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EMAX Two-Stage Piston Air Compressors

A two stage air compressor is the step up when a single-stage unit can't keep pace with your air tools. This EMAX collection covers vertical two-stage piston compressors rated to 175 PSI, with 5 HP, 7.5 HP or 10 HP motors on 80 gallon or 120 gallon tanks. Choose 230V single-phase or three-phase 208–230V and 460V power. Package versions add extras such as a refrigerated air dryer and automatic tank drain, so check each listing for what's included.

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EMAX 5 HP 80-Gallon Two-Stage Air Compressor, 230V single-phase – ESP05V080I1

Original price $4,444.50 - Original price $4,444.50
Original price
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$4,444.50 - $4,444.50
Current price $4,444.50
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The EMAX Silent Air Industrial Plus ESP05V080I1 is a 5 HP, 80-gallon, two-stage vertical air compressor designed for shops that need continuous air...

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Original price $4,444.50 - Original price $4,444.50
Original price
$4,444.50
$4,444.50 - $4,444.50
Current price $4,444.50

EMAX 5 HP 80-Gallon Two-Stage Air Compressor, 230V single-phase – ES05V080I1

Original price $3,933.70 - Original price $3,933.70
Original price
$3,933.70
$3,933.70 - $3,933.70
Current price $3,933.70
Available to order
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The EMAX ES05V080I1 is a 5 HP, 80-gallon two-stage air compressor built for shops that need full industrial air output without constant mechanical ...

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Original price $3,933.70 - Original price $3,933.70
Original price
$3,933.70
$3,933.70 - $3,933.70
Current price $3,933.70

EMAX 7.5 HP 80-Gallon Two-Stage Air Compressor, 230V single-phase – ESS07V080Y1

Original price $3,649.20 - Original price $3,649.20
Original price
$3,649.20
$3,649.20 - $3,649.20
Current price $3,649.20
Available to order
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The EMAX ESS07V080Y1 is a 7.5 HP, 80-gallon vertical two-stage air compressor designed for shops running air tools, paint guns, and bench equipment...

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Original price $3,649.20 - Original price $3,649.20
Original price
$3,649.20
$3,649.20 - $3,649.20
Current price $3,649.20

How a Two-Stage Air Compressor Works

A single-stage compressor squeezes air in one step and sends it straight to the tank. A two-stage (2 stage) compressor splits the job: a larger low-pressure cylinder compresses intake air partway, the air is cooled between stages, and a smaller high-pressure cylinder finishes the compression before the air enters the tank. Because each cylinder does only part of the work, the pump runs cooler and reaches higher pressure with less strain per stroke. Every compressor in this collection is rated for a maximum pressure of 175 PSI, and each listing shows CFM at max pressure, so you can see how much air the pump still produces at the top of its range.

Single-Stage vs Two-Stage: Which Do You Need?

Single-stage units suit light, intermittent use such as inflating tires or running a nailer now and then. A two-stage piston compressor makes more sense when several people use air at once, or when you run air-hungry tools like sanders, grinders, impact wrenches and spray guns for long stretches. If your facility needs high-volume air around the clock, compare these piston units with our EMAX rotary screw air compressors, or browse the full compressors range.

Sizing: CFM, Horsepower and 80 vs 120 Gallon Tanks

Size by airflow (CFM) first, then horsepower. Add up the CFM ratings of the tools that will run at the same time, compare that total with the CFM at your working pressure, and leave headroom for growth.

Motor / pump typeTank optionsRated CFMCFM at 175 PSIPump model
5 HP, pressure-lubricated80 gallon19 CFM17 CFMAPP2I0524TP
7.5 HP, pressure-lubricated80 or 120 gallon31 CFM26 CFMAPP4V1043TP
10 HP, pressure-lubricated80 or 120 gallon38 CFM34 CFMAPP4V1043TP
7.5 HP, splash-lubricated (ESS07V080Z1)80 gallon35 CFM30 CFMThree-cylinder
7.5 HP, splash-lubricated (ESS07V080Y1)80 gallon26 CFM24 CFMAPP3Y0732TR2
10 HP, splash-lubricated (ESS10V080V1)80 gallon38 CFM34 CFMAPP4V1043TR2

All tanks in this range are vertical, which saves floor space. An 80 gallon air compressor has the smaller footprint and a 3/4" air outlet. A 120 gallon air compressor stores more air, which helps cover short bursts of heavy use and reduces how often the motor starts; these models use a 1" air outlet.

Electrical: Phase, Voltage and Breaker Size

Match the compressor to the power you actually have. Single-phase models run on 230V; three-phase models come in 208–230V and 460V versions. The product data lists a recommended breaker for each:

Motor230V single-phase208–230V three-phase460V three-phase
5 HP40 A30 A15 A
7.5 HP50 A40 A20 A
10 HP60 A50 A25 A

Starting amps are much higher than full-load amps, and most models include a magnetic starter. Have a licensed electrician plan wiring and circuit protection according to the manufacturer's instructions and local electrical code.

Pump Lubrication, Duty Cycle and Motors

Pressure-lubricated pumps (APP4V1043TP and APP2I0524TP) carry an estimated pump life of 70,000 hours in the product data, while the splash-lubricated ESS models list 50,000 hours. Every model has a 60% duty cycle, and many are listed as continuous-run capable; the ESS07V080Z1 is noted as not rated for continuous-run service. Single-phase models use ODP (open drip-proof) motors, which need a clean, dry room. Three-phase models use TEFC motors, whose enclosed design is better suited to dusty shops.

Before You Install

  • Circuit: confirm voltage, phase and breaker size against the listing.
  • Space: check the uncrated dimensions and weight on each product page, plus clearance around the unit for service and airflow. These are heavy machines, so plan how you will move them into place.
  • Ventilation: pick a cool, dry, well-ventilated spot so the pump draws clean air and sheds heat.
  • Moisture: models with a manual drain need the tank drained regularly; automatic drains and refrigerated dryers help when you paint or run moisture-sensitive tools.
  • Oil and service: pump oil capacity is listed per model (2 quarts or 1.75 quarts on most), and many models reference service kit EFKIT008AWBS.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and your site's safety program for installation, anchoring and operation.

Standard Units vs Packages

Standard models give you the compressor itself. Package versions (SKUs ending in PK) bundle extras that vary by model, such as a refrigerated air dryer rated at 30 CFM or 58 CFM with built-in prefilters, a dual-timer electric tank drain, and Silent Air on some units. Product data lists ETL, ASME and CRN certifications for these compressors. See the wider EMAX air compressors lineup for other configurations.

EMAX Two-Stage Piston Air Compressors: Frequently Asked Questions

How does a 2 stage compressor work?

A two-stage compressor compresses air twice. A larger cylinder raises intake air to an intermediate pressure, the air is cooled, and a smaller cylinder compresses it again before it enters the tank. Splitting the work keeps the pump cooler and makes higher pressure easier to reach. The EMAX two-stage models in this collection are rated to 175 PSI.

Should I choose an 80 gallon or 120 gallon two-stage compressor?

Choose by footprint and demand. An 80 gallon tank takes less floor space and uses a 3/4" air outlet. A 120 gallon tank stores more air to cover bursts of heavy use and reduce motor starts, and uses a 1" air outlet. Both tank sizes are vertical and pair with 7.5 HP or 10 HP motors in this range.

Do I need a single-phase or three-phase compressor?

Pick the phase your building already has. Single-phase models run on 230V, which suits many small shops. Three-phase models come in 208–230V and 460V versions and draw lower full-load amps at higher voltage. Check the recommended breaker on each listing and have a licensed electrician confirm your service against the manufacturer's instructions.

Can a two-stage air compressor run continuously?

It depends on the model. Every compressor here lists a 60% duty cycle, and many are described as continuous-run capable. The splash-lubricated ESS07V080Z1 is noted as not rated for continuous-run service. If your shop needs air nonstop at high volume, compare these with rotary screw compressors and follow the manufacturer's operating instructions.

Which brand of air compressor is the best?

No single brand is best for every shop. Judge a compressor by its CFM at your working pressure, duty cycle, electrical requirements, pump design and how easy it is to service. This collection focuses on EMAX two-stage piston compressors, and each listing shows those specs so you can compare models side by side before you decide.

What is a 4 stage compressor?

A four-stage compressor compresses air in four steps, cooling it between each one. Extra stages are used when a process needs far higher pressure than shop tools require, such as breathing-air or specialty gas filling. For automotive, fabrication and general industrial work, a two-stage piston compressor is the common choice.

What are the two main types of reciprocating compressors?

Reciprocating compressors are usually grouped as single-acting, where the piston compresses air on one side only, and double-acting, where it compresses on both sides. They are also classified by stages, single-stage or two-stage, and by lubrication. The EMAX pumps here are two-stage and either pressure-lubricated or splash-lubricated.

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