Hitachi EC12 14.5 amp 2-Horsepower 4-Gallon Oiled Twin Hot Dog Compressor

Friday, April 13, 2012

Product Details

Shipping Weight: 67.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
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Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
ASIN: B0000225DO
California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
Item model number: EC12

By : Hitachi
Price : $199.99
You Save : $217.30 (52%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
The Hitachi EC12 Portable Four-Gallon Twin Stack Air Compressor is ideal for supporting a variety of pneumatic tools, including nailers and staplers. Its powerful motor and rugged all-metal interior will give you years of consistent performance. And with a large tank, efficient air delivery system, and oil lubricated pump, the EC12 will help you get your work done quickly and easily.

With a robust motor and a consistent air-flow system, this compressor supports a range of tools. .
EC12 Portable Four-Gallon Twin Stack Air CompressorTool Specifications
Power Output
1.5 Run/2.0 Peak HP
Tank Capacity
4 Gallon
Amps
14.5
Motor RPM
3,450
CFM
4.0 90 psi
Weight
60 lbs.
The pressure switch (right) is in convenient range of the pressure-reduction knob (left). .Powerful Direct-Drive Electric MotorThe EC12 uses a two-horsepower, 115-volt direct-drive electric motor. This robust motor will give you quick recovery times and maximum all-around performance, and the motor's line regulator with gauge makes this tool ready to go right out of the box. Built for durability and long life, the EC12's motor will give you consistent, reliable performance.
Efficient Air Delivery SystemThe EC12's air delivery system makes it ideal for supporting any type of pneumatic nailer or stapler. The large twin stack air tanks provide a maximum air capacity of four gallons and a maximum pressure of 125 psi. Air delivery is 4.2 CFM at 40 psi, 4.1 CFM at 90 psi, and 3.6 CFM at 100 psi.
Oil-Lubricated Pump for Smooth OperationThe EC12 features an oil-lubricated pump for maximum efficiency and smooth operation over the life of the compressor. For convenience, the oil dip stick and drain valve are easily accessible on the exterior of the air compressor.
Designed for Long Life and PortabilityRelatively compact in size, the 60-pound EC12 features a convenient carrying handle for portability. And with a rugged all-metal interior and fan, the EC12 is able to withstand any jobsite. An intake filter provides added protection against interior component damage and is easily accessible by removing a single screw. Additionally, a thermal protection feature guards against problems, such as motor overload, by automatically shutting down the compressor.
The Hitachi EC12 Twin Stack Air Compressor is backed by Hitachi's one-year warranty.
About Hitachi: A Tradition of InnovationHitachi Power Tools (Hitachi Koki USA, Ltd.) provides professional-grade power tools for a variety of applications, including woodwork, metalwork, concrete, drilling, cutting, and fastening. Hitachi is a leader in power tool research and development and has achieved many firsts in the power tool industry. Today, Hitachi continues the tradition of innovation and engineering with new features in addition to classic quality.
What's in the BoxEC12 Air Compressor, synthetic oil SAE 5W50 (8 ounces), oil dipstick, and pressure gauge.
Includes 4 Gallon 1.5 HP Oil-Lubricated Twin Stack Air Compressor - EC12, 8 oz. SAE5W50 Synthetic Oil - 19210B, Oil Dipstick - 881469
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Technical Details

14-1/2 amp 2-horsepower 4-gallon oiled twin hot dog compressor with carrying handle
4.1 cfm delivered at 90 psi; shut-off valve at line and auto reset
Cylinder constructed of cast iron
Includes DEWALT synthetic compressor oil and pressure regulator
60-pounds; 1-year warranty

Hitachi EC12 14.5 amp 2-Horsepower 4-Gallon Oiled Twin Hot Dog Compressor

Customer Reviews

This machine is yet another good example of high quality Hitachi engineering. This compressor has outlasted several other brands. The machine has run two finishing guns continuously for almost a year and hasn't needed anything more than an oil change The regulator is predictable, and adjusts as easily as other brands. I firmly believe that Hitachi gets 4.1 CFM out of 14.5 amps. We simply do not run out of air no matter how fast we are working with the Senco SFN40's. Down time has been zilch. One thing we did add was a water/oil separator and filter to protect our work and our guns. I suppose Hitachi (and most other brands) leaves these off so that they will have a competitive price. But it does not make economical sense for YOU to leave them off.
While I have given this compressor a 5 star rating, there are some things for the engineers (and you!) to think about in the next model: 1. The way the regulator is mounted it is difficult to make a manifold for two hoses without hanging those pipes out there where they can get knocked off. Anyone who has knocked one off before will know that A) everyone in the neighborhood knows it right away and B) it puts you down for some expensive time. And C) when this happens, it often creates an unwanted projectile. It took me three street elbows and an hour of figuring to get the quick disconnects in a safe place. 2. When you pick the unit up with the handle, the unit tilts a bit. This means you have to hold it out away from your body a bit more than the size of the compressor would promise. All that horsepower weighs enough to make this more uncomfortable than need be. We just bent the handle with a torch to get on the center of gravity.
These are relatively small gigs on a really great compressor. I only spent so many words on them so that the engineers might just read this. It seems they will have plenty of time to correct this before the ones I own wear.

I chose the Hitachi three years ago because it has a fine compressor and motor, solid construction, and overall good design. It has been entirely reliable and three years later I still am using it both in my cabinet shop and on the job for residential remodeling. The only significant design flaw is the position of the gauges. They are subject to being knocked off. I found this out the hard way one day when I had to slam on the brakes in my van and a sliding tool box sheared one of them off. Despite this one flaw I would still by another Hitachi in a heart beat. The Hitachi is not only reliable, but, unlike many compressors, it truly works on 15 amps. This compressor has never blown a fuse on me, which is something of a miracle considering the wiring in many of the older homes I remodel.