Portable Gasoline Air Compressors for Jobsite Work

Portable gasoline air compressors use Honda and other commercial gas engines to deliver compressed air at job sites, rooftops, and remote locations without electrical power. CompressorPros carries gas-powered portable compressors from 4 to 13 HP in hand carry, wheeled, and wheelbarrow configurations. Standard shipping is free.

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What Are Portable Gasoline Air Compressors?

A portable gasoline air compressor uses a commercial gas engine to drive a compressor pump, delivering compressed air anywhere without the need for electrical power. Gas portables are the standard for roofing crews, fencing contractors, framing carpenters, and mobile service operations that work at locations where running an extension cord is impractical or impossible. They deliver higher CFM than most portable electric compressors of similar weight and are available from 4 to 13 HP with 5 to 30 gallon tanks.

Hand Carry vs. Wheeled vs. Wheelbarrow

The frame style determines how the compressor moves to and around the job site.

Hand Carry Gas Compressors

Hand carry gas compressors use a carry frame with handles and weigh under 100 pounds. They are designed to be lifted by one or two people and carried to locations that wheeled units cannot reach, such as rooftops, second floors, and tight crawl spaces. Tank sizes are typically 5-8 gallons. The Mi-T-M AM1-HM04-05M 4 HP Gasoline Driven Single Stage Hand Carry Air Compressor is a popular hand carry option for field work at 4 HP.

Wheeled Gas Compressors

Wheeled gas portables mount the engine, pump, and tank on a cart with pneumatic tires. They roll across flat surfaces and load into truck beds for transport.The Jenny K5HGA-8P 5.5 HP Honda Gasoline Driven Single Stage Portable Air Compressor is a popular gas drive portable.

Wheelbarrow Gas Compressors

Wheelbarrow air compressors mount the compressor on a single-wheel frame with handles, similar to a wheelbarrow. This design navigates rough terrain, gravel, and uneven ground better than multi-wheel carts.

Types of Portable Gasoline Air Compressors

4-5.5 HP Gas Portables

The core of the gas portable range. These units deliver 8-15 CFM and power framing nailers, roofing nailers, impact wrenches, and intermittent spray tools. Many use Honda GX-series engines known for reliable field starting and long service life. This HP tier is available in hand carry, wheeled, and wheelbarrow configurations and accounts for the majority of gas portable sales.

Twin Tank Gas Compressors

Twin tank models mount two cylinders on a carry frame, distributing weight evenly and providing more total tank volume in a compact footprint. The Chicago Pneumatic RCP-508H 5.5 HP Honda Gas Powered Twin Tank Air Compressor delivers high CFM from a balanced twin-tank configuration that is easier to carry than a single large tank.

13 HP Gas Portables and Compressor/Generator Combos

The premium tier for maximum portable output. At 13 HP, these units deliver 20-25+ CFM and handle heavier pneumatic tools and multi-tool setups. The Industrial Gold CI13GEH10-P 13 HP Honda Gas Drive Portable Air Compressor - Platinum is the highest-HP portable piston compressor that we sell. For crews that need both compressed air and electrical power at remote sites, the Mi-T-M AG2-SH13-08M1e 13 HP Honda Powered Twin Tank Air Compressor/Generator Combo combines both in a single engine-driven package with electric start.

Key Specifications

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Gas portables deliver roughly 8-25 CFM depending on HP. A framing nailer draws 4-6 CFM; a roofing nailer draws 3-5 CFM; an impact wrench draws 4-8 CFM up to 1/2", 3/4" and 1" use 15-20 CFM. Add up simultaneous tool demands and include a 25-30% buffer.
HP (Horsepower): Ranges from 4 HP for hand carry models to 13 HP for premium portables. Most gas portables run at 5.5 HP, which covers the majority of contractor tool requirements.
Tank Capacity (Gallons): Hand carry models use 5-8 gallon tanks. Wheeled and wheelbarrow models use 8-17 gallon tanks. Some 13 HP models pair with larger receivers.
Max PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Most gas portables deliver 125-150 PSI, sufficient for framing, roofing, and impact tools.
Engine Type: Honda GX-series engines are the standard across most brands. Honda engines are valued for reliable cold starting, fuel efficiency, and widespread parts availability.
Weight: Hand carry gas compressors weigh 50-90 pounds. Wheeled and wheelbarrow models range from 100-250+ pounds. Consider whether the unit will need to be lifted into a truck bed.

Brands Carried

Jenny: The largest gas portable line on the site, covering 5.5 HP Honda-powered compressors in wheeled and hand carry configurations with 8 to 17 gallon tanks.
Chicago Pneumatic: Honda-powered twin tank gas portables at 5 HP for contractor and field use.
Mi-T-M: Gasoline hand carry compressors at 4 HP and 13 HP compressor/generator combos for crews that need air and electricity from one unit.
Quincy: Honda-powered wheelbarrow portables for demanding construction and contractor applications.
Industrial Gold: Platinum series 13 HP Honda-powered gas portables with cast iron pumps for maximum output and durability.

CompressorPros buys direct from the manufacturer, saving time and money.

FAQ

What can a portable gas air compressor run? A 5.5 HP gas portable handles framing nailers, roofing nailers, finish nailers, impact wrenches, blow-off, and tire inflation. A 13 HP unit can run heavier impact tools or multiple nailers simultaneously. Gas portables are not designed for continuous-duty applications like production spray painting.

What is the most common mistake when buying a portable gas compressor? Not accounting for altitude. Gas engines lose power at higher elevations, reducing CFM output. If you work above 3,000-4,000 feet, select a compressor with 15-20% more rated CFM than your calculated requirement to compensate for altitude derating.

How does a portable gas compressor compare to a portable electric? Gas portables deliver higher CFM, work without electrical power, and serve outdoor job sites. Portable electric compressors are quieter, produce no exhaust, cost less to operate, and are the better choice for indoor and shop environments where a 115V or 230V outlet is available.

How often does a gas portable compressor need maintenance? Follow the engine manufacturer's schedule for oil changes (typically every 50-100 hours for Honda GX engines), spark plug replacement, and air filter cleaning. The compressor pump requires its own oil changes per the pump manufacturer's schedule, typically every 200-500 hours.

Can I use a gas portable compressor indoors? No. Gasoline engines produce carbon monoxide and must be operated outdoors or in well-ventilated areas only. For indoor use, choose a portable electric air compressor.

Does CompressorPros offer free shipping on portable gas compressors? Yes. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer, on every unit in this category.

Shop Portable Gasoline Air Compressors at CompressorPros

CompressorPros carries portable gasoline air compressors from 4 to 13 HP in hand carry, wheeled, wheelbarrow, and twin tank configurations from five brands. For indoor and shop use, browse portable electric air compressors. For higher-CFM engine-driven rotary screw units, see construction portable and heavy duty portable air compressors. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer.

If you need help choosing a gas portable compressor for your crew, call (803) 339-0445 or email info@compressorpros.com.

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Portable Gasoline

ConX SC70-150 70 CFM Honda Gas Powered Rotary Screw 150 psi

Jenny AM840-4HG-HC4V 4 HP Honda Gasoline Driven Portable Air Compressor

Mi-T-M ABS-14M-B 14 HP Mi-T-M Engine Driven Air Compressor Base Mount

Elgi GP75 22 HP Honda Engine Driven 73 CFM Portable Rotary Screw Air Compressor

Quincy G15H8WQ 5.5 HP Honda Powered Contractor Portable Air Compressor

Mi-T-M AG2-PM14-08M1e 14 HP Air Compressor/Generator Combo

Jenny K5HGE-8P-DU 5.5 HP Honda Gasoline Driven Single Stage Portable Air Compressor 150 psi with Discharge Unloader

Jenny K5HGA-17P 5.5 Honda Gasoline Driven Single Stage 17 Gallon Portable Air Compressor

Elgi GP35FP Honda Engine Driven 35 CFM Portable Rotary Screw Air Compressor

KTC KPM 3.5 Portable Gasoline Engine Driven Rotary Screw Air Compressor

Mi-T-M AG2-PK14-08M1 14 HP Kohler Air Compressor/Generator Combo

Mi-T-M AG2-SV14-BE 14 HP Briggs Vanguard Engine Powered Base Mount Air Compressor/Generator Combo Electric Start