Castair C516VA8-S — 5HP Commercial Air Compressor, 60-Gallon Vertical Tank with Mounted Starter
The C516VA8-S is the same cast iron compressor as the C516VA8 — 5HP, single-stage, 1,088 RPM, 23.7 CFM @ 0 PSI, 18.3 CFM @ 100 PSI on a 60-gallon vertical ASME tank — with a factory-mounted magnetic motor starter included. The vertical tank footprint (approximately 34 x 20 inches at the base, 68 inches tall) makes this one of the more floor-efficient 60-gallon options in the commercial series. It ships at approximately 335 lbs and runs on 230V/22A single-phase. Price per our records: $2,678.92.
Confirmed Specifications — From Castair's Published Data
- Model: C516VA8-S (C516VA8 base + factory-mounted starter)
- Horsepower: 5HP
- Compression Stages: Single-stage
- Tank: 60-gallon vertical, ASME-rated
- Pump RPM: 1,088
- CFM @ 0 PSI: 23.7
- CFM @ 100 PSI: 18.3
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 34 x 20 x 68 inches
- Voltage/Amps: 230V / 22A (single-phase)
- Shipped Weight: ~335 lbs (base unit; starter adds minimal weight)
- Shutoff Pressure: 125 PSI (single-stage)
- Starter: Factory-mounted magnetic motor starter
Who This Is For
The C516VA8-S is the right compressor for a 2-3 bay automotive shop, small body shop, or service garage that needs a reliable everyday air supply with a compact floor footprint. The 60-gallon vertical tank holds twice the reserve volume of a 30-gallon unit at the same pump output — meaning fewer pump cycles per shift and more air available for momentary high-demand tools like impact wrenches and tire changers. The -S configuration with factory-mounted starter is the right choice if you want the motor protection of a magnetic starter without sourcing and wiring one separately.
Cast Iron Commercial Pump Features
Castair's commercial series pumps are oil-lubricated cast iron units built for sustained shop use. The 1,088 RPM pump speed is the key differentiator from consumer-grade compressors — it runs slow, runs cool, and lasts significantly longer under daily commercial use than high-RPM designs.
- Oil-lubricated cast iron pump: Full oil lubrication, not oil-free — this is a commercial machine
- Single-stage compression: 125 PSI factory shutoff
- 1,088 RPM: Slow, cool, quiet — extended pump and valve life
- Smooth-running V-twin cylinders: 360-degree cooling around both cylinders
- Automotive-type paper element air filter/silencer: Clean intake, quiet operation
- Sight glass: Check oil level without removing covers
- Ball bearing main bearings: Superior crankshaft support
- Bleeder pressure switch: Load-less motor start-up
60-Gallon Vertical ASME Tank
- Compact footprint: 34 x 20 inch base — fits in tight spaces vertical
- 68 inches tall: Check ceiling clearance
- Powder-coated ASME tank: Code-compliant pressure vessel
- 4-leg base: Standard on Castair verticals — stable, elevated
- Copper discharge and unloader tube: Better heat dissipation than rubber hose
- Rigid metal belt guard: OSHA-compliant
Factory-Mounted Magnetic Starter
The -S suffix means the magnetic motor starter is factory-installed and pre-wired. At 5HP/230V single-phase, a starter provides motor overload protection beyond what a standard pressure switch offers. Factory installation saves you the cost of electrician time sourcing and mounting a separate starter. Your electrician runs the 230V single-phase feed to the starter enclosure and you're operational.
Available Configurations — 5HP Commercial Series
| Model | Tank | Orientation | Starter | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C513HA8 | 30-Gal | Horizontal | No | 33x18x38" | 295 lbs |
| C516VA8 | 60-Gal | Vertical | No | 34x20x68" | 335 lbs |
| C516VA8-S | 60-Gal | Vertical | Factory-mounted | 34x20x68" | ~335 lbs |
| C518VA8 | 80-Gal | Vertical | No | 32x24x66" | 435 lbs |
| C518HA8 | 80-Gal | Horizontal | No | 64x20x41" | 435 lbs |
| C518VC1 | 80-Gal | Vertical | No | 32x24x74" | 560 lbs |
When Does a Shop Need This vs. Stepping Up or Down?
C516VA8-S fits a shop that: runs 1-2 air tools at a time intermittently, has limited floor space, runs on single-phase 230V power, and wants factory motor protection included.
Step up to C518VA8 or C518VC1 if you need more tank reserve (80 gallons vs. 60) for higher sustained demand or if you need 175 PSI working pressure (two-stage C518VC1).
Consider a Castair industrial unit (7.5HP or 10HP, I-series) if your shop is running 3+ tools simultaneously with near-continuous demand — the industrial series uses a 1725 RPM industrial motor versus the commercial series 3450 RPM motor with gearing, and is built for heavier continuous duty.
Factory Options
- Auto Drain (#ADVSM or #SDV03M): Automatic condensate drain
- Belt Guard Aftercooler (#BGAC1M): 35 CFM aftercooler — reduces moisture in compressed air
- Vibration Pads (#VP1004): 4-pack 4x4x1" rubber isolation pads — recommended for all permanent installations
- Right From the Start Kit (#RFS001): Break-in oil, pads, ball valve, flex hose, filter element
What's in the Box
- Assembled compressor (pump, motor, 60-gallon vertical tank, belt drive)
- Factory-mounted magnetic motor starter
- Rigid metal belt guard
- Copper discharge and unloader tube
- ASME safety valve and bleeder pressure switch
- Oil sight glass and paper element air filter/silencer
- Not included: Compressor oil, vibration pads, flex hose for shop piping connection
Why Buy From Air Compressor Factory Direct?
We carry the full Castair lineup and have specialized in commercial and industrial air equipment since 2016. Free shipping on qualifying orders. Free tech support at 866-217-0063. Full manufacturer warranty. We can help you confirm specs, select the right tank size, and add the right accessories for your installation.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
