Chicago Pneumatic 2-HP 26-Gallon (Belt Drive) Dual-Voltage Cast-Iron Air Compressor

I got the lift gate service due to my long steep driveway. Very worth while. The driver unloaded the well packaged unit and helped get it unboxed and off the pallets. Then he loaded it back on the lift to put it in my truck. I then got it to the shop and unloaded.

After checking all the fittings and following the start-up, the compressor built up pressure and held it the first time. No leaks. I've had it a month and used it with nail guns and other tools and plenty of air.

Just the right size for my small shop.

I got the lift gate service due to my long steep driveway. Very worth while. The driver unloaded the well packaged unit and helped get it unboxed and off the pallets. Then he loaded it back on the lift to put it in my truck. I then got it to the shop and unloaded.

After checking all the fittings and following the start-up, the compressor built up pressure and held it the first time. No leaks. I've had it a month and used it with nail guns and other tools and plenty of air.

Just the... more

I ordered the compressor on January 26th, 2013. I received it today, March 6th, 2013. That's right, it took over a month to arrive. When I ordered it, it stated it would take "2-6 business days" to ship. The reality was that it was on backorder, but the website didn't bother to notify their customers. They recently updated the website to show this after I insisted they do it. They claim that it's not their fault since the compressor ships from the manufacturer, but they still take your money.

Let's move on to the compressor itself. It arrived today, and when I opened it the belt guard was broken to bits. Another plastic piece on the pump was also broken. I called Air Compressors Direct and explained this to them. They offered a refund or replacement, which doesn't solve my issue... I already waited 40 days, so I wasn't about to ship it back. I asked for replacement parts and I'm still waiting to find out.

Overall, I can honestly say that this corporation is not what it may seem. If they ship the items from their store, I'm sure they do a fine job. But when you order a product that ships from the manufacturer, they pretty much wipe their hands of all responsibility. They take your money and send your order and that's it. I had to call Chicago Pneumatic personally to get results.

Buy from another vendor!

I ordered the compressor on January 26th, 2013. I received it today, March 6th, 2013. That's right, it took over a month to arrive. When I ordered it, it stated it would take "2-6 business days" to ship. The reality was that it was on backorder, but the website didn't bother to notify their customers. They recently updated the website to show this after I insisted they do it. They claim that it's not their fault since the compressor ships from the manufacturer, but they still... more

Lets start with the shipping- excellent. The compressor came shipped on two pallets; a smaller one on top of a larger one. The delivery company called before delivery. They were extremely accommodating and came when I was home. The compressor was in great shape. There were a couple simple assembly requirements.

The Owner's Manual left a lot to be desired. It was one small book that looked like it was printed at home. It did not give good instructions for maintenance of the machine. It did not include recommended oil or oil substitutes like synthetic oil, did not include oil capacity and did not detail that the drain plug was the oil sight glass.

The motor is super quiet and builds pressure quickly. This unit appears to be of solid construction. Over all, I would buy this machine again and definitely would recommend it.

I bought it for the home garage but wanted to have the CFMs for future projects I may embark on. It has the highest CFMs for a portable unit that I could find without going into the 60-80 gallon stationary units. I want to run an occasional blast cabinet, impact wrench, cut off tool, grinder, etc. This compressor should handle them all with ease...

Lets start with the shipping- excellent. The compressor came shipped on two pallets; a smaller one on top of a larger one. The delivery company called before delivery. They were extremely accommodating and came when I was home. The compressor was in great shape. There were a couple simple assembly requirements.

The Owner's Manual left a lot to be desired. It was one small book that looked like it was printed at home. It did not give good instructions for maintenance of the machine. It did... more

The PCP-226VP compressor is the most poorly designed unit that I have owned.
Here is a brief list of problems:
1. After breaking in, it took 10 minutes to reach operating pressure. After all connections were tight and leak proof, the unit lost pressure within 45 minutes and had to run again to build operating pressure of 135psi.
2. The advertisement read that the compressor reached 150psi but the unit only reaches 135psi.
3. The supplied rubber casters are mounted to holes in the base frame with 9/16" openings, however the caster bolts supplied are only 7/16". They will wobble and wear prematurely over time.
4. The casters are too short and do not level the unit. After installing them, the compressor is not level and will cause oil lubrication problems, not to mention a tipping problem.
5. The supplied owners manual appears to be written by a five old child that hasn't a clue about about the owner needs to properly maintain, wire, or operate the machine. I couldn't believe what was written.
6. The operating pressure gauge is turned at a 90 degree angle and can not be easily read without turning your head to read it. That has to be an OSHA violation.
7. The supplied pressure regulator is of low quality. Once again, it has to be read from an angle rather easily read from the operators view.
8. I could continue but, without a doubt,this is the poorest piece of equipment that have ever made the mistake to purchase.

The PCP-226VP compressor is the most poorly designed unit that I have owned.
Here is a brief list of problems:
1. After breaking in, it took 10 minutes to reach operating pressure. After all connections were tight and leak proof, the unit lost pressure within 45 minutes and had to run again to build operating pressure of 135psi.
2. The advertisement read that the compressor reached 150psi but the unit only reaches 135psi.
3. The supplied rubber casters are mounted to holes in the base frame... more

I could air up tires and blow of the work bench with my nail gun compressor but that was about it.

Now, the plasma cutter, planishing hammer, air tools- no problem. It's fairly quiet, smooth running and able to keep up with a guy in a garage pounding out metal furniture/art and misc. projects.

The Chicago Pneumatic 2-HP 26-Gallon (Belt Drive) Dual-Voltage Cast-Iron Air Compressor is a good way to step up your game.

Been a woodworker for 30 years, owned 2 other air compressors. This compressor has to be the best air compressor I've owned.

Very well built, very quiet, plenty of air for all the jobs I do as a woodworker.

I needed a good CFM rating and didn't want to mess with 220 volt wiring. Most units in this size range try to keep motor amps to 15 (vs 19 on this one) and therefore have a lower output.

Overall this unit appears to be of high quality and have good performance with a reasonable sound level. Two minor negatives: outlet pressure gauge failed quickly (if you mount it per the illustration, it touches the handle and vibrates). I replaced it with one I had on hand. Also, the maintenance instructions are a little sketchy.

Overall, I'm very satisfied so far.

I needed a good CFM rating and didn't want to mess with 220 volt wiring. Most units in this size range try to keep motor amps to 15 (vs 19 on this one) and therefore have a lower output.

Overall this unit appears to be of high quality and have good performance with a reasonable sound level. Two minor negatives: outlet pressure gauge failed quickly (if you mount it per the illustration, it touches the handle and vibrates). I replaced it with one I had on hand. Also, the maintenance... more

I was hesitant to buy any compressor with so many mixed reviews around for various models. This one seemed to have consistently good reviews. Now that I own one I can see why. You cannot compare this to any 26 gallon compressor from a big box store or chain store.

The build is clearly much more heavy duty than most, if not all I've seen at those type of stores. It fills the tank quickly and comes with a regulator. It is best to put some kind of filter between the tank and regulator, which I have done. Can't say enough about the build quality- at this price point, it's the best I've seen.

Like others have mentioned the compressor does not look like the one in the photo. Mine has a dark grey tank with a large red "CP" sticker. It's just a cosmetic change and one for better, other than that it looks the same as the photo.

The only thing I did not like about it, or any compressor is the moisture drain valve, it's pain to drain. I replaced mine with a cable operated one and now draining is easy as can be.

Shipping was great, I opted for the lift gate service and it was worth every penny. The delivery guy called a couple of times to make sure I would be home and called when he was running a little late. He arrived with lift gate and pallet jack. He used the pallet jack to put the compressor all the way in my garage, great friendly service!

It came shipped attached to 2 pallets, one small one bolted to the compressor base, and then a larger standard sized on that all that was connected to. All this was covered by a heavy box from the factory.

I was hesitant to buy any compressor with so many mixed reviews around for various models. This one seemed to have consistently good reviews. Now that I own one I can see why. You cannot compare this to any 26 gallon compressor from a big box store or chain store.

The build is clearly much more heavy duty than most, if not all I've seen at those type of stores. It fills the tank quickly and comes with a regulator. It is best to put some kind of filter between the tank and regulator,... more

I purchased this compressor about 4 or 5 years ago from Air Compressor Direct. It is pricey for the tank size but it does provide the highest cfm rating on a 115 Volt source of any compressor in their inventory. I am not a professional mechanic but I do almost every kind of auto repair on my vehicles. I almost never send things out to get done so I needed a compressor to run impact wrenches, air ratchets, and anything else. This unit has worked well for me over the years. I have used it to do general mechanical repairs on my two trucks and one passenger sedan. I haven't really had any problems with it and I run it on a 115 volt 15 amp circuit in my garage. I recommend you connect it up directly to your outlet rather than use extension cords or long wires. It seems to work best when plugged into the outlet directly. This unit is even able to run my Aircat 1680 3/4" drive impact wrench with 100 ft of 3/8 inch air line. When I pull the trigger on the gun you can definitely see the needle on the regulators move....but the compressor kicks on immediately and keeps pumping out air. Supposedly this gun needs 7.8 cfm at 90 psi but this unit actually can power it just fine even though it is rated to deliver only 7.1 cfm at 90 psi. Makes me wonder if they are not understating the cfm ratings or if Aircat is overstating the cfm requirements on their guns. One more thing...when I purchased my unit the paint scheme on it was white not the grey they are currently using....mine is probably an earlier version but it has the same model number and same specs.

I purchased this compressor about 4 or 5 years ago from Air Compressor Direct. It is pricey for the tank size but it does provide the highest cfm rating on a 115 Volt source of any compressor in their inventory. I am not a professional mechanic but I do almost every kind of auto repair on my vehicles. I almost never send things out to get done so I needed a compressor to run impact wrenches, air ratchets, and anything else. This unit has worked well for me over the years. I have used it to... more

I chose this compressors because of the great reviews. Needless to say, I have not been disappointed.

I heard lots of compliments on this unit and decided to give it a go.

I am very impressed with the craftsmanship and quality of the unit. Everything from order to delivery to performance was excellent!

A+ is my grade on my experience with Air Compressors Direct and I am sure I won't need another compressor for a very long time!