Heavy Duty Shop Air Compressor Industrial Series - Model No. I1018HC2-S

Castair I1018HC2-S — 10 HP Single-Phase Industrial Air Compressor, 80-Gallon Horizontal Tank, C2 Pump with Mounted Starter

The Castair I1018HC2-S is a 10 HP single-phase industrial air compressor on an 80-gallon horizontal ASME tank with factory-mounted magnetic starter. The cast iron C2 two-stage pump runs at 758 RPM, producing 45.0 CFM at 0 PSI and 35.0 CFM at 175 PSI. At 780 lbs and 64 x 20 x 48 inches, this is the most compact 10 HP horizontal option in the Cast Air Industrial lineup — fits where a 120-gallon unit will not, and still delivers full 10 HP output.

The 80-gallon versus 120-gallon decision comes down to your shop's demand pattern. If your tools run intermittently with recovery time between cycles, 80 gallons is enough. If you are running multiple tools continuously without significant off-time, 120 gallons keeps recovery times from becoming a production constraint. Output CFM is identical either way — it is the stored volume that differs.

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.

80-Gallon vs. 120-Gallon — When to Choose the Smaller Tank

• Space constraint: The I1018HC2-S is 64 x 20 x 48 inches versus 69 x 24 x 50 for the 120-gallon unit — not dramatically smaller, but it fits where the larger unit does not
• Lighter demand: If tools run 50% of the time or less and there is recovery time between heavy draws, 80 gallons serves a 2-3 bay shop without problem
• Lower cost: The 80-gallon unit costs less than the 120-gallon equivalent with identical output specs
• Move to 120 gallons (I10112HC2-S) if you run multiple tools simultaneously with minimal off time — the extra storage prevents the compressor from short-cycling constantly

Who Needs This Unit

A 2-3 bay auto repair shop running impact wrenches, tire changers, and air ratchets on single-phase power. Light-to-moderate continuous use. The 80-gallon tank provides enough stored air for most shop workflows without the added cost and weight of 120 gallons.

What's in the Box

• Castair I1018HC2-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)
• 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: I1018HC2-S
• Horsepower: 10 HP
• Phase: 1-phase (single-phase)
• Tank capacity: 80 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): 64 x 20 x 48 inches
• Weight: 780 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

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!