Maxair C5160V1-MAP 60-Gallon 170 PSI Max Electric Stationary Compressor

• 5HP electric motor
• Extended drain at base
• 18.5 CFM at 100 PSI
• 60-gallon vertical tank
• Heavy duty belt guard; high performance

I had a similar sized Puma which lasted for about 16 years, but needed repairs occasionally and eventually wound up developing a crack in the top of the tank. This one has higher pressure and more CFMs, and a much heavier duty pressure switch. I had to replace the undersized pressure switch on my Puma twice. The motor is huge and looks about 50% bigger than the one on my Puma. The compressor runs a little quieter and seems to run a lot cooler. It seems really solidly built and well thought out. The tank has a higher pressure rating. It has a really convenient extended drain valve that's easy to reach right at the lower front of the tank, rather than underneath the tank. It has cast iron cylinders, three separate air filters, copper finned copper tubes where the compressor feeds into the tank to help cool down the air before it gets into the tank, and a big fan/flywheel. The oil level site glass on the pump is easy to see, and the oil fill is in a convenient location. It has a nice large liquid filled pressure gauge that holds steady and is located for easy visibility. The pressure switch is on the side, where it's easier to get to and easier to wire up. The air coming out of it is nice and dry, with no oil blow-by from the compressor. I wanted something that will be really reliable and put out enough pressure to run all of the tools I use. The old Puma was almost good enough, but I think this one will be perfect.

I use this fairly often for, painting, bead blasting, air tools, cutting tools, plasma cutter, etc. Works like a champ so far, and I'm really happy with it. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to pay a little more for a good quality compressor.

One more thing I like about it is the three feet it has instead of four like some other brands. The feet have slotted holes, so your holes can be slightly off in alignment from the holes you drill in the concrete and it will still work. I think you definitely want to bolt it down. It's very top heavy and needs to be bolted securely to the ground. I have mine on a 6" thick slab with a little home-made wood shed around it which I located out behind my garage. I used three 3/8" "drop in anchors" to bolt it down, but you could probably use 1/2" too if you wanted to.