Castair I101CUC2-S — 10 HP Single-Phase Industrial Air Compressor, Cube Configuration, C2 Pump with Mounted Starter
The Castair I101CUC2-S is a 10 HP single-phase industrial air compressor in Castair's Cube configuration — a compact, self-contained form factor that puts the pump, motor, and tank into a roughly cubic footprint rather than the traditional vertical-tank or long-horizontal-tank layout. This configuration is designed for shops with specific space constraints where neither a tall vertical tank nor a long horizontal tank fits the available floor area.
Like all Castair Industrial Series machines, the I101CUC2-S uses a cast iron two-stage C2 pump with tapered roller bearings, automotive-type insert rod bearings, disc and spring valves, 4-ring pistons, and centrifugal unloader for loadless starting. The factory-mounted magnetic motor starter is included.
Note on specifications: The Cube model is not listed in Castair's standard Industrial Series specification table on castair.net. Exact pump RPM, CFM output, tank capacity, dimensions, and weight for this specific SKU were not confirmed in manufacturer documentation at time of writing. Call us at 866-217-0063 for current confirmed specifications before ordering. Price point ($4,969.62) places this in the same range as the 10 HP 120-gallon models.
Cast Iron Pump Engineering — Why This Matters for Shop Longevity
Every Castair Industrial Series compressor is built around their oversized cast iron pump. Here is what separates these from lighter-duty machines:
- All cast iron construction — cylinder heads, crankcase, and cylinders are cast iron throughout. Cast iron manages heat better than aluminum and wears far more slowly under continuous load.
- Tapered roller bearings at both ends of the crankshaft — not ball bearings. Tapered rollers handle both radial and thrust loads simultaneously, which is exactly what a reciprocating pump crankshaft sees in operation.
- Precision steel connecting rods with automotive-type insert bearings — at both the crankshaft journal and the wrist pin. These are the same bearing design used in automotive engines. They are replaceable when worn — not a throwaway assembly.
- Disc and spring valves — simpler to service than reed valves, more efficient at high discharge pressures, and more reliable over years of cycling.
- 4-ring pistons — two extra rings versus typical 2-ring piston designs. Better compression sealing, significantly less oil carry-over into the air stream.
- Centrifugal unloader — the pump starts unloaded on every cycle without exception. This reduces motor starting current, reduces wear on the motor and belts, and eliminates the hard-start problem common in compressors that attempt to restart against pressure.
Tank, Motor, and Controls
- ASME-coded steel tank — powder-coated for corrosion resistance. ASME certification means the tank was designed and tested to a recognized pressure vessel standard, not just stamped with a number.
- ASME safety valve — factory-installed.
- Metal belt guard, totally enclosed — not a plastic cover.
- Copper discharge and unloader tubing or stainless-steel braided flex line — not plastic hose or rubber.
- Heavy-duty 1,725 RPM industrial motor with a minimum 15% service factor. This means the motor can sustain loads above its nameplate rating without tripping. In a shop where the compressor runs all day, the service factor is not a marketing number — it is the difference between a motor that lasts a decade and one that burns up in two years.
What the Cube Configuration Offers
- Compact footprint — designed for installations where vertical height and horizontal length are both constrained
- Self-contained — same factory-assembled approach as all Castair Industrial units
- Same pump quality — cast iron C2 pump, same bearings, valves, and pistons as the standard lineup
- Magnetic starter included — the '-S' designation means factory-mounted overload protection, same as other -S models
Who Asks About the Cube
Typically shops with a specific installation challenge — a mechanical room with a low ceiling and no room for a tall vertical tank, or a narrow bay where the length of a horizontal tank is a problem. Call us at 866-217-0063 and describe your space; we can tell you whether this configuration fits and provide current dimensions and specs.
What's in the Box
- Castair I101CUC2-S compressor assembly (pump, motor, tank, factory-assembled)
- Factory-mounted and wired magnetic motor starter
- ASME safety valve (installed)
- Pressure switch (installed)
- Metal belt guard (installed)
- Discharge tubing (installed)
- Operator documentation
Technical Specifications
- Model: I101CUC2-S
- Horsepower: 10 HP
- Phase: 1-phase (single-phase)
- Configuration: Cube
- Pump type: C2 (two-stage cast iron)
- Max working pressure: 175 PSI (standard for Industrial Series)
- Motor speed: 1,725 RPM
- Motor service factor: 15% minimum
- Tank certification: ASME
- Starter: Factory-mounted magnetic motor starter (included)
- Full specs (CFM, RPM, tank capacity, dimensions, weight): Contact us at 866-217-0063 for confirmed manufacturer data
- Manufacturer: Castair (Cast Air Inc., Spicer, MN)
Why Buy From Air Compressor Factory Direct?
We have been selling industrial air compressors since 2016 and carry the full Cast Air Industrial Series lineup. When you call us, you reach someone who can tell you whether the C2 or C3 pump is right for your application, what electrical service you need, which options are worth adding, and whether horizontal or vertical tank orientation fits your floor plan. We offer free shipping on qualifying orders, full manufacturer warranty support, and straight talk about which unit fits your shop — not a push toward the most expensive option.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
