INSTRUCTION MANUAL AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR AIR COMPRESSOR
MODELEC 25E / AC1-PH55-08H TECHNICAL
W ARNING
Improper and unsafe use of this compressor can result in death or serious bodily injury!
Compressor manual (this manual) and engine manual contains important information
about product safety.
Please read carefully and fully understand the compressor manual (this manual) and
engine manual before operating the compressor.
Please keep the compressor manual (this manual) and engine manual available for
others before they use the compressor.
SERVICE AND REPAIRS..................................... 11
PARTS LIST .........................................................12
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English
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Read and understand all of the operating instructions, safety precautions and warnings in the Instruction Manual before
operating or maintaining this compressor.
Most accidents that result from compressor operation and maintenance are caused by the failure to observe basic safety
precautions. An accident can be avoided by recognizing a potentially hazardous situation beforehand, and by observing
appropriate safety procedures.
Basic safety precautions are outlined in the “SAFETY” section of this Instruction Manual and in the sections which contain
the operation and maintenance instructions.
Hazards that must be avoided to prevent bodily injury or machine damage are identified by WARNINGS on the compressor
and in this Instruction Manual.
Never use this compressor in a manner that has not been specifically recommended by HITACHI
.
MEANINGS OF SIGNAL WORDS
WARNINGindicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if ignored, could result in serious personal injury.
CAUTIONindicates a hazardous situation which, if ignored, could result moderate personal injury, or could cause machine
damage.
NOTEemphasizes essential information.
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SAFETY
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USE OF THE COMPRESSOR
WARNING:Death or serious bodily injury could result from improper or unsafe use of this compressor.
To avoid these risks, follow these basic safety instructions:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
1. NEVER TOUCH MOVING PARTS.
Never place your hands, fingers or other body parts near
this compressor’s moving parts.
2. NEVER OPERATE WITHOUT ALL GUARDS IN
PLACE.
Never operate this compressor without any guards or
safety features in place and in proper working condition. If
maintenance or servicing requires the removal of guard or
safety features, be sure to replace the guard or safety
features before resuming operation of this compressor.
3. ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION.
Always wear safety goggles approved by Ansi or equivalent
eye protection. Compressed air must never be aimed at
anyone or any part of the body.
4. PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK.
Don't expose this compressor to rain. Never operate this
compressor in damp or wet locations.
5. STOP THE ENGINE.
Always stop the engine and pull out the spark plug cap to
prevent any sudden start of the engine and remove the
compressed air from the air tank before servicing,
inspecting, maintaining, cleaning, replacing or checking
any parts.
6. STORE COMPRESSOR PROPERLY.
When not in use, this compressor should be stored in a
dry place. Keep out of reach of children. Lock-out the
storage area.
Do not store this compressor near an open flame or any
equipment such as a stove, furnace, water heater, etc.
which utilizes a pilot light or sparking device.
7. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN.
Cluttered areas invite injuries. Always clear all work areas of
unnecessary tools, debris, furniture, etc.
8. CONSIDER WORK AREA ENVIRONMENT.
Don’t expose this compressor to rain. Don’t use this
compressor in damp or wet locations. Keep work
area well lit and well ventilated. Operate this
compressor at a stable place all the time.
Do not operate in flammable environment. This
compressor produces sparks during operation.
Never use this compressor in site containing
lacquer, paint, benzine, thinner, gasoline, gases,
adhesive agents, and other materials which are
combustible or explosive.
This compressor contains some component parts
that tend to produce arcs or sparks, and therefore,
when located in a garage, it should be in a room or
enclosure provided for this purpose, and should be
18 inches (457 mm) or more above the floor.
A spark arrester must be added to the muffler of this
engine if it is to be used on any forest covered, brush
covered or grass covered unimproved land. The
arrester must be maintained in effective working
condition by the operator.
Gasoline engines produce carbon monoxide; a
poisonous odorless gas which may cause death.
Do not start or operate this compressor in an
enclosed area.
Operate this compressor at least 12 inches away
from any wall or obstruction.
9. KEEP VISITORS AWAY.
All visitors should be kept safely away from work
area.
10. DRESS PROPERLY.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be
caught in moving parts.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
11. STAY ALERT.
Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do
not operate this compressor when you are tired.
This compressor should never be used by you if you
are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or
medication that makes you drowsy.
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12. CHECK DAMAGED PARTS AND AIR LEAK.
Before further use of this compressor, guard or other
parts should be carefully checked to see that it will
operate properly and perform its intended function.
Check alignment of moving parts, binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts, mounting, air leak, and any
other conditions that may affect its operation.
A guard or other part that is damaged should be
properly repaired or replaced by an authorized service
center.
Have defective pilot valve replaced by authorized service
center.
Do not use this compressor if engine switch does not
turn it on and off.
13. NEVER USE THIS COMPRESSOR FOR
APPLICATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE
SPECIFIED.
Never use this compressor for applications other than
those specified in the Instruction Manual.
Never use compressed air for breathing or respiration.
14. HANDLE THIS COMPRESSOR CORRECTLY.
Operate this compressor according to the instructions
provided herein. Never allow this compressor to be
operated by children, individuals unfamiliar with its
operation or unauthorized personnel.
15. KEEP ALL SCREWS, BOLTS AND COVERS
TIGHTLY IN PLACE.
Keep all screws, bolts, and covers tightly mounted.
Check their conditions periodically.
16. NEVER USE A COMPRESSOR WHICH IS
DEFECTIVE OR OPERATING ABNORMALLY.
If this compressor appears to be operating unusually,
making strange noises, or otherwise appears defective,
stop using it immediately and arrange for repairs by a
Hitachi authorized service center.
17. DO NOT WIPE PLASTIC PARTS WITH SOLVENT.
Solvents such as gasoline, thinner, benzine, carbon
tetrachloride, and alcohol may damage and crack
plastic parts. Do not wipe plastic parts on this
compressor with such solvents. Wipe plastic parts with
a soft cloth lightly dampened with soapy water and dry
thoroughly.
18. USE ONLY GENUINE HITACHI REPLACEMENT
PARTS.
Replacement parts not manufactured by Hitachi may
void your warranty and can lead to malfunction, causing
injuries. Genuine Hitachi parts are available from your
dealer.
19. DO NOT MODIFY THIS COMPRESSOR.
Do not modify this compressor.
Do not operate at pressure or speed in excess of
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Always contact the Hitachi authorized service center
for any repairs. Unauthorized modification may
impair this compressor's performance and result in
accident or bodly injury.
20. TURN OFF THE ENGINE SWITCH WHEN THIS
COMPRESSOR IS NOT USED.
When this compressor is not used, push the knob of
the engine switch OFF and open the drain cock to
discharge the compressed air from the air tank.
21. NEVER TOUCH HOT SURFACE.
To reduce the risk of burns, never allow any part of
your body or other materials to contact with any
exposed metal parts on this compressor.
Never allow any part of your body to contact the
engine muffler or adjacent areas.
These areas can remain hot for at least 45 minutes
after this compressor is shutdown. Cool down before
servicing.
22. DO NOT DIRECT AIR STREAM AT BODY.
Do not direct air stream at persons or animals, to
avoid any bodily injury.
23. DRAIN TANK.
Discharge the drain after each use and every day.
When the tank gets corroded, there can be a risk of
breakdown. Accordingly, be sure to discharge the
drain inside the tank after each use. The drain
contains moisture in the air, abrasion particles, rust,
etc. To discharge the drain, therefore, gradually open
the drain cock, and be careful not to point it at your
face or eyes.
24. USE ONLY RECOMMENDED AIR HANDLING
PARTS ACCEPTABLE FOR PRESSURE NOT
LESS THAN 125 PSI (8.6 BAR)
Risk of bursting. Use only recommended air handling
parts acceptable for pressures not less than 125 psi
(8.6 bar).
25. SEE TO IT THAT FUEL IS SUPPLIED
APPROPRIATELY.
Follow all fueling instructions in operator’s manual.
Do not smoke while fueling.
Do not fill fuel tank while this compressor is running
or hot. Allow this compressor and engine to cool
down for two minutes before refueling.
Do not refuel indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Do not fill fuel tank to point of overflowing.
Always refuel slowly to avoid the possibility of spilled
fuel which may cause a fire.
Do not operate this compressor if gasoline is spilled.
Wipe this compressor clean and move it away from the
spill. Avoid creating any ignition until the gasoline has
evaporated. Allow approximately 1/4" of tank space for
fuel expansion.
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26. BE CAREFUL NOT TO TRIP OVER OR DROP THE
COMPRESSOR DURING TRANSPORT.
Exercise utmost caution when you carry this
compressor. If you trip over something and drop it, there
is a fear that unexpected injury may result. If you drop
this compressor or bump it against any objects, air tank
or any component parts can cause serious deformation,
damage, severe scratches and breakdown on this
compressor. If operated under such conditions, it can
result in any accidents of bodily injuries by explosion of
tank or explosion of those damaged component parts.
Furthermore, gasoline which spilled out by those
damages, may have a great risk of a fire.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
When servicing use only genuine replacement parts.
Repairs should be conducted only by a Hitachi authorized service center.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
When there is any deformation and damage on the
handle, it may drop during transport, resulting in a
accident of injury.
Before carrying this compressor, switch off the engine
and discharge the drain inside the air tank.
Be cautious enough to make sure that there are no
obstacles, inflammable articles, and unauthorized
people around this compressor.
AND
MAKE THEM AVAILABLE TO
OTHER USERS OF THIS TOOL!
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OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
NOTE:
The information contained in the Compressor Instruction Manual (this Instruction Manual) and Engine Instruction
Manual are designed to assist you in the safe operation and maintenance of this compressor.
Some illustrations in the Compressor Instruction Manual (this Instruction Manual) and Engine Instruction Manual
may show details or attachments that differ from those on your own compressor.
English
Fig. 1
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English
SPECIFICATIONS
Compressor Model
EngineManufacturer And Model
Displacement
Max. Output
Fuel Tank Capacity
Tank Capacity
Maximum Pressure
Free Air Delivery
at 40 PSI
(2.8 bar)
at 90 PSI
(6.2 bar)
at 100 PSI
(6.9 bar)
APPLICATIONS
{ Air source of the pneumatic nailer and stapler.
PRIOR TO OPERATION
1.Initial set-up
A) Read safety warnings before setting-up this
compressor.
B) Ensure the oil level in this compressor pump is
adequate. If the oil level is low, replenish oil through the
filling hole so that the amount of oil will come to a point
between the maximum notch and the minimum notch
on the dipstick according to the following OIL TYPE
CHART. (Fig. 2)
OIL TYPE CHART
Ambient
temperature
(°F)
Non-detergent
oil
2. Location
A) In order to avoid damaging this compressor, do not
incline this compressor transversely or longitudinally
more than 10°.
B) Place this compressor at least 12 inches away from
obstacles that may prevent proper ventilation. Do not
place this compressor in an area:
-where there is evidence of oil or gas leaks.
-where flammable gas vapors or materials may be
present.
-where air temperatures fall below 14°F or exceed
104°F.
-where extremely dirty air or water could be drawn
into this compressor.
14~32
(°F)
SAE 10W
32~68
(°F)
SAE 20W
68~104
(°F)
SAE 30
EC25E
Honda GX160
9.9 cu in (163 mL)
5.4bhp (4.0kW, 5.5PS)/3600min
0.95 US gal. (3.6 L)
8.0 gal. (30.3L)
125 PSI (8.6 bar)
10.6 CFM (300 L/min)
9.6 CFM (272 L/min)
9.0 CFM (255 L/min)
3. Gasoline engine
A) Review page 5.25 before fueling.
WARNINGDo not allow the engine or muffler to come
in contact with flammable vapors,
combustible dust, gases or other
combustible materials. A spark may cause
a fire.
Do not place this compressor in an area
where flammable gas vapors may be
present. A spark can cause an explosion
or fire.
B) Read the engine manual accompanying this
compressor for correct engine start-up maintenance
procedures.
C) Read and understand the safety labels located on
this compressor.
D) A minimum of 85 octane fuel is recommended for
use with this compressor. Do not mix oil with
gasoline.
E) Use of clean, fresh, lead free gasoline should be
used. Do not use gasoline containing methanol or
alcohol.
F) Check the engine oil level before starting. (See
engine manual.)
G) Fill the fuel tank according to the engine manual
instruction.
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English
WARNINGDo not smoke while fueling.
Do not fill fuel tank while this compressor is
running or hot. Allow this compressor and
engine to cool down for two minutes before
refueling.
Do not refuel indoors or in a poorly ventilated
area.
Do not fill fuel tank to point of overflowing.
Always refuel slowly to avoid the possibility of
spilled fuel which may cause a fire.
Do not operate this compressor if gasoline is
spilled. Wipe this compressor clean and move
it away from the spill. Avoid creating any
ignition until the gasolinehas evaporated.
Allow approximately 1/4” of tank space for fuel
expansion.
WARNINGAlways store fuel away from this compressor
while it is running or hot.
H) Refer to the engine manual for all necessary
maintenance and adjustments.
WARNINGDo not operate this compressor in an enclosed
area. Use this compressor only in well
ventilated areas. Theexhaust from the engine
contains carbon monoxide, a poisonous,
odorless and invisible gas. Breathing the gas
can cause serious injury, illness and possible
death.
B) Remove any moisture in this compressor air tank.
Gradually open the drain cock and discharge the
drain. Close tightly when drained.
C) Make sure the engine switch is in the “OFF”
position.
D) Make sure the safety relief valve is working correctly.
(Fig. 3)
The safety relief valve is designed to prevent system
failures by relieving pressure from the system when
this compressed air reaches a predetermined level.
The safety relief valve is preset by the manufacturer
and must not be modified in any way. To verify the
safety relief valve is working properly, pull on the
ring. Air pressure should escape. When the ring is
released, it will reset.
Safety relief valve
Fig. 3
E) Make sure all guards and covers are in place and
securely mounted.
4.Air coupler installation
Screw in the air coupler to the joint of regulator mounting
bracket (Refer to Fig. 1 and Fig. 5). The screw size of the
joint is 3/8”. Use an air coupler which has the same screw
size.
5.Pre-start checklist
A) The dipstick will register the amount of oil in the
pump. (Fig. 2) Oil level should be checked on a daily
basis to ensure it does not exceed the maximum
notch or does not fall below the minimum notch on
the dipstick. If the oil level is low, replenish oil through
the filling hole so that the amount of oil will come to
a point between the maximum notch and the minimum
notch on the dipstick according to the OIL TYPE
CHART on page 8.
Oil dipstick
Maximum
OPERATION
1. Start up
A) Read safety warnings before performing operation.
B) When the toggle is in the upright position, all air
from this compressor is vented through the
discharge muffler (Fig. 4). This gives an easy start
feature. For normal operation, the toggle is in the
90° position.
Toggle
Operating position
Discharge muffler
Easy start position
Pilot valve
Fig. 2
Minimum
Fig. 4
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C) Start the engine. (Refer to the Engine Manual
accompanying this unit.)
D) When the engine has run for 1-2 minutes, flip toggle
back to the original position.
The operation of this compressor is automatic and is
controlled by the pilot valve which idles it when the pressure
in the air-tank reaches the maximum level and restart it
when the air pressure drops during use to the restart level.
The pilot valve is preset by the manufacturer and must not
be modified in any way.
WARNING:If you notice any unusual noise or vibration, stop
this compressor.
2.Adjustment of working pressure
The air pressure coming from the air tank is controlled by
the regulator knob (Fig. 5). Turn the pressure regulation
knob clockwise to increase discharge pressure, and
counterclockwise to decrease discharge pressure.
Increase: Clockwise
Decrease:
Counter clockwise
Outlet pressure gauge
Knob of
pressure
Tank
regulator
pressure gauge
WARNING:When the tank gets corroded, there is a
risk of breakdown. Accordingly, be sure
to discharge the drain inside the tank
after each use.
The drain contains moisture in the air,
abrasion particles, rust, etc. To
discharge the drain, therefore, gradually
open the drain cock, and be careful not
to point it at your face or eye.
Tank
Drain cock
Fig. 6
C) Allow this compressor to cool down.
D) Wipe this compressor clean and store in a safe, non-
freezing area.
Joint of regulator
mounting bracket
Fig. 5
The outlet pressure gauge indicates the air pressure
available at the outlet side of the regulator. This pressure
is controlled by the regulator and is always less or equal
to the air tank pressure.
The air tank pressure gauge indicates the reserve air
pressure in the air tank(s).
When adjusting the pressure, check and make sure that
a pressure gauge for the tank has the pressure level that
is higher than that of the pressure to be adjusted.
It is also imperative that you make adjustment by slowly
starting up the pressure from the level that is lower than the
pressure to be adjusted.
WARNING:Check the manufacturer’s maximum pressure
rating for nailers, staplers and accessories.
Compressor outlet pressure must be regulated
so as to never exceed the maximum pressure
rating of the nailers, staplers and accessories.
3. Shutdown
A) To stop this compressor, move the engine switch to
the “Off” position. (Refer to the Engine Manual
accompanying this unit.)
B) Gradually open the drain cock, take out the drainage
and all the compressed air inside the tank to prevent
any internal corrosion of the tank. (Fig. 6)
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MAINTENANCE
WARNING:Always stop the engine and pull out the
spark plug cap to prevent any sudden start
of the engine and remove this compressed
air from the air tank before performing the
maintenance operations.
Read the instruction manual before performing
maintenance. The following procedures must be
performed when stopping this compressor for
maintenance or service.
A) Turn off this compressor.
B) Disconnect spark plug wire from engine.
C) Open all drains.
D) Wait for this compressor to cool down before starting
service.
1.Cleaning the air intake filter
This filter is designed to clean air coming into the pump
(Fig 7). To ensure the pump continually receives a clean,
cool, dry air supply this filter must always be clean and
ventilation opening must always be free from obstructions.
Filter housing (rear)
Pump
Air Intake Filter
Filter housing
(front)
Fig. 7
English
SERVICE AND REPAIRS
All quality compressors will eventually require servicing or
replacement of parts because of wear and tear from normal
use. To assure that only genuine replacement parts will be
used, all service and repairs must be performed by a HITACHI
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER, only.
NOTE:
Specifications are subject to change without any obligation
on the part of the HITACHI.
NOTE:
Replace the filter element when it becomes dirty.
2.Draining tank:
Gradually open the drain valve, and drain out thea i r
in the tank. (Fig. 6)
Close tightly when drained.
3.Maintenance chart:
MAINTENANCE CHART
PROCEDURE AFTER USE DAILY WEEKLY MONTHLY 200 HOURS
Check pump oil level X
Oil leak inspection X
Drain condensation
in air tank (s) X X
Inspect guards/covers X
Check for unusual
noise/vibration X
Check for air leaks X
Clean exterior of
compressor X
Inspect air filter X
Check safety relief
valve X
Inspect belt tensionX
Change pump oilX
Replace air filterX
The pump oil must be changed after the first 50 hours of
operation and every 200 hours or 3 months, whichever
comes first.
Open the pump oil cock and replace pump oil. (Fig. 1)
As reguards the engine, follow instructions in the engine
manual.
Every 2 years, an Authorized Service Technician should
check the check valve, intake valves and delivery valves.
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EC 25E
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EC 25E
AC1-PH55-08M&H-062102-DLG
TANK ASSEMBLY FOR EC25E / AC1-PH55-08H (AFTER SERIAL # 20005563)