CAT CLASS: HQ-10017

260-400 cfm Towable Diesel Air Compressor

The 260-400 cfm towable diesel air compressor provides mid-range portable compressed air for simultaneous operation of three to four pneumatic breakers or a small sandblast pot. This size class sits between the 185-260 cfm units suited to smaller tool loads and the 400-600 cfm compressors used for larger crews or blasting operations. Manufacturers including Kaeser and Atlas Copco produce models in this output range, typically mounted on highway-towable trailers.

Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Free air delivery	270–387 cfm	Volume of compressed air delivered at atmospheric pressure, determining how many tools can operate simultaneously.
Max pressure	175–200 psi	Maximum discharge pressure; most pneumatic tools require 90–100 psi, so this range provides adequate headroom for line losses.
Fuel type	Diesel	Diesel engines provide high torque and fuel efficiency for long-duration job-site operation without grid power.

How to choose

This 260-400 cfm size class is appropriate when simultaneous operation of three to four pneumatic breakers or a small sandblast pot is required. For two breakers or lighter tool loads, the 185-260 cfm Towable Diesel Air Compressor offers adequate capacity with lower fuel consumption and towing weight. When supporting four or more breakers, larger blasting operations, or air demands exceeding 350 cfm continuously, the 400-600 cfm Towable Diesel Air Compressor becomes necessary to prevent pressure drop and tool performance loss.

What this size handles

Concrete demolition with three jackhammers operating simultaneously on urban sidewalk repair
Small abrasive blasting of structural steel components in fabrication yards
Pavement breaking for utility trenching with multiple breakers along a work zone
Pneumatic rock drilling for foundation piers on residential construction sites
Driving sheet piles with pneumatic hammers on small cofferdam installations
Powder coating or sandblasting medium-sized equipment frames in field applications

Safety & operation

Exhaust must be directed away from enclosed spaces and operator breathing zones to prevent carbon monoxide accumulation
Pressure relief valves and gauges require regular inspection to verify safe operation within rated limits
Trailer must be chocked and stabilized before operation to prevent movement from vibration or hose reaction forces
Air hose connections must be verified secure before pressurization; whipping hoses can cause serious injury

Transport & logistics

Highway-towable two-axle trailer with standard ball or pintle hitch, typically requiring a 3/4-ton or larger tow vehicle
Trailer-mounted design allows repositioning around job sites without dedicated transport equipment
Gross weight typically 2,500–4,500 lbs, within towing capacity of standard contractor pickup trucks

Power & supply

Onboard diesel engine supplies power for the compressor drive, eliminating need for grid electricity
Integrated fuel tank provides 8–24 hours of continuous operation depending on load and tank capacity
Cold-weather operation may require block heaters or fuel additives to ensure reliable starting

Frequently asked

How many pneumatic breakers can a 300 cfm compressor support?

Most pavement breakers consume 60–90 cfm at full load. A 300 cfm unit typically supports three breakers with margin for line losses, or four smaller tools operated intermittently.

What is the difference between cfm and scfm ratings?

CFM (cubic feet per minute) and SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute) both measure air volume, but SCFM is corrected to standard temperature and pressure conditions. Most manufacturers specify free air delivery in cfm at actual discharge conditions.

Can this size class supply air for continuous sandblasting?

A 260-400 cfm compressor can support a small sandblast pot with nozzle sizes up to approximately 3/8 inch. Larger nozzles or multiple blasters require units in the 400-600 cfm or higher range.