Castair C518VA8 — 5HP Commercial Air Compressor, 80-Gallon Vertical Tank
The C518VA8 is Castair's 5HP single-stage commercial compressor on an 80-gallon vertical ASME tank. It delivers 23.7 CFM @ 0 PSI and 18.3 CFM @ 100 PSI at 1,088 pump RPM, on 230V/22A single-phase power. No magnetic starter required. It ships at 435 lbs in a footprint of 32 x 24 inches at the base, 66 inches tall. Price: $2,001.75. This is the largest single-stage tank in Castair's commercial series in a compact-footprint vertical configuration.
Confirmed Specifications — From Castair's Published Data
- Model: C518VA8
- Horsepower: 5HP
- Compression Stages: Single-stage
- Tank: 80-gallon vertical, ASME-rated
- Pump RPM: 1,088
- CFM @ 0 PSI: 23.7
- CFM @ 100 PSI: 18.3
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 32 x 24 x 66 inches
- Voltage/Amps: 230V / 22A (single-phase)
- Shipped Weight: 435 lbs
- Shutoff Pressure: 125 PSI
- Magnetic Starter Required: No
Who This Is For
The C518VA8 is the right choice for a busy 2-3 bay shop that wants maximum reserve volume in a vertical tank with single-phase 230V power. The 80-gallon vertical takes up a 32 x 24-inch floor footprint — larger than the 60-gallon vertical (34 x 20 inches for the C516VA8) but much smaller floor length than the horizontal equivalent (the C518HA8 is 64 inches long). At $2,001.75, it's priced between the 60-gallon vertical and the 80-gallon horizontal.
More tank volume means your pump runs fewer cycles per hour for the same air demand. In a shop running one or two air tools near-continuously, the difference between a 60-gallon and 80-gallon tank is noticeable in how often you hear the compressor kick on.
Cast Iron Commercial Pump
- Oil-lubricated cast iron: Commercial grade, requires oil service
- 1,088 RPM: Slow-speed operation for long pump and valve life
- Single-stage, 125 PSI shutoff: Standard for general shop air tool use
- V-twin cylinders: Smooth running, 360-degree cooling
- Paper element air filter/silencer: Clean intake air, quieter operation
- Sight glass: Easy oil level monitoring
- Ball bearing main bearings: Superior crankshaft support
- Bleeder pressure switch: Load-less motor starts
80-Gallon Vertical ASME Tank
- Compact floor footprint: 32 x 24 inches at base
- 66-inch height: Verify ceiling clearance — 5'6" clearance needed to the unit top
- Powder-coated ASME pressure vessel: Code-compliant, corrosion-resistant
- 4-leg base: Elevated, stable mounting
- Copper discharge and unloader tube: Better heat dissipation than flex hose
- Rigid metal belt guard: OSHA-compliant belt protection
Full 5HP Commercial Comparison
| Model | Tank | Stage | RPM | Max PSI | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C513HA8 | 30-Gal Horiz. | Single | 1088 | 125 | 33x18x38" | 295 lbs |
| C516VA8 | 60-Gal Vert. | Single | 1088 | 125 | 34x20x68" | 335 lbs |
| C518VA8 | 80-Gal Vert. | Single | 1088 | 125 | 32x24x66" | 435 lbs |
| C518HA8 | 80-Gal Horiz. | Single | 1088 | 125 | 64x20x41" | 435 lbs |
| C518VC1 | 80-Gal Vert. | Two | 715 | 175 | 32x24x74" | 560 lbs |
| C518HC1 | 80-Gal Horiz. | Two | 715 | 175 | 64x20x48" | 560 lbs |
Factory Options
- Auto Drain (#ADVSM or #SDV03M): Automatic condensate drain
- Belt Guard Aftercooler (#BGAC1M): 35 CFM aftercooler
- Vibration Pads (#VP1004): 4x4x1" isolation pads (set of 4)
- Right From the Start Kit (#RFS001): Oil, pads, ball valve, flex hose, filter
What's in the Box
- Assembled compressor (pump, motor, 80-gallon vertical 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
Why Buy From Air Compressor Factory Direct?
We carry the full Castair commercial and industrial lineup and have specialized in air compressors since 2016. Free shipping. Free tech support at 866-217-0063. Full manufacturer warranty. We'll help you pick the right tank size and orientation for your shop.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
