressors.

I've had one for about 4 years now and don't have any complaints. You should consider upgrading the filter to a Solberg #4. That was the only area where I felt that they really cheaped out.

 

[Venom2164]

Belaire is the retail brand name on those compressors.

I've had one for about 4 years now and don't have any complaints. You should consider upgrading the filter to a Solberg #4. That was the only area where I felt that they really cheaped out.

I would like to fit a Solberg #4 to the pump. In fact there was one on the Kobalt I was replacing. The Mount for the Air Pump on the Kobalt Single Stage had slightly different bolt spacing than the Harbor freight Two Stage Pump.
I need to find the correct mount so I can screw on the filter assembly.
Any help with that part info would be appreciated.

 

[3 at 8]

What a great write up! Thanks so much for taking the time to post all the really clear pictures of the set up. I think I want this same one. I remember your previous post about choosing a compressor. Just trying to figure out my air needs.

 

[trboxman]

The pump on this compressor is an ABAC T29S

You're looking for

Filter Adapter Plate
Product #: 1312100377
Brand: ABAC
Description: Filter Adapter PLatr, T29S / OLD # FSAD01 - NOW 1312100377


Should be able to get it online from Master Tool Repair or from I90 Center for $12-$15 or so, you'll need a 1/2" elbow and a filter housing.

 

[Venom2164]

The pump on this compressor is an ABAC T29S

You're looking for

Filter Adapter Plate
Product #: 1312100377
Brand: ABAC
Description: Filter Adapter PLatr, T29S / OLD # FSAD01 - NOW 1312100377


Should be able to get it online from Master Tool Repair or from I90 Center for $12-$15 or so, you'll need a 1/2" elbow and a filter housing.

Thank you for the Info!

 

[trboxman]

Here is a link that shows you what you're looking for: http://www.allpartsinc.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=1312100377&type=0&eq=

Adding a Solberg #4 actually makes it a bit quieter.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

2. Bolts go all the through anchored into the concrete floor.

Does the compressor have to be anchored into the concrete floor? I have pex water lines in the concrete for the radiant heat.

 

[Venom2164]

Here is a link that shows you what you're looking for: http://www.allpartsinc.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=1312100377&type=0&eq=

Adding a Solberg #4 actually makes it a bit quieter.

Ordered!!! Thanks Again.

 

[Venom2164]

2. Bolts go all the through anchored into the concrete floor.

Does the compressor have to be anchored into the concrete floor? I have pex water lines in the concrete for the radiant heat.

I always have anchored mine into the concrete and any instructions or install videos I watched always say to anchor into the concrete.
I remember seeing posts in another forum where people put them on the vibration pads without mounting them. The compressors moved around and shook to much. They were afraid of them falling over if one leg came off a pad. Without the pads people said they were slowly digging into the floor like a jack hammer.


You may be able to make a frame out of 4"X4"with a thick rubber mat glued to the bottom. Make it larger than the outside dimensions of the widest point on the compressor. Then put the vibration pads on the frame and then mount the compressor to the frame. At least with the frame it should not tip over.

A friend has one mounted this way, but his compressor is smaller, I think a 30 Gallon. Not sure if it would work on a 60 Gallon.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I always have anchored mine into the concrete and any instructions or install videos I watched always say to anchor into the concrete.

Thanks Mr. Venom. This thread has been very, very helpful to me.

 

[sleepy127]

I left mine on the shipping pallet back in 2009 when I first got it. still doing fine.

 

[trboxman]

I left mine bolted to the shipping pallet as well, but I did put the pallet on a 1/2" thick anti-fatigue mat.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I left mine bolted to the shipping pallet as well, but I did put the pallet on a 1/2" thick anti-fatigue mat.

Another great idea from the Garage Journal Forum!

 

[lightning02]

what do you use this compressor for?

 

[raffaelli]

I grabbed one of these around the holidays. Love it. All my tools now spin at the right speed. The cut off wheel never slows down. Compressor is not that loud.

 

[lightning02]

I grabbed one of these around the holidays. Love it. All my tools now spin at the right speed. The cut off wheel never slows down. Compressor is not that loud.

wow... a cutoff wheel never slows down? thats good to know as thats the tool the drains my tank in a matter of a min. i have a CM (oilless) 2stg 60gal 240v. cant keep up worth a **** and loud as ****. i got it new for $200 bc a friend was moving in a new place that didnt allow it and he just had bought it weeks before moving and then he found that out. i may sell it and pick up one of these HF units up.

 

[redmondjp]

I always have anchored mine into the concrete and any instructions or install videos I watched always say to anchor into the concrete.
I remember seeing posts in another forum where people put them on the vibration pads without mounting them. The compressors moved around and shook to much. They were afraid of them falling over if one leg came off a pad. Without the pads people said they were slowly digging into the floor like a jack hammer.


You may be able to make a frame out of 4"X4"with a thick rubber mat glued to the bottom. Make it larger than the outside dimensions of the widest point on the compressor. Then put the vibration pads on the frame and then mount the compressor to the frame. At least with the frame it should not tip over.

A friend has one mounted this way, but his compressor is smaller, I think a 30 Gallon. Not sure if it would work on a 60 Gallon.

Regarding whether or not to bolt it down, the instructions that I have been reading from the manufacturer state that it is to be bolted down to the floor over vibration pads but NOT tightened. Apparently that can cause metal fatigue (typically at the tank/support area at the top) from the vibration of the pump. The bolts are there to keep the unit from tipping over.

 

[Ilikeike]

2. Bolts go all the through anchored into the concrete floor.

Does the compressor have to be anchored into the concrete floor? I have pex water lines in the concrete for the radiant heat.

I've always anchored them at work and my last home,but 11yrs ago at my new home a just set the 5hp 60 gal tank down on my normal rubber pads to anchor later if thats where it was going to stay. well it's stayed there never moved and un anchored for 11 yrs.
If theres a large earthquake,it may move I guess,but that would be the least of my worries.

 

[Venom2164]

Ok, recieved this on Saturday. I noticed Solberg has quite a few puck filters along the same line as the #4. Would using a larger model make more noise? less noise?

Here is a link that shows you what you're looking for: http://www.allpartsinc.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=1312100377&type=0&eq=

Adding a Solberg #4 actually makes it a bit quieter.