The Castair PUK5508G is a gas-powered contractor air compressor running a Honda GX160 engine paired with an 8-gallon twin-tank setup. It delivers 11.6 CFM at 100 PSI and 18.6 CFM free air delivery, with the pump turning at 1,380 RPM via belt drive. Weighing 185 lbs shipped and measuring 38" x 18" x 26", this is a job-site machine built for contractors who need reliable air where there is no electrical service — framing, roofing, concrete formwork, or any application running nail guns and impact tools off the ground. The Honda engine and cast-iron pump are what separate this from consumer-grade units that fail after two seasons of hard use.
Why Honda GX160 Matters
The GX160 is Honda's commercial-grade small engine — not a consumer lawn equipment engine, but the same platform used in commercial pressure washers, water pumps, and generators where the engine runs hard for hours at a time. Honda OHV design, cast iron cylinder sleeve, and pressure-feed lubrication mean this engine will outlast the compressor tank before it needs major attention. Castair pairs it with a belt-drive cast-iron pump rather than a direct-drive aluminum pump specifically because the belt drive absorbs shock loading and runs the pump at the correct RPM for longevity rather than at engine speed.
Key Specifications
- Engine: Honda GX160
- Tank configuration: 8-gallon twin tank
- CFM at 0 PSI (free air): 18.6
- CFM at 100 PSI: 11.6
- Pump RPM: 1,380
- Max pressure: 125 PSI (single stage)
- Drive type: Belt drive, oil-lubricated cast-iron pump
- Tank certification: ASME with safety valve installed
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 38" x 18" x 26"
- Shipped weight: 185 lbs
- Price: $1,467.10
Features
- Honda GX160 engine: Commercial OHV with cast iron cylinder sleeve and pressure lubrication
- Cast-iron belt-drive pump: Up to 10 times the service life of oil-less units
- Head unloaders: Gas units use head unloaders for better cooling and reduced engine load at shutdown versus dump valves
- Finned copper discharge tube: Increased heat dissipation versus steel discharge lines
- V-cylinder pump design: 360-degree cooling around cylinder heads
- Two-piece connecting rod with independent wrist pin: Proper lubrication and reduced side loading
- Three-ring piston: Oil control, compression, and wiper rings
- Ball bearings at both crankshaft ends: Reduced friction, longer bearing life
- Paper filter/silencer: Clean intake air, quieter operation
- ASME powder-coated tank: Safety valve installed
- Easy-read sight glass: Visual oil level check at a glance
Gas Contractor Compressor Lineup
- PUK5508G — Honda GX160, 8-gal twin tank, 11.6 CFM @ 100 PSI, 38x18x26", 185 lbs ($1,467.10) — this unit
- PUK5520G — Honda GX160, 20-gal portable tank, 11.6 CFM @ 100 PSI, 33x18x33", 195 lbs ($1,482.40)
- PUK9008G — Honda GX270, 8-gal twin tank, 18.6 CFM @ 100 PSI, 42x18x28", 250 lbs ($2,329.00)
When Does a Shop Need the PUK5508G vs. Stepping Up or Down?
The PUK5508G at 11.6 CFM handles most job-site nail guns, staplers, and finish tools without issue. A framing nailer pulls about 2 CFM per cycle; a roofing coiler runs 3-4 CFM in heavy use. At 11.6 CFM sustained output, this unit handles multi-tool operation without constant motor cycling. If you are running a large impact wrench, sandblaster, or multiple heavy-draw tools simultaneously, step up to the PUK9008G and its GX270 engine at 18.6 CFM. The twin-tank configuration (versus the 20-gal PUK5520G) is better for job-site portability — lower center of gravity, easier to move in a truck bed.
What's in the Box
- Castair PUK5508G complete gas compressor unit
- Honda GX160 engine installed and configured
- ASME 8-gallon twin tank with safety valve installed
- Paper filter/silencer
- Cast-iron pump filled with oil at factory
Why Buy From Air Compressor Factory Direct?
We are a Castair specialist. If you are comparing the PUK5508G to other gas compressors in this class, call us and we can walk you through what actually matters for your application. We have been in the compressor business since 2016. Free shipping on qualifying orders. Full Honda engine and Castair compressor warranty coverage. Our tech line is staffed by people who work on these machines.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
