Hitachi has a new portable air compressor coming out, model EC28M. It features a 1 gallon air tank, 125PSI max pressure, and oil-free design.
Hitachi rates its sound output at just 59 dBa, which is quite low. Extremely surprisingly low.
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Additional features include a steel roll cage, industrial-grade regulator and gauges, and a simple control panel. It’s compact, and weighs 25.2 lbs. They make a point of saying that the compressor is ready to be used, right out of the box.
Specifications (Taken from the Product Manual)
- 1 gallon air tank
- 0.5 HP running power
- Draws 2.8A
- 125 PSI max pressure
- Airflow: 1.3 CFM at 40 PSI, 0.8 CFM at 90 PSI
- Oil-free
- Motor overload protection circuit
- Weighs 25.2 lbs
- 59 dBa noise output
MSRP: $149
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Buy Now(via Acme Tool)
First Thoughts
This looks to be a well-spec’ed compact air compressor, and I can’t get over how low the noise output is said to be.
Ken says
California Air Tools has manufactured ultra quiet air compressors for several years. In fact it appears that this Hitachi is just a rebranded/licensed copy of the California Air Tools model 1P1060S.
I have owned several of the C.A.T. models and love their ultra quiet operation and lighter weight.
Ryan says
I just got the 1020A, 2 gallon. Outstanding so far, very quiet. Low amp draw. Just wish it had a roll cage.
Dylan says
I almost made the same comment–looks just like a California Air Tools machine we run that I’ve been very pleased with.
Jimmie says
If they could only scale it up to 25-30 gal. I’d love to have a 59dBA air compressor in the garage.
SteveT says
Pretty sure this is a California air that just has their name on it. California air has a bunch of sizes if you just google them. I use one of them for my shop, and it is really quiet and runs great.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/California-Air-Tools-1-0-Gal-Light-and-Quiet-Steel-Tank-Electric-Portable-Air-Compressor-with-Panel-1P1060SP/303145774
Dave P says
There is a good chance the Hitachi compressor is an OEM import from Alton Industries. Alton OEMs for many different manufacturers.
See for example: https://altonindustries.com/collections/quite-power-technology-series
I own a MasterForce compressor (a Menard’s house brand) and it is a clone of the B&S model. For warranty work the manual provides the 800 number for Alton. Anyway, it is a great little compressor for trim work and other light loads because it is very quiet and doesn’t draw much power on startup or when running. It can be used indoors in an occupied residence without upsetting the home owner.
A framer or roofer would be disappointed by the compressor however as the cycle time is slow and the duty cycle isn’t that great either.
Menard’s has it on sale right now for $139.
https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools-accessories/air-compressors-pneumatic-tools-accessories/air-compressors/masterforce-reg-ultra-quiet-1-8-gallon-portable-electric-trim-air-compressor/p-1444423543348.htm
It comes with a three year warranty too.
I prefer the quiet compressor with pneumatic trim nailers over the cordless trim nailers as I seem to have better control over nail depth and more consistent penetration of the head. The setup is a lot cheaper too when using more than one size nailer. Normally by the trim stage in residential there is ample power, unlike framers which really benefit from cordless/hoseless nailers.
Matt Steele says
I love my California Air Tools compressor. I bet they’re making this Hitachi one under license. I think they make some of the newer “Ultra Quiet” Masterforce compressors for Menards, too. It’s such a pleasure to have a compressor where you can have a conversation over it without effort, and where the baby can be sleeping upstairs while it runs.
John Blair says
In the same price range you can also get the Eagle EA-2000.
44 DB at 25′
CFM @ 40 PSI: 1.6
CFM @ 90 PSI: 1.0
Peak Horsepower: 0.75 HP
At the same $149 price point. I don’t own it but when I watched youtube reviews everyone mentioned how quiet it was and it has 4.5 stars at both Amazon and Rockler.
John Blair says
PS the pictures look identical between the new Hitachi and the Eagle. The only difference seems to be the 3/4 hp vs 1/2 hp and flow rates. The side view pictures look identical other than one is blue, one is gray.
fred says
Eagle and Emglo were always our go to brands for small compressors.
Chance says
For a professional these small compressors Under 1.0 CFM are mostly useless and very frustrating. Sure they’re quiet, but they run non-stop and after 3 or 4 shots with a finish gun the nails don’t sink consistently. I’ve tried them and would never buy one. For a guy that shoots a few brads at home throughout the week I’m sure it’s great.
For professional use the JC10PLUS from Rol-Air would be a much better choice if you want a quiet compressor. It’s 1 dB louder at 60 dB, but it puts out 2.4 CFM, has a 2.5 gallon tank, and it only takes 14 seconds to recharge. I understand it’s a different class of compressor, but just hoping to steer anyone looking for a nice quiet compressor for job-site use in the right direction.
Jim Felt says
Thanks Chance!
That pesky 1 dB increase is no biggie compared to the run time and tank size.
RC WARD says
I have the rolair and it is a fantastic compressor for small jobs around the garage and house, at 60 dB it is quiet as heck.
Rob says
Seems to be closer to the SENCO PC1010N than the California Air.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Senco-1-Gal-1-2-HP-Portable-Pancake-Electric-Air-Compressor-PC1010N/205513089
Bruce says
I use a Senco for work. We often need to nail on trim or other small air tasks in occupied office spaces. They really are that quiet. The cubical dwellers don’t even notice there is an air compressor in the room. It’s also lighter than my usual carry around tool box. That’s a double win. I like it enough to have one in the garage at home. The kids are perfectly comfortable with this little compressor for filling bike tires and balls. They hate my larger compressor because its so freaking loud. Someday the home shop will have a big, slow, two stage in a sound baffled corner of the garage. Until then, this little guy fills a real need.
Rob says
After buying the Rolair Air Buddy (pretty much the same as the Senco),
the Eagle versions showed up with the 59dB rating similar to the Rolair JC-10
and California noise specs. i said, “oh golly, darn”. 😀
This Hitachi should prove to be quiet popular. No good for an all day finish carpentry job, but perfect for when you just need to fix some cabinet trim or slap together a jig in the woodshop.
Rob says
*quite
ddhean says
hi everyone. so i have task from my boss to buy a good and small compressor. and actually i dont familiar with compressor itself. so when i give advice to my boss to buy this compressor, he ask if this compressor’s voltage can be decreased 12V? please answere thanks.
Stuart says
This is a 110V AC air compressor.