Rolair Portable & wheelbarrow series
Contractor-grade portable range spanning oil-free quiet units through gas-engine wheelbarrow compressors for remote jobsite air.
Type
Single-stage reciprocating
Power
1.0–6.5 hp electric and gas frames
Flow
2.35 cfm @ 90 psi (JC10) up to ~12 cfm @ 90 psi on the gas wheelbarrow frames
Pressure
125–135 psi typical maximum
Cooling
air
Drive
belt-or-direct
Lubrication
oil-lubricated
Models
JC10, JC20, VT25BIG, 5715K17, 4090HK17, 6590HK18
Sound level
60 dB (JC10 oil-free) to 85+ dB (gas wheelbarrow units).
Typical applications
- Contractor jobsite air
- Wheelbarrow units for remote work
- Service trucks
- Small shop air
Specs & intervals below are from publicly published OEM literature and long-standing field practice. Torque values, exact revision-dated part numbers, and safety-critical settings vary by serial number — always cross-check the unit’s OEM manual and nameplate before ordering parts or performing service.
Fluid
Spec: Rolair-specified compressor oil or SAE 30 non-detergent (oil-lubricated frames)
Change interval: Every 200–300 hr or annually
JC10 is oil-free; most other Rolair frames are oil-lubricated cast iron.
Wear parts
| Category | Interval | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Crankcase oil (oil-lubed frames) | 200–300 hr | |
| Air filter element | 100–200 hr | |
| Belt and pulley alignment | Quarterly check | |
| Valve plate assembly | Inspect at 1,000 hr | |
| Pressure switch / unloader | Replace on failure |
Consumable part numbers change by revision and region — pull the current number from the OEM portal.
Preventive maintenance
Daily
- Check crankcase oil level
- Drain tank moisture
- Listen for valve tick / knock
- Verify unloader operates on cut-out
Every 500 hr
- Change crankcase oil (mineral) or verify PAO/synthetic at manufacturer interval
- Clean or replace inlet filter
- Check belt tension & sheave alignment
- Torque head bolts to spec if any weeping
Annual / 2,000 hr
- Pull head; inspect reed/disc valves and seats
- Check ring gap and cylinder wear
- Torque head bolts to OEM spec in cross pattern
- Test safety valve
- Inspect crankshaft & rod bearings on splash-lube units
Every 4–6,000 hr
- Top-end rebuild (rings, valves, gaskets)
- Inspect rod bearings and crank end play
- Verify aftercooler condensate drain
Common faults & first checks
- Hard hot restart — failed unloader on the pressure switch
- Gas frames: engine won't hold RPM under load — throttle control or a dirty carburettor, not the pump
- Slow recovery — reed valves or a plugged intake filter
Strengths
- Heavy cast-iron pumps that survive trade use
- Broad electric and gas lineup
- Serviceable parts availability
Weaknesses
- Heavier than consumer units
- Louder than oil-free quiet lines
- Gas frames need engine maintenance too
Field notes
Model coverage from the published Rolair catalogue. Verify CFM against the exact model number on the tank decal.