The Castair I1038HC2-S is a 10-horsepower, 3-phase industrial air compressor on an 80-gallon horizontal tank with the C2 pump running at 758 RPM — built for busy shops that need substantial air storage in a low-profile footprint. The horizontal tank measures 64x20x46 inches and sits at around 46 inches tall, which is the right choice when you need to tuck a compressor under a shelf, against a low-clearance wall, or in a service bay where a vertical tank would be in the way. At 770 lbs it is a serious machine — this is not a light-duty compressor dressed up in industrial paint.
Who Needs This Compressor
Busy automotive shops, truck service facilities, and production shops running on 3-phase power that need a horizontal-tank machine. The I1038HC2-S delivers 35.0 CFM at 175 PSI — enough to run 3–4 impact wrenches, a paint gun and tools simultaneously, or to keep a sandblasting cabinet supplied for extended sessions. The 80-gallon tank provides good buffer storage so the pump is not short-cycling under intermittent high-demand tools.
If you need more storage and have the ceiling height, the vertical I1038VC2-S occupies a smaller floor footprint (40x24 inches vs 64x20 inches) while holding the same 80 gallons at similar weight. If you need 120-gallon storage, step up to the I10312HC2-S.
Pump Features
- All cast iron construction — cylinders, heads, crankcase. Built for daily commercial use, not weekend homeowner service.
- 758 RPM pump speed — Castair runs industrial pumps slow. 758 RPM is substantially slower than the 900–1200+ RPM typical of budget compressors, which means lower operating temperatures and less wear per hour of operation.
- Tapered roller bearings at both ends of the crankshaft — proper bearing selection for the thrust loads generated by a reciprocating pump under load.
- Precision steel connecting rods with automotive-type insert bearings — at crankshaft and wrist pin. Bearings are replaceable for long-term serviceability without replacing the connecting rods.
- Disc and spring valves — reliable under sustained high-cycle commercial use. Field-serviceable without major disassembly.
- 4-ring pistons — better compression efficiency and less oil carry-over than 2-ring pistons on economy pumps.
- Centrifugal unloader — the motor starts against zero pressure on every cycle. This is critical for motor longevity — motors that start against backpressure run high inrush current and wear faster.
Tank, Motor, and Controls
- 80-gallon horizontal ASME-certified tank — powder coated, with channel base for floor mounting. 64x20x46 inches overall footprint.
- ASME safety valve — code-compliant and properly rated for the pump output.
- Heavy-duty 1725 RPM industrial motor — 15% service factor minimum. Handles sustained loads above nameplate without damage.
- Totally enclosed metal belt guard — keeps debris and fingers away from the belt drive.
- Copper discharge and unloader tube or stainless-steel braided flex line — rated for the heat and pressure of continuous-duty service.
- Magnetic motor starter — included, factory mounted and wired. Provides overload protection and allows clean 3-phase wiring. Required for safe operation of a 3-phase motor.
Available Configurations in the 10HP 3-Phase Industrial Line
- I1038VC2-S — 80-gallon vertical, C2 pump (758 RPM), 35.0 CFM @175 PSI, 40x24x74 in., 770 lbs, with starter.
- I1038HC2-S (this unit) — 80-gallon horizontal, C2 pump (758 RPM), 35.0 CFM @175 PSI, 64x20x46 in., 770 lbs, with starter.
- I10312VC2-S — 120-gallon vertical, C2 pump (758 RPM), 35.0 CFM @175 PSI, 44x30x75 in., 860 lbs, with starter.
- I10312HC2-S — 120-gallon horizontal, C2 pump (758 RPM), 35.0 CFM @175 PSI, 69x24x50 in., 860 lbs, with starter.
- I10312VC3-S — 120-gallon vertical, C3 pump (570 RPM, larger/slower), 35.0 CFM @175 PSI, 44x30x75 in., 1025 lbs, with starter.
- I10312HC3-S — 120-gallon horizontal, C3 pump (570 RPM), 35.0 CFM @175 PSI, 69x24x50 in., 1025 lbs, with starter.
Factory Options
- Low oil shutdown — #6304M. Shuts down on low oil. Recommended for unattended operation.
- Hour meter — #HRM460M (460V) or #HRM75M (230V). Tracks actual run time for service scheduling.
- Electronic auto drain — #SDV03M. Automatic timed tank drain.
- Dual control — #DC2. Load/unload cycling for reduced energy use during light-demand periods.
- Intake noise silencer — #SA100x2M.
- Belt tensioner — #215DM (7.5 and 10HP).
- Beltguard aftercooler — #BGAC1M (35 CFM, 5/7/10HP).
- All Options C2 package — #AOC2 (10% discount on all asterisk options).
- Vibration pads — #VP1004, set of 4.
- Right from the Start Kit — #RFS001 (C1, C2).
When Does a Shop Need This vs Stepping Up or Down
This is the right choice if:
- You are on 3-phase power and need 10HP capacity
- Horizontal tank orientation fits your space better than vertical
- 80 gallons of storage is sufficient for your duty cycle
- You want the magnetic starter included with the unit
Consider the vertical I1038VC2-S if:
- Floor space is the primary concern — the vertical tank footprint (40x24 in.) is substantially smaller than the horizontal (64x20 in.), even though both hold 80 gallons
Consider the 120-gallon I10312HC2-S if:
- Your tools demand heavy intermittent airflow that causes the 80-gallon tank to drop pressure frequently
Technical Specifications
- Model Number: I1038HC2-S
- Horsepower: 10 HP
- Phase: 3-phase
- Tank Capacity: 80 gallons, horizontal
- Pump RPM: 758
- CFM @ 0 PSI: 45.0
- CFM @ 175 PSI: 35.0
- Max Pressure: 175 PSI
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 64 x 20 x 46 inches
- Weight: 770 lbs
- Motor Speed: 1725 RPM
- Motor Service Factor: 15% minimum
- Tank Certification: ASME
- Magnetic Starter: Included (factory mounted)
- Pump Configuration: C2
Why Buy From Air Compressor Factory Direct?
We have specialized in industrial air compressors since 2016. We stock Castair and can answer specific questions about electrical requirements, installation, and which configuration best fits your shop before you order. Free shipping, free pre-sale technical support, full manufacturer warranty on every unit.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
