ABAC AB5-2180VP 5 HP Two-Stage Air Compressor - 80 Gallon Vertical, 175 PSI, 16.6 CFM T39 Pump with Magnetic Starter

The ABAC AB5-2180VP is the high output 5 HP machine in ABAC's 2-Stage Hybrid Pro range. Its belt driven T39 two-stage pump moves 16.6 CFM at a maximum 175 PSI, two full CFM more than the standard 5 HP V4 builds on the same 80 gallon vertical ASME tank. That margin is what lets a single operator keep a DA sander or a die grinder fed instead of waiting on the pump to catch up. Every voltage option ships with a heavy-duty 184T frame motor and a factory fitted magnetic starter, which protects the motor and the pressure switch from the over amping damage that comes of starting hard and often.

Key specifications

• Models: AB5-2180VP (230V single-phase), AB5-2380VP (230V three-phase), AB5-4380VP (460V three-phase)
• Motor: 5 HP, 60 Hz, 184T frame with magnetic starter
• Pump: T39 two-stage hybrid, aluminum with cast iron cylinders and inner cooling technology
• Air delivery: 16.6 CFM at max pressure
• Maximum pressure: 175 PSI
• Tank: 80 gallon vertical, ASME tank and safety valves
• Aluminum heads and aftercoolers for heat dissipation and moisture removal
• Fully enclosed belt guard, start/stop pressure switch control
• Weight: 398 lbs
• Dimensions: 25 x 34 x 75 in
• Warranty: 2 year full, assembled in the USA

How it compares

Within the 80 gallon vertical 5 HP range the pump is what separates the builds. The AB5-2180V4 and the starter-less AB5-2180V4NS run the PAT 49 pump for 14.6 CFM at 393 lbs. This VP build steps up to the T39 pump and 16.6 CFM at 398 lbs, so the extra output costs almost nothing in footprint. The AB5-2180VPFF Full Feature build is the same machine with a pressure actuated automatic tank drain and a low oil level switch added. If noise is the deciding factor, the AB5-2180VQP Quiet Power delivers the same 16.6 CFM at 66 dBA, though it carries 527 lbs in a 39 x 24 x 80 in cabinet. Where floor space matters more than stored air, the 60 gallon AB5-2160V4 runs 14.6 CFM at 301 lbs. For more air on the identical 80 gallon platform, the 7.5 HP AB7-2180V delivers 22.2 CFM.

Choosing a voltage

All three builds deliver the same 16.6 CFM at 175 PSI and weigh the same 398 lbs. Pick 230V single-phase if that is what the panel offers, since it is the only option that runs on common shop power. Where three-phase service exists, the 230V and 460V three-phase builds are the better long term choice: a three-phase motor starts under less stress and runs cooler at the same load. Whichever you pick, run the unit on its own circuit sized to the motor nameplate and have an electrician confirm the service before delivery, because a 5 HP two-stage starting against a full tank draws hard.

Typical applications

ABAC lists the Hybrid Pro range for air and water spraying, impact wrenching, hammering, grinding, fastening, tire inflation and general equipment operation. In practice this is the compressor for an auto body or repair shop, a dealership service bay, a production woodworking or metal fabrication shop, or a farm building where the machine is called on through most of the shift. At 16.6 CFM it will hold up a sander or a grinder continuously, or a pair of impact wrenches used intermittently. For sandblasting or two operators on high-draw tools at once, start at 7.5 HP or move to a rotary screw compressor rated for 100 percent duty.

A two-stage compressor sends warm, wet air down the line, so pair this one with a refrigerated dryer rated above its 16.6 CFM output, such as the ABAC COOL 25, plus a filter regulator ahead of any paint or finishing work. Part of ABAC's 2-Stage Hybrid Pro range from the Atlas Copco group. Browse the rest of our piston air compressors and our compressed air dryers.