While not the prettiest to look at, the Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 is a powerful little hand-carry air compressor. Ingersoll Rand has a proven history of high quality products that dates back to 1871 and great customer service to stand behind them. We have yet to find an Ingersoll Rand product which we’ve been disappointed with. The P1IU-A9 competes with many other products that are at much higher price points.
At-A-Glance Specs
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Brand:
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Ingersoll Rand
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Model:
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P1IU-A9
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Category:
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Contractor
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Style:
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Twin stack
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Weight:
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77 pounds
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Tank Size:
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4.5 gallons
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Peak HP:
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2.0
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CFM@90 PSI:
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4.4
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Max Pressure:
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125 PSI
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Pump Type:
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Single-stage
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Oil Type:
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Oil-lubricated
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Noise:
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80 dBA
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Rating:
(1-5 stars)
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>> Check Current Price of the P1IU-A9 <<
Size
The twin tanks of this Ingersoll Rand model total 4.5 gallons and are horizontally stacked. This model is labeled as being fully portable, but at a hefty 77 pounds, it is not the easiest to move up and down stairs. It does not have wheels, but has a handle which makes it much easier to carry than you think. It is more convenient to use it with a dolly or another type of cart because almost 80 pounds can be a lot to carry. I’ve even towed it in a wagon to get it where I want it to be. The machine is very durable with the motor surrounded by heavy duty caging. It comes with two universal couplers in ¼ inch size. It also has a pressure gauge and regulator on the front panel, so you know what is going on all of the time.
Performance
The Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 packs quite a punch in a compact (yet heavy) package. It has a 2 horsepower engine that runs very smoothly due to its fully balanced crankshaft that reduces vibration. You also get up to 125 PSI with 4.4 CFM at 90 PSI. This makes the Ingersoll Rand one of the highest performing compressors in its category. In addition, the P1IU-A9 was designed to run continuously and will last you many years.
Pump Type
The pump on the P1IU-A9 is oil-lubricated, so it will last a longer time than the oil-less types. Like all good machinery, you will need to do a minimum amount of maintenance to keep it running along. You can trust the power in this compressor to do contractor-grade work like decking and roofing. It is made of cast iron with one cylinder and it can operate under continuous duty operation for longer projects.
Noise Level
At about 80 decibels, the noise level on the Ingersoll Rand is a little bit quieter than expected. Every compressor is going to be loud but with this one you’ll at least be able to hold a conversation.
Who It's For
The compressor is designed for the professional contractor or homeowner who simply wants a powerful, high-quality product. There are smaller and more portable models that home users could use, but none this powerful and well-made. If you just need an air compressor for little jobs around the house, you’d be better off with a lighter, more portable model such as the Porter Cable C2002 or the Makita MAC700. The Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 is intended for serious users who value performance and quality over light weight.
Pros
- High quality cast iron
- Powerful
- Quality components
- Low vibration
- Tanks fills up quickly
- Twin couplers with separate gauges
- Fairly quiet for a compressor
Cons
- Heavy
- No wheels
- Poor gauges
- Does not qualify as "eye candy"
Final Verdict on the Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 Air Compressor
The Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 is one of the best contractor air compressors on the market. 4.4 CFM at 90 PSI in such a small package is nothing short of remarkable. Sure it is heavier that most compressors that size but if you’re like me, you will gladly accept more weight when you know that the weight means design quality and durability. The addition of wheels would have made this product almost perfect. Highly recommended and well worth the $50 or so dollars extra over similar sized compressors.
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