ABAC ABC5-2180VP 5 HP Two-Stage Ironman Air Compressor - 80 Gallon Vertical, 175 PSI, 16 CFM C1 Cast Iron Pump

The ABAC ABC5-2180VP is the Ironman build of the 5 HP two-stage compressor: a fully cast iron C1 pump rather than an aluminum hybrid block, delivering 16 CFM at a maximum 175 PSI on an 80 gallon vertical ASME tank. The vertical layout keeps the whole 80 gallon reserve in a small floor footprint, which suits shops with ceiling height to spare but not much open floor. Choose 230V single-phase (ABC5-2180VP), 230V three-phase (ABC5-2380VP), or 460V three-phase (ABC5-4380VP).

Key specifications

• Models: ABC5-2180VP / ABC5-2380VP / ABC5-4380VP
• Motor: 5 HP
• Pump: C1 two-stage, fully cast iron cylinders
• Air delivery: 16 CFM
• Maximum pressure: 175 PSI
• Tank: 80 gallon vertical, ASME tank and safety valves
• Power supply: 230/1/60, 230/3/60, or 460/3/60
• Belt drive with fully enclosed belt guard

Why cast iron, and why two stages

ABAC builds the Ironman range around a fully cast iron pump because the extra mass absorbs heat and damps vibration, which is what lets a compressor hold up under the long run times of a working shop rather than occasional weekend use. Two stages matter for the same reason: compressing in two steps with cooling in between reaches 175 PSI with less heat than a single-stage pump straining for the same pressure, so the oil stays cleaner and the valves last longer. The fully enclosed belt guard and the ASME tank with safety valves are standard across the Ironman simplex line.

Sizing and how it compares

Size on CFM, not horsepower. 16 CFM comfortably covers impact wrenches, ratchets, blow guns and most spray guns, with enough left over for a second tool used intermittently. If one continuous-duty tool such as a dual action sander will run most of the day, step up to the 7.5 HP ABC7-2180VP at 21 CFM, or to the C2 pump on the ABC7-2180V2P at 24 CFM. For two operators working at once, start instead at the 10 HP ABC10-2312VP at 32 CFM on a 120 gallon tank.

Typical applications

Auto repair and body shops, tire stores, woodworking and metal shops, and light fabrication: the professional heavy duty work the Ironman simplex range is built for, where the pump needs to be rated for duty cycle rather than occasional use.

Power and air quality

Take three-phase power if the panel has it, since a three-phase motor starts easier and runs cooler on a compressor that cycles all day. On single-phase, give it a dedicated circuit sized to the motor nameplate and keep the wire run short. Air leaves any piston compressor hot and saturated, so pair it with a refrigerated air dryer ahead of a paint booth, a plasma table, or any tool line you would rather not run water through. The ABAC COOL 25 is the matching size for a single 16 CFM machine, and the rest of the range is in our refrigerated air dryers collection.

Part of ABAC's Ironman cast iron range from the Atlas Copco group. See the rest of our 5 HP air compressors and the full piston air compressor range.