Castair I10112HC2-S — 10 HP Single-Phase Industrial Air Compressor, 120-Gallon Horizontal Tank, C2 Pump with Mounted Starter
The Castair I10112HC2-S is a 10 HP, single-phase industrial air compressor for shops that need reliable output all day without the complexity of three-phase power. This unit pairs Castair's cast iron C2 two-stage pump — running at 758 RPM — with a 120-gallon horizontal ASME-coded tank and a factory-mounted magnetic motor starter. Output is 45.0 CFM at 0 PSI and 35.0 CFM at 175 PSI. The horizontal tank configuration works well in shops where ceiling height is limited or where a low-profile unit tucks under a workbench or along a wall.
The '-S' suffix means the magnetic starter is factory-mounted and wired. You are not buying a motor and hoping someone figures out the starter circuit — it ships ready to connect to your electrical service. For any shop owner who has dealt with burned-up motors from running without proper overload protection, this is significant.
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.
Why the Horizontal Tank
- Lower profile — fits under most overhead obstacles
- 69 inches long by 24 inches wide by 50 inches tall — fits against a wall without requiring vertical clearance
- Channel base mount — more stable on an uneven shop floor than leg-mount verticals
- Easier to drain condensate from the lowest point of the tank
Who Needs This Unit
This compressor fits a shop running 3 to 5 air tools simultaneously — impact wrenches, ratchets, blow guns, tire changers, air-operated lifts. The 120-gallon tank keeps recovery times reasonable under continuous demand. Single-phase 230V power means no phase converter required — connect directly to your existing electrical service.
When to Step Up or Step Down
- Step down to I1018HC2-S (80-gallon horizontal): Identical pump and output, smaller tank. Cycles more frequently under heavy load. Right choice for lighter-demand shops watching cost.
- Stay with I10112HC2-S: 120 gallons gives enough stored air for a busy 2-3 bay shop without constant short-cycling.
- Step up to I10112HC3-S (C3 pump, same tank): The C3 runs at 570 RPM — slower, quieter, longer service life. 165 lbs heavier at 1,040 lbs. Right choice if you plan to keep this machine for 20+ years.
- Step up to three-phase (I10312HC2-S): Identical specs but three-phase motor runs cooler and lasts longer under continuous service. Use three-phase if your facility has it.
What's in the Box
- Castair I10112HC2-S compressor assembly (pump, motor, tank, all factory-assembled and tested)
- Factory-mounted and wired magnetic motor starter
- ASME safety valve (installed)
- Pressure switch (installed)
- Metal belt guard (installed)
- Copper discharge and unloader tubing or stainless-steel braided flex line (installed)
- Operator documentation
Factory-installed options available on this unit include: low oil shutdown control (#6304M), hour meter (#HRM75M for 230V or #HRM460M for 460V), air-operated auto drain (#ADVSM), electronic auto drain (#SDV03M), dual controls (#DC2 for C2 pumps), intake noise silencer (#SA100x2M for C2/C3), belt tensioner (#215DM for 10 HP), time delay (#TD100M for 230V), vibration isolation pads (#VP1004), beltguard aftercooler (#BGAC1M — 35 CFM, appropriate for 10 HP), and Right from the Start Kit (#RFS001 for C1/C2). Ordering all asterisk-marked options qualifies for 10% discount on options. Ask us about pre-configured option packages.
Technical Specifications
- Model: I10112HC2-S
- Horsepower: 10 HP
- Phase: 1-phase (single-phase)
- Tank capacity: 120 gallons
- Tank orientation: Horizontal (channel base)
- Pump type: C2 (two-stage cast iron)
- Pump RPM: 758
- CFM at 0 PSI: 45.0
- CFM at 175 PSI: 35.0
- Max working pressure: 175 PSI
- Motor speed: 1,725 RPM
- Motor service factor: 15% minimum
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 69 x 24 x 50 inches
- Weight: 875 lbs
- Tank certification: ASME
- Starter: Factory-mounted magnetic motor starter (included)
- Manufacturer: Castair (Cast Air Inc., Spicer, MN)
Available Configurations — Cast Air Industrial 10 HP Single-Phase Lineup
| Model | Tank | Pump | RPM | CFM @175 PSI | Dimensions (in.) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I1018VC2-S | 80-gal vertical | C2 | 758 | 35.0 | 32x24x74 | 780 lbs |
| I1018HC2-S | 80-gal horizontal | C2 | 758 | 35.0 | 64x20x48 | 780 lbs |
| I10112VC2-S | 120-gal vertical | C2 | 758 | 35.0 | 44x30x75 | 875 lbs |
| I10112HC2-S | 120-gal horizontal | C2 | 758 | 35.0 | 69x24x50 | 875 lbs |
| I10112VC3-S | 120-gal vertical | C3 | 570 | 35.0 | 44x30x75 | 1,040 lbs |
| I10112HC3-S | 120-gal horizontal | C3 | 570 | 35.0 | 69x24x50 | 1,040 lbs |
Three-phase versions (I10312-series) are available with identical output specs. If your facility has three-phase power, use it — three-phase motors run cooler, start easier, and last longer under continuous load.
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!




