The Cast Air BGAC1M Belt Guard Aftercooler is the mounted variant of the BGAC1 — a 35 CFM air-cooled aftercooler designed to mount directly to the belt guard of a compatible Cast Air compressor and cool compressed air before it reaches the tank and downstream distribution. If you are running a 5 HP, 7 HP, or 10 HP reciprocating piston compressor and are dealing with water in your lines, tool failures caused by moisture, or paint defects from water contamination in the air supply, the BGAC1M gives you a clean, integrated solution that does not require mounting a standalone unit separately or adding a second fan. The BGAC1M uses the compressor flywheel fan airflow that is already moving past the belt guard — there is no separate motor or power requirement. It cools compressed air to within 15°F of ambient temperature and removes up to 65% of the water content from the air stream before it enters the tank. At $379.95, the BGAC1M is priced above the standalone BGAC1 ($307.23) because it comes configured for direct belt guard mounting on compatible machines.
How Belt Guard Mounting Works
- Integrated Mounting Configuration: The BGAC1M is designed specifically for belt guard installation on compatible Cast Air compressors — the mounting provisions are built into the unit, so it fits directly onto the belt guard without additional fabrication or custom brackets
- Flywheel Fan Cooling: The compressor flywheel fan that cools the motor and pump also moves air across the BGAC1M heat exchanger core — no separate cooling fan is required, no additional power draw, no separate motor to maintain
- Pre-Tank Cooling: Discharge air from the pump passes through the BGAC1M before entering the tank — moisture drops out at the aftercooler rather than condensing inside the tank and traveling downstream
- Compact Footprint: The 18" L x 10-1/2" W core fits within the belt guard envelope of compatible 5-10 HP Cast Air compressor models
Moisture Reduction Performance
- Cools to Within 15°F of Ambient: At rated conditions (250°F inlet air temperature), the BGAC1M brings compressed air temperature to within 15°F of the ambient temperature at the installation site — cooler air holds significantly less moisture
- Reduces Water Content by Up to 65%: At rated flow and inlet temperature conditions, the unit removes up to 65% of the water vapor from the compressed air before it enters the tank
- 50% Moisture Reduction Per 20°F Temperature Drop: Water content in compressed air decreases approximately 50% for every 20°F reduction in temperature — the steeper the temperature drop through the aftercooler, the more moisture is eliminated
- Less Load on Downstream Filters and Dryers: By removing the bulk of the moisture at the aftercooler, you extend the service intervals of inline filters, coalescing elements, and desiccant dryers downstream
Technical Specifications
- SKU: BGAC1M
- Type: Air-cooled aftercooler, belt guard mounted variant
- CFM Rating: 35 CFM
- Core Dimensions: 18" L x 10-1/2" W
- Inlet Connection: 3/4" NPT
- Outlet Connection: 3/4" NPT
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Maximum Operating Pressure: 250 PSIG
- Maximum Operating Temperature: 350°F
- Performance Basis: 250°F inlet air temperature
- Temperature Drop: Cools to within 15°F of ambient
- Moisture Reduction: Up to 65% at rated conditions
- Cooling Method: Air-cooled via compressor flywheel fan
- Compatible Compressor Size: 5 HP, 7 HP, 10 HP
- Price: $379.95
Available Configurations — BGAC Aftercooler Lineup
Cast Air produces belt guard aftercoolers in four output ratings. Match the CFM rating of the aftercooler to the actual output of your compressor at your operating pressure:
- BGAC1 / BGAC1M — 35 CFM: 18" L x 10-1/2" W, 3/4" NPT connections, 8 lbs — fits 5 HP, 7 HP, and 10 HP compressors. BGAC1 ($307.23) is the loose unit; BGAC1M ($379.95) is the pre-configured mounted variant. BGAC1K adds the installation kit hardware.
- BGAC2 / BGAC2M — 50 CFM: 18" L x 14-1/2" W, 1" NPT connections, 12 lbs — fits 15 HP compressors. Use this when your compressor output exceeds 35 CFM at operating pressure.
- BGAC3 / BGAC3M — 75 CFM: 24" L x 20-1/2" W, 1" NPT connections, 20 lbs — fits 20+ HP compressors. For larger two-stage machines and higher demand operations.
- BGAC4 / BGAC4M — 100 CFM: 23" L x 26-1/2" W, 1" NPT connections, 25 lbs — for large industrial compressor systems where 75 CFM capacity is insufficient.
Call 866-217-0063 if you need help confirming which size matches your compressor model and output.
BGAC1M vs. BGAC1 vs. BGAC1K — Which Version Do You Need?
- BGAC1M ($379.95): The mounted variant — pre-configured for direct belt guard installation on compatible Cast Air compressors. Order this when your compressor is specifically designed to accept the BGAC1M mounting configuration and you want the unit ready to install without additional hardware sourcing.
- BGAC1 ($307.23): The loose (standalone) unit — same 35 CFM heat exchanger core and 3/4" NPT connections, without the belt guard mounting configuration. Use this when you are replacing an existing aftercooler core on an already-installed mount, or when mounting the unit in a custom location.
- BGAC1K: The complete installation kit — includes the BGAC1 aftercooler plus all mounting hardware for new installations on compatible compressors. If you are starting from scratch with no existing mount, the BGAC1K avoids the hardware sourcing step.
- BGAC1x2M: The duplex mounted configuration — two BGAC1 cores in a single mounted unit for duplex (twin-compressor) setups. Use this when you are running two compressors and need to cool the combined discharge.
When Does a Shop Need This vs. Stepping Up or Down
- BGAC1M is the right call when: Your Cast Air compressor is set up for belt guard aftercooler mounting and you want a clean, factory-fit installation on a 5 HP, 7 HP, or 10 HP machine with moisture problems. The mounted configuration is cleaner than a separate standalone unit with added bracket work.
- Step up to BGAC2M when: You are running a 15 HP compressor or your actual CFM output at operating pressure exceeds 35 CFM. Running an undersized aftercooler means the air moves through too quickly to cool properly — the moisture reduction numbers will not hold at above-rated flows.
- The BGAC1 is adequate when: You do not need the belt guard mounting configuration — for example, you are replacing a failed unit on an existing mount or installing in a location where the mounted variant does not fit.
Why Buy From Air Compressor Factory Direct?
Air Compressor Factory Direct has supplied compressor components and accessories to shops, fleet maintenance facilities, and industrial buyers since 2016. We stock the full BGAC aftercooler lineup — BGAC1 through BGAC4, mounted and unmounted variants, kit versions — so you can order the correct unit without waiting on special orders or back-order delays. Free shipping on qualifying orders. If you need to confirm that the BGAC1M is compatible with your specific Cast Air compressor model, call us with the compressor model number and we will verify the fitment before you order. Full Cast Air manufacturer warranty. Our technical team is at 866-217-0063 for direct answers.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
