Portable Air Compressor Models
Compare the Full Air Compressor Family
From compact 185 cfm towables to 1,170 cfm high-pressure powerhouses — compare every Bobcat portable air compressor by airflow, pressure, engine and weight.
| Model | Free Air Delivery | Rated Pressure | Pressure Range | Engine | Operating Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small — FlexAir | ||||||
| 185 cfm | 100 psig | 80–100 psig | Doosan D1849 bhp · 3-cyl | 2,359 lbs | View | |
| 185 cfm (FlexAir) | 100 psig | 80–150 psig | Doosan D2449 bhp · 4-cyl | 2,477 lbs | View | |
| 185 cfm (FlexAir) | 125 psig | 80–200 psig | Doosan D2474 bhp · 4-cyl | 2,594 lbs | View | |
| 250 cfm (FlexAir) | 100 psig | 80–175 psig | Doosan D24 (turbo)74 bhp · 4-cyl | 2,594 lbs | Soon | |
| Medium — Dual Pressure | ||||||
| 425 / 375 cfm | 100 / 150 psig | 80–175 psig | Cummins F3.8L135 bhp · 4-cyl | 4,776 lbs | Soon | |
| 450 / 400 cfm | 150 / 200 psig | 80–225 psig | Cummins F3.8L173 bhp · 4-cyl | 4,776 lbs | View | |
| Large — High-Pressure | ||||||
| 750 cfm | 350 psig | 140–365 psig | Cummins L9325 bhp · 6-cyl | 12,015 lbs | View | |
| 1,170 cfm | 365 psig | 140–365 psig | Caterpillar C13B536 bhp · 6-cyl | 19,025 lbs | View | |
| Large — Low-Pressure | ||||||
| 825 / 750 cfm | 125 / 150 psig | 80–175 psig | Cummins QSB6.7266 bhp · 6-cyl | 9,330 lbs | View | |
| 915 cfm | 150 psig | 80–175 psig | Cummins B6.7298 bhp · 6-cyl | 10,692 lbs | View | |
Free air delivery and rated pressure shown as low/high for dual-pressure units (PA425V, PA450VP, PA825V) and as the FlexAir base output for the variable-pressure small units. Operating weight is for the enclosed unit with running gear (includes fuel where applicable). All large units offer the optional patented IQ System® for instrument-quality air. Specifications subject to change — contact Carleton Equipment to confirm.
Four Tiers, One Lineup
Bobcat portable air compressors sort into four classes by airflow (CFM), pressure (PSI), and how they deliver it. Here's how to read the lineup before you compare specs.
185–250 CFM
up to 200 psi
Compact, Doosan-powered towables. FlexAir fine-tunes pressure and flow from the panel — great for hand tools, small blasting and cable work.
PA185 · PA185V · PA185VP · PA250V
375–450 CFM
up to 225 psi
Cummins-powered Dual Pressure units — switch HI/LOW on the fly so one machine covers two pressure/flow programs. Multi-tool work and mid-size blasting.
PA425V · PA450VP
750–1,170 CFM
up to 365 psi
Single-stage powerhouses for high-pressure work — down-the-hole and rock drilling, deep pipeline jobs. Optional IQ System® for clean air.
PA750P · PA1170P
825–915 CFM
up to 175 psi
High-volume air for big low-pressure jobs — general construction, road & bridge work, abrasive blasting. The PA825V adds Dual Pressure; both offer the IQ System®.
PA825V · PA915
Sizing It Right — CFM & PSI
Two numbers decide the unit: CFM (cubic feet per minute) is how much air a tool consumes, and PSI (pressure) is how hard it pushes. Add up the CFM of every tool you'll run at once, then match a compressor that meets both that total flow and your highest-pressure tool.
| Tool / Application | Typical CFM | Typical PSI |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8″–1/2″ impact wrench | 3–5 cfm | 90 psi |
| 1″ impact wrench | ~10 cfm | 90 psi |
| Air hammer / chisel | 4–5 cfm | 90 psi |
| Cut-off tool / die grinder | 5–8 cfm | 90 psi |
| Sandblasting — small nozzle | 10–25 cfm | 90–125 psi |
| Sandblasting — production | 100–600+ cfm | 90–150 psi |
| 60–90 lb paving breaker (each) | 40–55 cfm | 90–110 psi |
| Pneumatic rock drill / jackleg | 80–100 cfm | 90–125 psi |
| Pipeline pressure testing / purging | High volume | up to 175 psi |
| Down-the-hole (DTH) drilling | 750–1,200+ cfm | 200–365 psi |
Rule of thumb: size to your largest simultaneous air demand and add about 20–30% headroom for hose loss and future tools — then confirm the unit's pressure meets your highest-PSI tool. Not sure? Tell us your tools and we'll spec it for you.
Applications by Industry
Construction
General, road & bridge work running breakers, tampers and air tools.
Medium → LargeSandblasting
Surface prep and coatings — sustained high-volume airflow.
Large Low-PressurePipeline
Pressure testing and purging on utility and energy projects.
LargeDrilling
Rock and down-the-hole drilling that needs high pressure.
Large High-PressureRental Fleets
Easy-service enclosures and versatile output for mixed demand.
All TiersThe Patented IQ System®
For jobs that demand clean, dry air, the large Bobcat compressors can be equipped with the patented IQ System® — three components working together to deliver instrument-quality, ISO-standard air.
Onboard Aftercooler
Cools the compressed air stream so moisture condenses out before it reaches your tools.
Coalescing Dual Filtration
A two-stage coalescing filter strips out aerosol oil vapors and microscopic dust particles.
Zero-Discharge Condensate Removal
Captures and removes condensate with no discharge onto the jobsite — clean air, clean ground.
The result is clean, dry, instrument-quality air that protects downstream tools and meets strict air-quality standards for sandblasting, painting, instrumentation and other specialized work. Available on the PA750P, PA1170P, PA825V and PA915.
Emissions & Towing
Tier 4 Final & DEF
Every current model is a Tier 4 Final (T4F) clean-diesel unit with largely maintenance-free aftertreatment — several use a diesel oxidation catalyst with no regeneration cycles. The large units add SCR with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), so keep the DEF tank topped off (about 15 gal on the PA750P, 25 gal on the PA1170P). It's clean, modern diesel power with minimal emissions upkeep.
Towing & Transport
Operating weights run from about 2,300 lbs (PA185) up to roughly 19,000 lbs (PA1170P), so match the unit to the right tow vehicle and hitch class. Larger units ride on heavy-duty tandem/dual-axle running gear with lights, fenders and brakes for road-ready towing, and the PA1170P and PA915 can be flatbed-mounted for transport or long-term placement. Ask us about the right towing setup for your fleet.
Towable Air Compressors
Reliable air power for your entire jobsite.
- Easy serviceability
- Versatile pressure & flow options
- Optional IQ System for specialized applications
- Intuitive controls for safe operation
FlexAir System
Complete control of pressure and airflow, adjustable from the control panel for precise output.
Dual Pressure Capacity
Selectable HI/LOW modes for flexible use across multiple tools or applications — all in one unit.
Proprietary Airends
Precision-engineered for long life, low noise, and efficient air production — built in North Carolina.
Precision Rotors
Durable gearbox with premium bearings and wide gear ratio range for optimal efficiency and lifespan.
FlexAir System
Full Control of Pressure & Flow.
The Bobcat FlexAir system puts precise output control at the operator's fingertips. Adjust pressure and airflow independently from the control panel to match the exact demands of your tools and application — whether you're running a pneumatic hammer, sandblasting, or powering multiple outlets simultaneously. One compressor, fully tunable for any job.
Bobcat Air Compressors
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about buying, renting, or servicing a Bobcat portable air compressor? Find answers below or reach out to your nearest Carleton Equipment location.
What size air compressor do I need for my job?
Does Carleton Equipment offer financing on Bobcat air compressors?
Can I rent a portable air compressor before buying?
What is the FlexAir system on Bobcat compressors?
Where can I buy a Bobcat air compressor in Michigan?
What warranty comes with a new Bobcat air compressor?
Do you offer service and parts for Bobcat air compressors?
7 Locations in Michigan
Carleton Equipment Locations








