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You will need the best gas-powered air compressor if you run an auto shop. An air compressor works fine to inflate tires or power the air tool for removing tires from vehicles.
Also, an air compressor powers other air tools such as pneumatic nail guns with sufficient power for impressive work results. Here are the 6 best overall gas-powered air compressors review.
Besides, gas air compressors work even when there is a power outage since they depend on gasoline for power. And that means no waiting for electric power to power your air tools.
As such, consider investing in only powerful compressors with gasoline engines. But finding the best gas-powered air compressor relies on knowing a few features to look for before spending your money.
If you’re looking for some of the best gas-powered air compressors with maximum pressure, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve rounded up some of the gas-powered air compressors with incredible performances. Also, we’ve included a buyer’s guide to help you through. So, be sure to read on for more information.
| Gas-Powered Air Compressors | Product Information | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
Top | Ingersoll-Rand SS3J5.5GH-WB 5.5 Horsepower 8 Gallon Oiled Gas Twin Pontoon Compressor | Check Price |
Top | Industrial Air Contractor 4 Gallon Portable Pontoon Air Compressor with 5 HP Honda Gas Engine | Check Price |
Top
Top | HPDAVV Gas Driven Piston Air Compressor 6.5HP - One Stage - Fit For KOHLER RH65 Engine - 20Gal Tank - 17cfm @ Max 125psi - Cart Style Portable Compressed System W-0.5/8P RH65 | Check Price |
Top | Mi-T-M AM1-PH65-08M Portable Air Compressor, 8-Gallon, Single Stage with Gasoline | Check Price |
Top | Metabo HPT Air Compressor, Wheelbarrow, Honda GX 160 Engine, 8-Gallon, Gas Powered, Portable, Twin Tank, Cast Iron, Oil Lubricated Pump, Solid Flat-free Rubber Tire (EC2610E) | Check Price |
Top | BelAire 3G3HHL 13 HP 30 Gallon Gas Driven Honda Engine Horizontal Compressor | Check Price |
What Gas-Powered Air Compressors Should You Consider Buying?
INGERSOLL-RAND GAS POWERED AIR COMPRESSOR SS3J5.5GH-WB
- Portable Design: Lightweight with excellent manueverability even on the roughest terrain, perfect for environments where electricity is unavailable
- Maximum Power and Flexibilty: 100% continuous duty, twin 8-gallon tanks and two quick disconnect couplers enable you to run multiple tools simultaneously
Ingersoll-Rand SS3J5.5GH-WB is an incredibly powerful gas-powered air compressor. It features a 5.5 HP gasoline Honda engine that ensures the pump has sufficient power to compress the atmospheric air.
And the result is 135 PSI pressure for operating any power tool. This air compressor features an 0.825-gallon fuel tank that ensures you can use this machine everywhere, even in places with no electricity.
The air compressor features a single-stage reciprocating air end that gives you 11.8 CFM of pressured air for your pneumatic tools.
With this impressive CFM rating, this gas-powered air compressor suits contractors as it’s ideal for construction sites and other worksites.
Ingersoll-Rand SS3J5.5GH-WB is also a portable gas powered air compressor as it features a wheelbarrow design. It weighs 175 pounds, but the featured handles and never-flat wheels ensure transportation is a non-issue.
As a result, moving it across the worksite is effortless.
The twin tank air compressor boasts a combined air tank capacity of 8 gallons. With this incredible air tank gallonage, you can always have more power for your pneumatic tools as the demand for power increases.
Durability is another impressive advantage of this unit, thanks to the cast iron construction.
Safety is a decent feature in this air compressor as it features a safety relief valve. Also, this unit features a drive belt guard.
The long-life pump guarantees up to 5,000 hours of trouble-free performance, making this unit ideal for contractors, as we have already seen.
With these impressive specs, this gas-powered air compressor will handle your most demanding projects quite impressively.
| Manufacturer | Ingersoll-Rand |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 49813009 |
| Product Dimensions | 175 pounds |
| Item Weight | 43 x 18 x 26 inches |
| Power Source | Gas Powered |
| Horsepower | 5 hp |
| Maximum Pressure | 175 Bars |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5 HP Honda engine. | The fuel tank is small. |
| 8 CFM at 135 PSI working pressure. | The drive belt guard is not sturdy. |
| 8-gallon twin tank capacity. | |
| Best Overall Gas-Powered Air Compressors Reviews |
Industrial Air Contractor 4 Gallon Portable Pontoon Air Compressor with 5 HP Honda Gas Engine
- Low maintenance, oil free, direct drive pump has a patented two piece cooling system which extends the life of the pump
- 5-Horsepower Honda OHC/OHV premium residential gas engine
- 155 PSI max pressure for optimum tool performance.
This Industrial Air Contractor air compressor is more lightweight as it weighs only 74 pounds. It is also more compact, making it a perfect choice for roof nailing.
But it is a gas-powered air compressor with a wide application. B
esides using it for roof nailing, you can also use it for bolting, inflation, and finish nailing, among other applications.
As a gas-powered air compressor, it boasts a powerful 5 HP OHC/OHV Honda engine.
This 160-cc engine is fuel-efficient but churns out sufficient power to directly drive the oil-free pump. Due to the impressive power from the engine, your air compressor gives out 5 CFM at 90 PSI.
Also, this pump could give out air at an incredible rate of 6.9 CFM at 40 PSI.
The pump provides a working pressure of 155 PSI. And if the demand for pressured air increases, the feature pontoon-style air tanks with a combined capacity of 4 gallons ensure your pneumatic tools have enough power for operating them.
This Industrial Air Contractor will work for hours without its pump becoming too hot.
And that’s because the pump features a two-piece cooling system. This makes the pump have an increased cooling efficiency.
The pump will then have an extended life besides giving maximum punch throughout the operation time.
So, if you’re looking to complete a large project, this is one of the gas air compressors to consider buying. The cushioned handles make portability easy and handling your air compressor more ergonomic.
You also get a regulator, quick connect for your pneumatic tools, and gauges for checking the air pressure. Therefore, this is another gas-powered air compressor to buy for your projects.
| Manufacturer | Industrial Air |
|---|---|
| Part Number | CTA5090412 |
| Product Dimensions | 74 pounds |
| Item Weight | 24.4 x 21.9 x 19.8 inches |
| Power Source | Gas Powered |
| Horsepower | 5 hp |
| Maximum Pressure | 155 psi |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5 HP OHC/OHV Honda engine. | The warranty only lasts 2 years. |
| 5 CFM at 90 PSI. | It leaks some oil after some time. |
| Oil-free and durable pump. | |
| Best Overall Gas-Powered Air Compressors Reviews |
HPDAVV Gas Driven Piston Air Compressor 6.5HP
- 【Easy and Safe Operation】This gas-powered wheelbarrow compressor is durably designed with a cast iron frame for reliable, long-lasting use.
- 【Easily Mounts in Truck】Easily mounts in truck or service vehicle. This Product are designed exclusively for the heavy duty needs of the mechanic shop, livestock operation and service truck.
- 【Standard Warranty】HPDAVV provided with one-year warranty,the air end with two-year warranty and lifetime maintenance. We also have some of the best air supplier are able to support the after-sales services
HPDAVV Gas Driven Piston Air Compressor never disappoints at a worksite with its impressive performance.
Its 3-cylinder single-stage pump derives sufficient power from a 6.5 HP KOHLER RH65 Engine to compress the atmospheric air.
The engine runs on gasoline, meaning you can power your pneumatic tools even during a power outage. The air end with already impressive specs gives out air at 17 CFM at 125 PSI air pressure.
The splash-lubricated components run smoothly to reduce the heat that causes premature wear.
Therefore, this gas-powered air compressor will last for extended periods to give you maximum pressure.
A sturdy steel frame guards the engine and the pump to add more durability to this air compressor. Also, this unit features twin air tanks with a combined 20-gallon capacity.
As a result, your air compressor can store some pressurized air for more power if you’re using more pneumatic tools.
The heavy-duty belt guard ensures using your air compressor is safe. This air compressor also features a pressure gauge and two quick-connects for your pneumatic tools.
All these features make the air compressor weigh 196 pounds. But this unit remains one of the most portable air compressors since it features a cart-style design that makes transportation relatively easy.
Once you mount this unit onto a truck, you can transport it to a worksite and use it to power your powerful pneumatic tools.
It is one of the powerful compressors for a wide application. Since this unit provides pressurized air at an increased rate of 17 CFM, it is an excellent option for heavy-duty use.
So, consider buying it for your heavy-duty projects.
| Manufacturer | HPDAVV |
|---|---|
| Part Number | NEW W-0.5/8P |
| Product Dimensions | 196 pounds |
| Item Weight | 41.7 x 27.1 x 34.6 inches |
| Power Source | Gas Powered |
| Horsepower | 6.5 hp |
| Maximum Pressure | 125 psi |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easily mounts in a truck or service vehicle. | Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide. |
| Special wear- resistance and high temperature ring. | Quite expensive. |
| One year of warranty. | |
| Best Overall Gas-Powered Air Compressors Reviews |
Mi-T-M AM1-PH65-08M Portable Air Compressor
- 196 cc Honda OHV
- Stainless-steel braided discharge hose
- Powder coated 8-gallon twin tank receivers
- 316-inch base plate to reduce vibration
- 16-gauge powder coated two-piece belt gu
The engine is fuel-efficient and uses gasoline to generate motion that powers the pump. As a result of sufficient power from the powerful Honda engine, the pump generates an impressive airflow rate of 13.9 cubic feet per minute at 90 PSI air pressure.
The single-stage pump is also durable as it comprises cast iron material. As a result, the pump delivers more power than an electric air compressor for many years.
This unit features a drive belt that has a 2-piece belt guard to keep you safe. Therefore, using this air compressor is a lot safer.
With this unit’s wheelbarrow-style design, you will transport it across the worksite with ease. The handles have a rubberized grip for slip resistance and ergonomics.
Also, the 10-inch never-flat wheel ensures nothing punctures your tire.
This air compressor also features two air tanks with a combined capacity of 8 gallons. And this results in maximum efficiency for powering your most demanding pneumatic tools.
What’s more, the air tanks boast powder coating that makes them retain their shine for years. And this only makes your air compressor more elegant-looking.
The unit features a discharge hose with stainless steel braiding for maximum performance for extended periods.
The 3/16-inch base plate works to reduce vibrations, and the result is an efficient performance from your air compressor. Other impressive features include an oil level window, an intake filter, a regulator, and two pressure gauges.
Since this is another powerful gas-powered air compressor, it rightfully takes its spot among the best air compressors.
| Manufacturer | Mi-T-M |
|---|---|
| Part Number | AM1-PH65-08M |
| Product Dimensions | 175.05 Pounds |
| Item Weight | 44.5 x 18.5 x 26 inches |
| Power Source | Gas Powered |
| Horsepower | 5 hp |
| Maximum Pressure | 125 psi |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5 HP KOHLER RH65 Engine. | The warranty lasts only a year. |
| 17 CFM at 125 PSI. | Unresponsive customer support. |
| 20-gallon twin tanks. | |
| Best Overall Gas-Powered Air Compressors Reviews |
Metabo HPT Air Compressor
- ENGINE: Honda GX 160 engine delivers reliable and rugged performance
- MULTIPLE NAILERS: 9.5 CFM delivered at 90 PSI operates multiple nailers simultaneously
- PUMP: Cast iron, low RPM, oil lubricated pump for improved performance and durability
Metabo HPT (EC2610E) Air Compressor uses a Honda GX 160 engine to power its cast iron pump. This engine has a 160-cc displacement that ensures it produces 5.5 horsepower.
And with this power transferred to the pump via a drive belt, the pump compresses air to 90 PSI and gives it out at an impressive airflow rate of 9.5 CFM.
Therefore, this is another powerful gas-powered air compressor.
The pump is oil-lubricated and runs at low RPMs for exceptional performance over an extended period.
And that means the whole air compressor is durable and guarantees trouble-free performance for hours! The unit also stays cool during the operation time since it is air-cooled.
Also, this feature ensures there is no water moisture inside the air tank.
When looking at the air tank, you find that this air compressor features twin tanks with a combined air capacity of 8 gallons.
This impressive gallonage ensures even your most demanding air tools have sufficient pressure to handle the task at hand.
Since this unit has a drive belt, it features a belt guard to keep you safe during your projects.
The air compressor also features a regulator for ensuring it delivers sufficient pressure to your pneumatic tools. Also, your unit features a pneumatic throttle that improves reliability.
One final touch that also improves durability is the stainless-steel braiding of the discharge hose.
As a result of this finish, the hose resists corrosion that ultimately improves durability. Therefore, this is another gas-powered air compressor you also want to consider buying.
| Manufacturer | Koki Holdings America, Ltd |
|---|---|
| Part Number | EC2610E |
| Product Dimensions | 158 pounds |
| Item Weight | 41 x 18.1 x 25.6 inches |
| Power Source | Gas Powered |
| Horsepower | 1 hp |
| Maximum Pressure | 145 Bars |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 5 CFM at 90 PSI. | It leaks some oil after some time. |
| The pump is very durable. | Customer support is unresponsive. |
| Easy transportation. | |
| Best Overall Gas-Powered Air Compressors Reviews |
BelAire 3G3HHL 13 HP 30 Gallon Gas Driven Honda Engine Horizontal Compressor
- Two year warranty
- 12 volt electric and recoil start
- Unique E-Z pull tank drain
- Fully enclosed belt guard
- 12 volt charging sys
BelAire 3G3HHL 13 HP 30-gallon air compressor has a large air tank with an unmatched air capacity of 30 gallons. It features a powerful Honda engine that delivers 13 HP to the pump for impressive performance.
Once this incredible engine power transfers to the pump via a drive belt, the pump produces a 25.25 CFM airflow rate at 100 PSI.
But this working pressure can peak at 175 PSI for all your connected pneumatic tools.
Starting your air compressor is easy since this unit features a recoil and electric start. This electric start uses 12V for an easy start so that you can complete your projects a lot sooner than you would when using other air compressors.
This is an impressive feature that makes this unit worth buying.
The drive belt has a guard that encloses it for safety reasons. Besides safety, this air compressor flaunts durability as its pump boasts cast iron construction.
As a result, this unit will serve you for many years to come. The 30 gallon air tank has a pull-type drain that makes your work a lot easier.
As if that’s not impressive enough, you also get a 12V charging system for your battery. You can also monitor the oil level from the featured oil monitor glass.
Generally speaking, this air compressor is fuel-efficient as the engine features an engine slowdown system. Since this air compressor has everything you need to power your air tools, it is another best gas-powered air compressor.
Therefore, also consider adding it to your toolshed.
| Manufacturer | BelAire |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 3G3HHL |
| Product Dimensions | 408 lbs |
| Item Weight | 44.6 x 19 x 45 inches |
| Power Source | Gas Powered |
| Horsepower | 13 hp |
| Maximum Pressure | 175 psi |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 13 HP fuel-efficient gas engine. | It has no wheel for transportation. |
| 25 CFM at 100 PSI. | The warranty only lasts 2 years. |
| 12V charging system. | |
| Best Overall Gas-Powered Air Compressors Reviews |
What To Look for Before Buying a Gas-Powered Air Compressor
You will easily find the best gas-powered air compressor if you know the features to look out for before buying. You want to check for a few features since they guarantee exceptional performance.
Besides, you’re looking for a long-term investment that never cuts back on the impressive performance. If you want the best air compressor for your air tools, consider the features below first:
Air Tools Pressure Requirements
If you’re a contractor in a worksite, you probably own air tools such as a rivet buster, paving breaker, or a nail gun.
On the other hand, an auto shop owner needs air tools such as spray guns and impact wrench, among other pneumatic tools.
All these pneumatic tools have specific pressure and CFM requirements.
Therefore, you want to check their PSI and CFM requirements and buy a gas-powered air compressor that supplies the required pressure at the recommended volume in cubic feet per minute.
Once you know what your air tools demand from a gas-powered air compressor, you can proceed to look for a unit that meets the demands.
Check The Engine Power
Of course, a gas powered air compressor has an engine and is usually more practical than an electric air compressor. And that’s because it allows you to power your pneumatic tools even during a power outage.
But you want to ensure your preferred gas-powered air compressor packs sufficient power for moving the pump. Check the engine’s horsepower (HP) if you aim to pick a powerful engine that powers the pump sufficiently.
The higher the HP rating, the more power the engine packs. So, look for higher HP ratings. 5 HP should be your starting point, but you can aim as high as 13 HP for more demanding pneumatic tools.
Therefore, always check this rating before buying a gas-powered air compressor.
The Airflow Rate and Working Pressure
Like we’ve already seen, pneumatic tools require specific air pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI) at a given flow rate in cubic feet per minute (CFM).
So, that means your preferred gas-powered air compressor should provide the required CFM at the correct PSI.
Since you’re looking to power more tools from the same air compressor, you want to ensure the air compressor you’re choosing has high maximum pressure.
If the working pressure hits the 155 PSI mark, you want to buy that air compressor. Also, check the CFM rating at 90 PSI since this seems to be the working pressure for most pneumatic tools.
You want to opt for a unit with a higher CFM rating at 90 PSI since such an air compressor supplies enough volume of air to keep your tools powered sufficiently.
So, buy a gas-powered air compressor with a higher CFM rating at 90 PSI and one with the highest maximum pressure.
Air Tank Capacity
The air tank receives and temporarily stores pressurized air. As a result, it provides more power to more demanding air tools. And this means your pump doesn’t have to work extra hard to provide the required additional power.
The pump will then have a prolonged life.
Since the air tank is an essential part of an air compressor that provides additional power on demand, you want to ensure it has sufficient capacity for more power.
But the capacity is always in gallons. Therefore, you want to pick an air tank with more gallons. A 30 gallon air tank stores more pressurized air than an air tank with less storage capacity.
But a large tank takes time to fill, meaning more power on demand will delay a bit.
As such, you can consider looking for fewer gallons if you want somewhat more instant additional power for your air tools. A large air tank is ideal for heavy-duty performances, but a smaller air tank handles light-duty projects perfectly.
So, choose the size that handles the project at hand.
Portability
After you have found a gas powered air compressor with impressive specs, you want to ensure transporting it across the worksite takes less effort.
An air compressor with a wheelbarrow design is easier to move across the worksite as it has handles and never-flat tires.
But you will have to ensure the handles have a rubberized grip for non-slip grip and ergonomic handling. Also, ensure the wheels are never-flat to avoid punctures.
You can also look for 10-inch wheels or larger wheels for improved transportation.
Since portability also depends on weight, you should pick a unit weighing fewer pounds. If you combine fewer pounds with a wheelbarrow design, you will have a portable gas powered air compressor.
Therefore, look for the features we’ve mentioned in this section for unmatched portability.
Durability
You also want a long-term investment. Otherwise, what’s the point of splashing more cash on a gas-powered air compressor if it doesn’t serve you for many years? But durability depends on the material used for constructing a gas-powered air compressor or any air compressor.
As such, you want to take a closer look at the material of a gas-powered air compressor before buying it.
If the pump comprises cast iron material of construction, you want to consider buying that unit since cast iron is highly durable. Also, look for a unit with a steel frame that protects the pump and the gas engine.
Once your preferred air compressor has only durable materials, it will serve you for years.
Also, you want to look at the pump as it is a crucial component. Besides featuring a cast iron construction, ensure it has an efficient cooling system.
Heat could wear the pump prematurely. So, you want to pick a gas-powered air compressor with a cooling system on its pump. Besides, such a pump will work for thousands of hours before requiring maintenance.
FAQs
What are the applications of a gas-powered air compressor?
A gas-powered air compressor has a wider application – you can use it in construction, manufacturing, and spray painting, to name a few fields. In construction, gas-powered air compressors provide power to your air tools, such as a nail gun.
You will also need these units in manufacturing, where you use them to power rotary screw equipment. On the other hand, an air compressor comes in handy to power your spray painting guns in an auto repair shop.
Therefore, air compressors have a wide application.
How many horsepower does the gas engine on an air compressor produce?
Generally speaking, gas-powered air compressors produce horsepower ranging from 1.5 HP to 6.5 HP.
But there are more powerful models capable of producing an astounding 13 HP of power from their gas engines. A classic example would be the BelAire 3G3HHL 13 HP 30-gallon air compressor in this case.
You want to always pick a more powerful unit for more power for your air tools.
Can I use a gas-powered air compressor to inflate my car tire?
Yes, a gas-powered air compressor inflates a tire even where there is a blackout in your area. And that’s because it requires no electricity to function, unlike an electric air compressor.
Once you’ve added gasoline to the fuel tank and turned on the gas engine, you will inflate your car tire in no time.
And this makes them ideal for work in areas with no connection to the power grid.
Does an air tank’s gallonage matter?
The air tank capacity matters but not much. A gas-powered air compressor stores pressurized air in its air tank. If this tank is large (has more gallons rating), you will have more pressurized air for your most demanding tools.
But filling such a large tank takes time, meaning the power on demand delays a bit.
On the other hand, fewer gallons mean almost instant additional power to your air tools. But such a small air tank will not power your air tools for long.
If you’re looking to handle a large project, look for more gallonage in tank capacity. But for your light-duty projects, a few gallons work just fine.
Wrap Up
A gas-powered air compressor is usually more powerful than an electric air compressor. This is due to its gas engine that produces more horsepower to the pump.
Also, you can use a gas-powered air compressor even if you have no electricity since it depends on gasoline for power.
What’s more, some gas-powered air compressors are more portable with their wheelbarrow design. As a result, transporting them across the worksite requires less effort.
As such, you want to pick a gas-powered air compressor for your needs. But finding the best gas-powered air compressor relies on keeping a closer eye on a few features.
Fortunately, we have covered some of the features to look out for when buying gas-powered air compressors. We have also rounded up some of the most powerful units on the market.
Their impressive power could yield the results you seek. So, consider picking one that works best for you and handle the project at hand.
