BelAire 438VE Air Compressor – 8HP Vertical

Description

BelAire 438VE Air Compressor – Heavy-Duty 5 HP Vertical Industrial Air Compressor (80 Gallon)

The BelAire 438VE Air Compressor is a professional-grade two-stage cast iron stationary air compressor designed for automotive workshops, fabrication shops, CNC facilities, and industrial operations that require reliable and continuous compressed air. It features a 5 HP three-phase electric motor, a rugged low-RPM cast iron two-stage pump, and an 80-gallon ASME-certified vertical tank, delivering strong performance with long service life.

It produces approximately 18 CFM at 100 PSI and 16 CFM at 175 PSI, with a maximum operating pressure of 175 PSI, making it suitable for powering multiple pneumatic tools and medium-duty industrial applications.

Key Features

• 5 HP industrial-grade electric motor (208–230V, three-phase)
• Heavy-duty two-stage cast iron pump for durability and efficiency
• Large 80-gallon vertical ASME-certified tank
• Air delivery: ~18 CFM at 100 PSI / ~16 CFM at 175 PSI
• Maximum pressure: 175 PSI
• Belt-driven low-RPM design for quieter operation and longer pump life
• Magnetic starter included for safe motor control
• Belt guard aftercooler (Elite configuration) for improved air quality and cooling
• Low oil level protection switch (Elite configuration)
• Built for continuous industrial duty cycles

Performance Overview

The BelAire 438VE is designed for stable, continuous shop air where reliability matters more than portability. Its cast iron pump and low-RPM configuration reduce heat buildup and mechanical wear, helping extend service life in demanding environments.

The 80-gallon vertical tank helps stabilize pressure during tool operation, reducing frequent cycling and improving efficiency across multi-user workstations.

Ideal Applications

• Automotive repair workshops
• CNC machining and fabrication
• Industrial maintenance departments
• Metalworking and welding shops
• Manufacturing facilities
• Woodworking and finishing operations
• Multi-tool pneumatic systems

BelAire 438VE Air Compressor – 8HP Vertical: Buying Considerations

BelAire 438VE Air Compressor: Elite-Series 8HP vertical compressor upgraded with a low-oil safety switch and aftercooler for superior moisture control and durability.

Elite Drive: 8HP Protected Motor
Volume Delivery: 716 L/min (25.3 CFM)
Compression Limit: 175 PSI (12 Bar)
Vessel Size: 60 Gallon Vertical
Safety Module: Aftercooler & Low-Oil

Before ordering the BelAire 438VE Air Compressor – 8HP Vertical from BelAire, review the points below against your actual site conditions and workload. Published specifications describe the equipment under test conditions, and real-world performance depends on how closely your application matches those conditions. Buyers in the United States, Canada, and Asia should also confirm local voltage and frequency requirements, applicable safety or emissions standards, and freight or import logistics for the destination before finalizing an order.

What to Check Before You Buy

• Total the real CFM demand of every tool that could run at the same time, then add reserve capacity for leaks and future tools – not just the single largest tool's rating.
• Confirm voltage and phase availability (120V/240V, single/three-phase) matches the compressor's electrical requirement.
• Check tank size relative to duty cycle – a larger tank reduces motor cycling on intermittent loads but does not substitute for adequate CFM on continuous-demand tools.
• Review noise rating if the compressor will run in an occupied or noise-sensitive space.

Does tank size matter more than CFM for a shop air compressor?

CFM output matters more for continuous-demand tools (sanders, grinders); tank size matters more for intermittent high-draw tools (impact wrenches, nail guns) where the tank supplies a burst faster than the motor could alone. Undersized CFM cannot be fixed by a bigger tank if the tool's continuous demand exceeds the compressor's output.

For sizing help across the full Compressor category, compare specifications side by side before committing to a specific model, and confirm current pricing, availability, and freight details for your location. Keep the supplier data sheet and any acceptance criteria on record for future maintenance and replacement decisions.