WARNING Read all safety warnings and instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all possible
conditions and situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense
and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.
1. Work area safety
a. Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b. Do not operate the Compressor in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence
of flammable liquids, gases or dust.
Compressor motors produce sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
c. Keep children and bystanders away
from an operating compressor.
2. Electrical safety
a. Compressor plugs must match the outlet.
Never modify the plug in any way.
Do not use any adapter plugs with grounded
compressors. Standard plugs and matching
outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
b. Do not expose compressor to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a compressor
will increase the risk of electric shock.
c. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the
cord for unplugging the compressor.
Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges
or moving parts. Damaged or entangled
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
3. Personal safety
a. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating this
compressor. Do not use this compressor
while you are tired or under the influence
of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating a compressor
may result in serious personal injury.
b. Use personal protective equipment.
Always wear ANSI-approved eye
protection during setup and use.
c. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before connecting
to power source or moving the compressor.
4. Compressor use and care
a. Do not use the compressor if the switch
does not turn it on and off. Any compressor
that cannot be controlled with the switch
is dangerous and must be repaired.
b. Disconnect the plug from the power source
before making any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the compressor.
Such preventive safety measures reduce the
risk of starting the compressor accidentally.
c. Store an idle compressor out of the reach
of children and do not allow persons
unfamiliar with the compressor or these
instructions to operate it. A compressor is
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
d. Maintain the compressor. Keep the
compressor clean for better and safer
performance. Follow instructions for
lubricating and changing accessories.
Keep dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other
condition that may affect the compressor’s
operation. If damaged, have the compressor
repaired before use. Many accidents are
caused by a poorly maintained compressor.
e. Use the compressor in accordance with
these instructions, taking into account
the working conditions and the work to
be performed. Use of the compressor for
operations different from those intended
could result in a hazardous situation.
5. Service
a. Have your compressor serviced by a
qualified repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the
1. Risk of fire or explosion - do not spray flammable
liquid in a confined area or towards a hot surface.
Spray area must be well-ventilated. Do not
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCESETUP
smoke while spraying or spray where spark or
flame is present. Arcing parts - keep compressor
at least 20 feet away from explosive vapors,
such as when spraying with a spray gun.
2. Risk of bursting - do not adjust regulator higher
than marked maximum pressure of attachment.
3. Risk of injury - do not direct air
stream at people or animals.
4. Do not use to supply breathing air.
5. Do not leave compressor unattended
for an extended period while plugged in.
Unplug compressor after working.
6. Keep compressor well-ventilated.
Do not cover compressor during use.
7. Drain Tank daily and after use. Internal rust causes
tank failure and explosion.
8. Add correct amount of compressor oil before first
use and every use. Operating with low or no oil
causes permanent damage and voids warranty.
15. USE OF AN EXTENSION CORD IS NOT
RECOMMENDED. If you choose to use an
extension cord, use the following guidelines:
TABLE A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS
(120 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
0 – 618161614
6.1 – 101816Do not use.
10.1 – 121616Do not use.
12.1 – 161412Do not use.
a. Make sure your extension cord
is in good condition.
b. Be sure to use an extension cord which is heavy
enough to carry the current your product will draw.
An undersized cord will cause a drop in line
voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating.
Table A shows the correct size to use depending
on cord length and nameplate ampere rating.
If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The
smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25′50′100′150′
9. Do not remove the valve cover or
adjust internal components.
10. Compressor head gets hot during operation.
Do not touch it or allow children nearby during
or immediately following operation.
11. Do not use the air hose to move the compressor.
12. Release the pressure in the
storage tank before moving.
13. The use of accessories or attachments not
recommended by the manufacturer may
result in a risk of injury to persons.
14. All air line components, including hoses, pipe,
connectors, filters, etc., must be rated for a minimum
working pressure of 150 PSI, or 150% of the
maximum system pressure, whichever is greater.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
16. Industrial applications must follow OSHA guidelines.
17. Maintain labels and nameplates on the
compressor. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
18. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.
19. Operate unit on level surface. Check oil level
daily and fill to marked level if needed.
20. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in
close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.
21. WARNING: The brass components of
this product contain lead, a chemical
known to the State of California to cause
birth defects (or other reproductive harm).
(California Health & Safety code § 25249.5, et seq.)
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND DEATH
FROM INCORRECT GROUNDING WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded.
Do not modify the power cord plug provided with the compressor.
Never remove the grounding prong from the plug. Do not use the compressor if the power cord or plug is
damaged. If damaged, have it repaired by a service facility before use. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have a
proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
110-120 VAC Grounded Compressors: Compressors with Three Prong Plugs
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCESETUP
1. In the event of a malfunction or breakdown,
grounding provides a path of least resistance for
electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock.
This compressor is equipped with an electric
cord having an equipment-grounding conductor
and a grounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into a matching outlet that is properly
installed and grounded in accordance
with all local codes and ordinances.
2. Do not modify the plug provided –
if it will not fit the outlet, have the proper
outlet installed by a qualified electrician.
3. Improper connection of the equipment-grounding
conductor can result in a risk of electric shock.
The conductor with insulation having an outer
surface that is green with or without yellow
stripes is the equipment-grounding conductor.
If repair or replacement of the electric cord or
plug is necessary, do not connect the equipmentgrounding conductor to a live terminal.
4. Check with a qualified electrician or service
personnel if the grounding instructions are
not completely understood, or if in doubt as to
whether the compressor is properly grounded.
6. Repair or replace damaged or worn cord immediately.
Grounding
Pin
125 VAC 3-Prong Plug and Outlet
(for up to 125 VAC and up to 15 A)
7. This compressor is intended for use on a
circuit that has an outlet that looks like the one
illustrated above in 125 VAC 3-Prong Plug and Outlet. The compressor has a grounding
plug that looks like the plug illustrated above
in 125 VAC 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.
8. The outlet must be properly installed and grounded
in accordance with all codes and ordinances.
9. Do not use an adapter to connect this
compressor to a different outlet.
5. Use only 3-wire extension cords that have
3-prong grounding plugs and 3-pole receptacles
that accept the compressor’s plug.
SAE 30W, non-detergent, Air Compressor Oil
(sold separately)
Sound Level90 dB @ 3′
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
248648
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Turn the Power Switch “OFF” and unplug the Air Compressor from its electrical
outlet before assembling or making any adjustments to the compressor.
Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages,
refer to the Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual.
Attach the Wheels (63) to the Tank (70),
using the Bolts (64), Washers (64b), Sleeves
(64a), and Hex Nuts (65). Attach the Foot
Pads (67) to the bottom of the Tank (70)
using the Screws (69) and Washers (68).
Handle (72)
Hex Nut (65)
Wheel (63)
Sleeve (64a)
Washer (64b)
Tank (70)
Bolt (64)
Cylinder Head (7)
Air Filter
(6)
Figure E
3.
Thread the Air Filter (6) onto the side
of the Cylinder Head (7).
4. Break in the new Air Compressor as follows:
a. Turn the Power Switch off and unplug the unit.
Insert a male coupler (sold separately)
into the female Quick Coupler and fully
open all regulators and valves.
b. Plug in the Power Cord.
c. Turn the Power Switch ON.
d. Let the unit run for 30 minutes.
Air will expel freely through the Coupler.
e. Turn the Power Switch OFF.
f. Unplug the Power Cord and
remove the male coupler.
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCESETUP
Bolts (71)
Figure D
2.
Slide the Handle (72) into the two slots on the top of
the Tank (70) and secure in place with four Bolts (71).
Tank (70)
5. Connect a regulator valve, an inline shut off valve
and a 1/4″ NPT air hose to the Quick Coupler
(all sold separately). The air hose must be long
enough to reach the work area with enough extra
length to allow free movement while working.
Note: An in-line shutoff ball valve is an important
safety device because it controls the air supply even
if the air hose is ruptured. The shutoff valve should
be a ball valve because it can be closed quickly.
6. Depending on the tool which you will be
using with this compressor, you may need to
incorporate additional components, such as an
in-line oiler, a filter, or a dryer (all sold separately),
as shown on Figure F on page 8 and
Figure G on page 9. Consult your air
tool’s manual for needed accessories.
1. Check the oil level before operation. Fill the Pump
Crankcase (39) with SAE 30W, non-detergent,
Air Compressor Oil (sold separately).
SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCESETUP
IMPORTANT: Running the Air Compressor with the
incorrect amount of oil will cause damage to the
equipment and void the warranty. To prevent damage,
do not use with overfilled or low oil. Slowly fill to
full line, wait 2 minutes and fill back up to full line.
Compressor has small passages that will fill slowly.
Oil Sight Glass (33)Crankcase Cover (31)
OIL LEVEL
OVERFILL
FULL
LOW
Tank (70)
Figure H: Oil Sight Glass
2.
The oil level should be at the center of the “full” level
on the oil level sight glass, as shown in Figure H. Add
oil as needed to maintain this level. Do not let the oil
level go below the center dot (LOW as shown above)
and do not overfill the oil so that it is above the center
dot (OVERFILL as shown above) on the sight glass.
3. To add oil:
a. Remove the Oil Plug (37).
b. Using a funnel to avoid spills, pour enough
oil into the Pump Crankcase (39) to reach
the “full” level in the Oil Sight Glass (33).
c. Replace the Oil Plug.
Cold Weather Operation
Premium quality 30-weight, non-detergent air
compressor oil (sold separately) is recommended for
use with this compressor. Start compressor in heated
area if outdoor temperatures drop below 32° F. If this
is not practical, drain out the old pump oil and use
SAE 10W Non-detergent Air Compressor Oil in the
pump crankcase instead whenever the compressor’s
temperature will fall below 40°. Do not use multi-viscosity
oil (such as 10W-30), they leave carbon deposits on
pump components and lead to accelerated failure.
Heavy operation may require heavier viscosity oil.
4. If uncertain which oil to use for this compressor,
please call Harbor Freight Tools customer
service at 1-888-866-5797 for assistance.
5. Change the compressor oil after the first
hour of use to remove any debris.
CAUTION! TO PREVENT INJURY FROM BURNS:
Do not add or change the oil while
the compressor is in operation.
Allow the compressor to cool before replacing oil.
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section at the beginning of this
manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
Compressor Area Set Up
1. Designate a work area that is clean and well-lit.
The work area must not allow access by
children or pets to prevent injury.
2. Locate the Compressor on a flat level surface to
ensure proper pump lubrication and to prevent
damage to the unit. Keep at least 12″ of space
around the unit to allow air circulation.
3. Route the power cord from the compressor
to the grounded wall outlet, along a safe path
without creating a tripping hazard or exposing
the power cord to possible damage.
3. Close the in-line Shutoff Valve between
the compressor and the air hose.
4. Plug the Air Compressor Power Cord into
a grounded 120 VAC electrical outlet.
5. Turn the Power Switch ON.
6. Allow the Air Compressor to build
up pressure until it cycles off.
Note: At the beginning of the day’s first use of the
Air Compressor, check for air leaks by applying soapy
water to connections while the Air Compressor is
pumping and after pressure cut-out. Look for air bubbles.
If air bubbles are present at connections, tighten
connections. Do not use the Air Compressor
unless all connections are air tight, the extra air
leaking out will cause the compressor to operate
too often, increasing wear on the compressor.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY AND DEATH FROM EXPLOSION:
Do not adjust the internal
pressure switch. Any change to the
automatic pressure levels may cause
excess pressure to accumulate,
causing a hazardous situation.
7. Adjust the Air Compressor’s Pressure Regulator
so that the air output is enough to properly
power the tool, but the output will not exceed
the tool’s maximum air pressure at any time.
Turn the knob clockwise to increase the pressure
and counter-clockwise to decrease pressure.
Adjust the pressure gradually, while checking
the air output gauge to set the pressure.
8. Make sure the air tool’s throttle or switch is in the
off position. Connect the air tool to the air hose.
9. Open the in-line Shutoff Valve.
10. Use the air tool as needed.
11. After the job is complete, turn the Power Switch OFF.
Note: As long as the Power Switch is ON, the operation
of the Air Compressor is automatic, controlled by an
internal pressure switch. The Compressor will turn on
automatically when the air pressure drops to 95 PSI,
and will turn off automatically when the
air pressure reaches 125 PSI.
12. Unplug the Air Compressor.
13. Close the in-line Shutoff Valve.
14. Bleed air from the tool then disconnect the tool.
15. Turn the Drain Valve, at the bottom of the Tank,
two turns counterclockwise to release any
built-up moisture and the internal tank pressure.
Close the valve after moisture has drained out.
Do not remove the Drain Valve.