Castair C518HA8 — 5HP Commercial Air Compressor, 80-Gallon Horizontal Tank
The C518HA8 is Castair's 5HP single-stage commercial compressor on an 80-gallon horizontal ASME tank. It delivers 23.7 CFM @ 0 PSI and 18.3 CFM @ 100 PSI at 1,088 pump RPM, running on 230V/22A single-phase. No magnetic starter required. It ships at 435 lbs with overall dimensions of 64 x 20 x 41 inches. Price per our records: $2,312.00. The horizontal 80-gallon is Castair's most "spread out" 5HP configuration — if you need maximum tank capacity in a low-profile layout and have the floor length, this is the unit.
Confirmed Specifications — From Castair's Published Data
- Model: C518HA8
- Horsepower: 5HP
- Compression Stages: Single-stage
- Tank: 80-gallon horizontal, ASME-rated
- Pump RPM: 1,088
- CFM @ 0 PSI: 23.7
- CFM @ 100 PSI: 18.3
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 64 x 20 x 41 inches
- Voltage/Amps: 230V / 22A (single-phase)
- Shipped Weight: 435 lbs
- Shutoff Pressure: 125 PSI
- Magnetic Starter Required: No
80-Gallon Horizontal vs. 80-Gallon Vertical
The C518HA8 is the horizontal version of the 80-gallon lineup — compare it to the C518VA8 (vertical, 32 x 24 x 66 inches, 435 lbs) and the two-stage C518HC1 (horizontal, 64 x 20 x 48 inches, 560 lbs). Same tank capacity, fundamentally different floor footprint:
- C518HA8 (this unit): 64 inches long, 20 inches wide, 41 inches tall — long and low, fits under a work counter or in a bay corner that's 5'4" long
- C518VA8 (vertical): 32 inches wide base, 66 inches tall — takes up half the floor length but requires 5'6" of ceiling height to the unit top
If you're in a low-ceiling shop or need the compressor to sit under a workbench, the horizontal layout wins. If floor length is your constraint, the vertical wins.
Cast Iron Commercial Pump
- Oil-lubricated cast iron pump: Commercial-grade, not consumer
- 1,088 RPM: Slow, cool, and significantly quieter than consumer compressors
- Single-stage to 125 PSI: Covers virtually all air tool and inflation needs
- V-twin cylinders: Smooth running with 360-degree cooling
- Paper element filter/silencer: Clean intake, reduced noise
- Oil sight glass: Quick level check
- Ball bearing main bearings: Superior crankshaft support
- Bleeder pressure switch: Load-less motor starts
Available 5HP Configurations — Full Comparison
| Model | Tank | Orientation | Pump | RPM | CFM@100 | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C513HA8 | 30-Gal | Horiz. | Single | 1088 | 18.3 | 33x18x38" | 295 lbs |
| C516VA8 | 60-Gal | Vert. | Single | 1088 | 18.3 | 34x20x68" | 335 lbs |
| C518VA8 | 80-Gal | Vert. | Single | 1088 | 18.3 | 32x24x66" | 435 lbs |
| C518HA8 | 80-Gal | Horiz. | Single | 1088 | 18.3 | 64x20x41" | 435 lbs |
| C518VC1 | 80-Gal | Vert. | Two-stage | 715 | 18.1 | 32x24x74" | 560 lbs |
| C518HC1 | 80-Gal | Horiz. | Two-stage | 715 | 18.1 | 64x20x48" | 560 lbs |
When Does a Shop Choose This Over Alternatives?
C518HA8 makes sense when: You need 80 gallons of reserve capacity, ceiling height or overhead obstructions make a tall vertical unit impractical, and single-phase 230V is your only power source.
Consider the C518VA8 instead if your ceiling height is adequate and floor length is the constraint — same weight, same output, just oriented vertically.
Step up to C518HC1 (two-stage horizontal) if you need 175 PSI working pressure or want the quieter operation of the 715 RPM two-stage pump. The trade is 125 lbs more weight and different pump characteristics.
Factory Options
- Auto Drain (#ADVSM or #SDV03M): Automatic condensate drain
- Belt Guard Aftercooler (#BGAC1M): 35 CFM moisture reduction
- Vibration Pads (#VP1004): 4x4x1" rubber isolation pads
- Right From the Start Kit (#RFS001): Oil, pads, ball valve, flex hose, filter
What's in the Box
- Assembled compressor (pump, motor, 80-gallon horizontal tank, belt drive)
- Rigid metal belt guard
- Copper discharge and unloader tube
- ASME safety valve and bleeder pressure switch
- Oil sight glass and paper element air filter
- Not included: Compressor oil, vibration pads, flex hose for shop piping
Why Buy From Air Compressor Factory Direct?
We specialize in commercial air compressors and carry the full Castair lineup. Free shipping. Free tech support at 866-217-0063. Full manufacturer warranty. If you're deciding between horizontal and vertical tank orientation, or between single-stage and two-stage, call us — we can walk you through the tradeoffs for your specific installation.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
