Harbor Freight Tools 69784 Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions

Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating,

inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the back of the manual
near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number). Keep this manual and
the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference.

GAL

30

gas powered two-stage

air compressor

Using an engine indoors CAN KILL YOU
IN MINUTES.

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
This is a poison you cannot see or smell.

NEVER use inside
a home or garage,
EVEN IF doors and
windows are open.

When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact

and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,

please call 1-800-444-3353 as soon as possible.

Copyright© 2012 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.

No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in

any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.

Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing

improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.

Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.

Only use OUTSIDE
and far away from
windows, doors,
and vents.

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Email our technical support at: [e-mail]

ITEM 69784

Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.

Table of Contents

Safety ......................................................... 2

Specifications ............................................. 5

Setup .......................................................... 6

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Operation .................................................... 9

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.

Symbol Property or Statement

RPM

HP

Revolutions Per Minute

Horsepower

Maintenance .............................................. 13

Parts Lists and Diagrams .......................... 16

Warranty .................................................... 20

WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS

Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

could result in minor or moderate injury.

Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

Symbol Property or Statement

WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Respiratory Injury.
Operate engine OUTSIDE and far away
from windows, doors, and vents.

WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved
safety goggles with side shields.

WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Explosion.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

General Safety Warnings

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.

Set up Precautions

1. Gasoline fuel and fumes are flammable, and
potentially explosive. Use proper fuel storage
and handling procedures. Do not store fuel
or other flammable materials nearby.

2. Have multiple ABC class fire extinguishers nearby.

4. Set up and use only on a flat, level,
well-ventilated surface.

5. Use only lubricants and fuel recommended
in the engine manual or in the
Specifications chart of this manual.

3. Operation of this equipment may create sparks
that can start fires around dry vegetation. A spark
arrestor may be required. The operator should
contact local fire agencies for laws or regulations
relating to fire prevention requirements.

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 69784

6. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles, heavy-duty
work gloves, and dust mask/respirator during set up.

Engine Precautions

Follow engine precautions and instructions in the included engine instruction manual.

Operating Precautions

1. CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD

Using an engine indoors CAN KILL
YOU IN MINUTES.

Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide. This is a poison you cannot
see or smell.

NEVER use inside a home or garage, EVEN IF doors
and windows are open.

Only use OUTSIDE and far away from windows,
doors, and vents.

2. Keep children away from the equipment,
especially while it is operating.

3. Fire Hazard! Do not fill gas tank while Compressor
engine is running. Do not operate if gasoline has
been spilled. Clean spilled gasoline before starting
engine. Do not operate near pilot light or open flame.

4. Do not touch Compressor engine during
use. Let engine cool down after use.

5. Never store fuel or other flammable
materials near the Compressor engine.

6. Only use a suitable means of transport and
lifting devices with sufficient weight bearing
capacity when transporting the Compressor.

7. Secure the Compressor on transport vehicles to
prevent the tool from rolling, slipping, and tilting.

8. Industrial applications must follow
OSHA requirements.

9. Do not leave the equipment unattended when it is
running. Turn off the equipment (and remove safety
keys, if available) before leaving the work area.

10. Wear ANSI-approved safety glasses, hearing
protection, and NIOSH-approved dust mask/
respirator under a full face shield along
with steel-toed work boots during use.

11. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields
in close proximity to a heart pacemaker could
cause pacemaker interference or pacemaker
failure. Caution is necessary when near
the engine’s magneto or recoil starter.

12. Use only accessories that are recommended
by Harbor Freight Tools for your model.
Accessories that may be suitable for one
piece of equipment may become hazardous
when used on another piece of equipment.

13. Do not operate in explosive atmospheres,
such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Gasoline-powered
engines may ignite the dust or fumes.

14. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating this
piece of equipment. Do not use this piece of
equipment while tired or under the influence
of drugs, alcohol or medication.

15. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control
of the equipment in unexpected situations.

16. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Keep hair, clothing and gloves away
from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.

17. Parts, especially exhaust system components,
get very hot during use. Stay clear of hot parts.

18. Do not cover the engine or
equipment during operation.

19. Keep the equipment, engine, and
surrounding area clean at all times.

20. Use the equipment, accessories, etc., in accordance
with these instructions and in the manner intended for
the particular type of equipment, taking into account
the working conditions and the work to be performed.
Use of the equipment for operations different from
those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

21. Do not operate the equipment with known
leaks in the engine’s fuel system.

22. This product contains or, when used, produces a
chemical known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 69784

23. When spills of fuel or oil occur, they must be
cleaned up immediately. Dispose of fluids and
cleaning materials as per any local, state, or
federal codes and regulations. Store oil rags in
a bottom-ventilated, covered, metal container.

24. Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Do

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

not reach over or across equipment while operating.

Service Precautions

25. Before use, check for misalignment or binding
of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any
other condition that may affect the equipment’s
operation. If damaged, have the equipment
serviced before using. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained equipment.

26. Use the correct equipment for the application.
Do not modify the equipment and do not use the
equipment for a purpose for which it is not intended.

1. Before service, maintenance, or cleaning:

a. Turn the engine switch to its “OFF” position.

b. Allow the engine to completely cool.

c. Then, remove the spark plug

cap from the spark plug.

2. Keep all safety guards in place and in
proper working order. Safety guards include
muffler, air cleaner, mechanical guards,
and heat shields, among other guards.

3. Do not alter or adjust any part of the

equipment or its engine that is sealed by the
manufacturer or distributor. Only a qualified
service technician may adjust parts that may
increase or decrease governed engine speed.

Air Compressor Safety Warnings

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
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 maximum stated 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 use the air hose to move the compressor.

6. Drain Tank daily and after use. Internal rust
causes tank failure and explosion.

4. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles, heavy-duty
work gloves, and dust mask/respirator during service.

5. Maintain labels and nameplates on the
equipment. These carry important information.
If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor
Freight Tools for a replacement.

6. Have the equipment serviced by a qualified repair
person using only identical replacement parts.
This will ensure that the safety of the equipment
is maintained. Do not attempt any service or
maintenance procedures not explained in this
manual or any procedures that you are uncertain
about your ability to perform safely or correctly.

7. Store equipment out of the reach of children.

8. Follow scheduled engine and
equipment maintenance.

7. Add correct amount of compressor oil before

first use and every use. Operating with the
incorrect amount of oil causes permanent
damage and voids warranty. To prevent
damage, do not use with overfilled or low oil.

8. Compressor head gets hot during operation.
Do not touch it or allow children nearby during
or immediately following operation.

9. Release the pressure in the storage
tank before moving.

10. The use of accessories or attachments not
recommended by the manufacturer may
result in a risk of injury to persons.

11. All air line components, including hoses, pipe,
connectors, filters, etc., must be rated for a minimum
working pressure of 125 PSI, or 150% of the
maximum system pressure, whichever is greater.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 69784

Specifications

Pump Two stage

Air Outlet Size 1/2″- NPT female

Air Pressure

Auto Shut-Off @ 180 PSI
Restart @ 140 PSI

Air Tank Capacity 30 Gallons

Air Flow Capacity

18 CFM @ 90 PSI

19.5 CFM @ 40 PSI

Oil Capacity 61 oz. (1.8L)

SAE 30W non-detergent

Oil Type

Air Compressor Oil
(SKU 95048, sold separately)

Required Rotation

viewed from PTO

(power takeoff - the output shaft)

Required Engine
Idle Speed

Counterclockwise

2100 RPM ± 100 RPM

Note: Engine specifications are found in the engine manual supplied with this equipment.

Engine Controls

Belt Guard Frame (122) &

Belt Guard Cover (130)

ON/OFF Switch

Tank

Pressure

Gauge (97)

Pilot Valve

Pump Safety Valve (91)

SAFETYOPERATIONMAINTENANCE SETUP

Air Filter

Assembly (84)

Oil

Sight

Glass

(19)

Air

Outlet

(106)

1. Belt Guard - The Belt Guard encloses the pulleys and drive belts.
It protects the user from the moving parts and allows the
large pulley to direct cooling air to the Air Pump.

2. Oil Sight Glass - The oil sight glass shows proper level of
the oil. Oil level should be at center of Sight Glass.

3. Tank Drain Valve - The Air Tank Drain Valve allows moisture
to be removed from the tank to prevent corrosion.

4. Safety Valve - The Safety Valve automatically releases
air if the Air Tank pressure exceeds the preset maximum.
In an emergency, the ring can be pulled to relieve tank air pressure.
There is one safety valve on the pump and one on the tank.

5. Air Outlet - An air hose attaches to this valve.
Air pressure required by tools is set by an air pressure regulator.

6. Air Storage Tank - The Air Tank is where air
pressurized by the Air Pump is stored for use.

Tank Safety

Valve (98)

Drain Valve (137)

Oil Sight Glass (19)

Crankcase (16)

OIL LEVEL

OVERFILL

FULL

LOW

Opened

Pilot Valve

7. Tank Pressure Gauge - The Air Tank Pressure
Gauge displays the air pressure in the tank.

8. Pilot Valve - Open the Pilot Valve before starting the engine.
It relieves resistance on the engine to make starting possible.
Rotate the pin so it is vertical to open it. Once the engine is running,
close the Pilot Valve so the Compressor can build up pressure.

Closed

Pilot Valve

Page 5For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Item 69784

Setup

The emission control system for this Compressor’s Engine is warranted for standards set by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and by the California Air Resources Board (also known as CARB). For warranty information, refer
to the engine manual.

SAFETY OPERATION MAINTENANCESETUP

Mounting to a Truck bed

1. Before mounting, if needed, reinforce the area with plywood or steel plating.

2. With assistance, move the compressor to the truck bed location and mark the floor of the truck
bed through the holes in the compressor’s feet. Check for any hidden wiring or cables and
adjust the location for the holes as needed. Then, temporarily set the compressor aside.

3. Drill the four 1/2″ diameter holes through the truck bed and any reinforcing materials.

4. Set the compressor back in place, and align the foot holes with the pre-drilled holes. Use four 1/2″
diameter, bolts, washers and lock washers (all not included) to secure the compressor in place.

Air Filter

Assembly (84)

Wing Nut Connector

Assembly

To install the Air Filter Assembly (84), fit the Connector
into the Air Filter Assembly and slide the assembly into
the hole on the side of the First Stage Cylinder Head (61).
Secure in place with the Wing Nut.

Break-In Compressor

Break in the new Air Compressor as follows:

a. Make sure the engine is off. Open the air outlet valve on the left side of the tank.

b. Check all fluid levels in the engine and pump.

c. Start the engine following the General Operating Instructions.

d. Let the unit run for 30 minutes. Air will expel freely through the Coupler.

e. Turn OFF the engine.

f. Remove the male coupler.

Second Stage
Cylinder Head

(21)

First Stage

Cylinder Head

(61)

Connection

1. Connect a regulator valve, an in-line shut off valve and a 1/2″ NPT air hose
(all sold separately) to the Quick Coupler. 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.

2. 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).
Consult your air tool’s manual for needed accessories. See Typical Air Line Setup charts on the following pages.
This is a truckbed compressor, so use the portable setup as a model.

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Item 69784