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Horizontal Tank Air Compressors
Horizontal, or lay down tank air compressors mount the tank on its side on a low-profile frame, providing a stable center of gravity and a compact footprint that fits under workbenches and against shop walls. CompressorPros carries horizontal compressors from 3 to 30+ HP across two stage piston and rotary screw tank mount configurations. Standard shipping is free.
What Are Horizontal Tank Air Compressors?
A horizontal tank air compressor orients the air receiver on its side rather than standing it upright. The horizontal layout lowers the unit's center of gravity, making it more stable during operation and easier to roll or reposition on a shop floor. Horizontal tanks also fit under workbenches, against walls, and in low-ceiling spaces where a vertical tank compressor would not clear. This category includes both two stage piston compressors on horizontal tanks and rotary screw tank mount systems, serving auto shops, woodworking studios, manufacturing facilities, and any operation that benefits from a lower-profile installation.
Horizontal Piston (Two Stage) vs. Horizontal Rotary Screw (Tank Mount)
Horizontal Two Stage Piston Compressors
Two stage piston compressors on horizontal tanks are the traditional shop workhorse. They deliver up to 175 PSI from 5 to 20 HP and pair with 60-240 gallon horizontal receivers. These units are well-suited to auto repair, fabrication, and woodworking shops that use air tools intermittently throughout the day. The Quincy 471CS80HCB 7.5 HP PRO Two Stage 80 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor is a popular single phase horizontal piston unit for mid-size shops.
Horizontal Rotary Screw Tank Mount Compressors
Rotary screw tank mount systems integrate the compressor, motor, and horizontal air receiver into a single package. They deliver 100% duty cycle, lower noise, and longer maintenance intervals than piston models. Tank mount rotary screw horizontals are available from 3 to 30 HP with 60-132 gallon tanks, and many include an integrated refrigerated air dryer. The Quincy QGS 5 TMD-1 5 HP Single Phase 60 Gallon Horizontal Rotary Screw with Dryer is the top seller in the horizontal category and a complete single-footprint air system with built-in drying.
Tank Size
30-60 Gallon Horizontal Compressors
The most compact horizontal configurations. A 60 gallon tank is standard for 3-7.5 HP rotary screw tank mount systems and entry-level two stage piston units. These fit in smaller shops and single-bay operations. The Elgi EN05-150-60T 7.5 HP Single Phase Rotary Screw 60 Gallon Horizontal Tank Mount delivers 150 PSI from a compact 60 gallon horizontal package.
80 Gallon Horizontal Compressors
The most common tank size for two stage piston shop compressors. An 80 gallon horizontal tank provides a strong air reserve for multi-tool use while keeping the overall footprint manageable. Available from 5 to 10 HP in single phase and three phase. The Schulz 7580HV30X-3 7.5 HP Three Phase Two Stage 80 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor is a value option at this tank size.
120-132 Gallon Horizontal Compressors
The largest horizontal tank configurations, used for 10-30 HP piston and rotary screw systems. A 120-132 gallon receiver reduces motor cycling significantly and provides a deep air buffer for high-demand operations. The Industrial Gold CI1523E120H-P 15 HP Three Phase Two Stage 120 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor is a heavy-duty piston option at this tier, while Quincy QGS TMD rotary screw models are available on 132 gallon horizontal tanks.
Key Specifications
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Horizontal piston compressors deliver roughly 15-50 CFM depending on HP and staging. Horizontal rotary screw tank mount systems deliver 15-130 CFM. Add up all simultaneous tool demands and include a 25-30% buffer.
- HP (Horsepower): Two stage piston horizontals range from 3 to 15 HP. Rotary screw tank mount horizontals range from 5 to 30 HP.
- Tank Capacity (Gallons): 30-60 gallons for compact units; 80 gallons for mid-size piston compressors; 120-132 gallons for large piston and rotary screw systems. Larger tanks reduce cycling and provide a longer air reserve.
- Max PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Two stage piston models deliver up to 175 PSI. Rotary screw tank mount models typically deliver 125-150 PSI.
- Voltage/Phase: Single phase (230V) is available for units up to about 7.5 HP. Three phase (208-460V) is standard for 10 HP and above. Confirm your electrical service before ordering.
Brands Carried
- Quincy: QT PRO and PRO series two stage piston compressors and QGS TMD series rotary screw tank mount systems on horizontal tanks from 5 to 30 HP.
- Elgi: EN series rotary screw horizontal tank mount compressors from 5 to 20 HP with optional integrated dryers and 150 PSI configurations.
- Industrial Gold: Platinum series cast iron two stage piston compressors on 120 gallon horizontal tanks for continuous-duty industrial use.
- Schulz: Two stage piston compressors on 80 gallon horizontal tanks from 5 to 15 HP with competitive pricing.
- BelAire: Cast iron two stage horizontal compressors from 5 to 10 HP, a long-standing choice for auto and body shops.
- Jenny: Horizontal tank compressors from 3 to 5 HP for smaller shops and maintenance operations.
- Toledo Tools: 5 - 50 HP Rotary Screw Air Compressors.
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FAQ
Why choose horizontal over vertical tank orientation? Horizontal tanks sit lower and provide a more stable platform. They fit in low-ceiling spaces where a vertical tank would not clear. Vertical tanks occupy a smaller floor footprint but are taller. Choose based on your shop's ceiling height and available floor space.
What is the most common mistake when buying a horizontal tank compressor? Not measuring the available space before ordering. Horizontal compressors are longer than vertical equivalents of the same capacity. Confirm that the unit's length fits in the intended location, including clearance for air intake, exhaust vents, and maintenance access on all sides.
Should I choose a horizontal piston or horizontal rotary screw? If you use air tools intermittently and want a lower upfront cost, a two stage piston on a horizontal tank is a practical choice. If you run air tools continuously for most of the workday and want lower noise, less maintenance, and 100% duty cycle, a rotary screw tank mount is the better investment.
Do horizontal rotary screw compressors come with dryers? Many do. Quincy QGS TMD and Elgi EN-G2 models include an integrated refrigerated air dryer. Piston models do not typically include a dryer; a standalone dryer would need to be purchased separately.
What tank size do I need? CFM is the most important factor in choosing a compressor, but this also may help: For a single-bay shop running one or two tools, a 60 gallon tank is sufficient. For multi-bay shops or heavier tool use, 80 gallons provides a better buffer. For industrial operations or high-demand continuous use, 120-132 gallons reduces cycling and maintains steadier pressure.
Does CompressorPros offer free shipping on horizontal tank compressors? Yes. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer, on every unit in this category.
Shop Horizontal Tank Air Compressors at CompressorPros
CompressorPros carries horizontal tank air compressors from 3 to 30+ HP across two stage piston and rotary screw tank mount technologies, with 30-132 gallon tanks from six brands. For a smaller floor footprint, browse vertical tank air compressors. For horizontal stationary options organized by portability, see the stationary category. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer.
If you need help choosing a horizontal compressor for your shop, call (803) 339-0445 or email info@compressorpros.com.