California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD review
A 60-gallon, 4 HP oil-free stationary compressor rated at 75 dBA, roughly 10 dB quieter than typical oiled 60-gallon units. It includes an automatic drain valve. At 75 dB it is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
Affiliate link · we may earn a commission · Affiliate disclosure
How loud is it?
- California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD75 dB
Manufacturer rating (dBA), measuring distance not stated. Brands measure at different distances, so treat 1–2 dB differences as a tie. Why dB ratings vary.
Full specifications
| Noise rating | 75 dB |
|---|---|
| Noise source | Manufacturer rating (dBA), measuring distance not stated |
| CFM at 90 PSI | 10.6 |
| CFM at 40 PSI | 12.8 |
| Max PSI | 125 |
| Tank | 60 gal |
| Horsepower | 4 HP |
| Pump | Oil-free |
| Stages | — |
| Power | 240V circuit |
| Duty cycle | 70/30 |
| Weight | 213 lb |
| Price band | $1,500+ (checked October 18, 2026) |
A dash means the manufacturer doesn't publish that figure. We never estimate one.
Our take
Big compressors are usually the loudest thing in a shop. The CAT-60040CAD uses two 2 HP motors running at 1,680 RPM with oil-free pumps, and California Air Tools rates the whole unit at 75 dBA. Oiled 60-gallon compressors typically sit around 85 dB, which sounds roughly twice as loud.
Output is 10.6 CFM at 90 PSI and 12.8 CFM at 40 PSI, with a 125 PSI maximum. That covers HVLP painting, impact wrenches and most body-shop air tools, though a 5 HP two-stage oiled unit delivers more CFM for heavy continuous use.
The automatic drain valve is a welcome extra. It purges moisture from the tank on a schedule, protecting the tank and keeping water out of your air lines.
Pros
- 75 dBA is very quiet for a 60-gallon compressor
- Oil-free: no oil changes, cleaner air for painting
- Automatic tank drain
Cons
- 10.6 CFM at 90 PSI trails oiled two-stage units
- 70/30 duty cycle
What it can run
With a 30% safety margin, 10.6 CFM at 90 PSI comfortably covers these tools from our list (nailers assumed at 30 shots a minute):
- Ingersoll Rand 231C 1/2" Impact Wrench (4.2 CFM average)
- Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX 1/2" Impact Wrench (6 CFM average)
- Ingersoll Rand 2135QXPA 1/2" Impact Wrench (5 CFM average)
- AEROPRO A398 1/2" Aluminum Impact Wrench (6.5 CFM average)
- Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer (0.025 cu ft per shot)
- Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer (0.09 cu ft per shot)
- Ingersoll Rand 170G 3/8" Air Ratchet (3 CFM average)
- Ingersoll Rand 3101G 1/4" Die Grinder (3 CFM average)
- Ingersoll Rand 119MAXK Air Hammer Kit (2.9 CFM average)
- AEROPRO R500 LVLP Spray Gun (3.9 CFM average)
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Best for: The quietest 60-gallon shop compressor.
Buy it if: you run air tools for long stretches in a shop; you run impact wrenches, ratchets or spray guns in bursts; you want a pump with no oil to change.
Skip it if: you don't have, or can't install, a 240V circuit.
How it compares in its class
- Ranked #1 of 4 in 60 gallon.
- Quieter than 1 of the 1 other rated models in that list.
- 10.6 CFM at 90 PSI against a class median of 11.3 CFM, so about average airflow for the class.
- Price band $1,500+; see every spec side by side in the comparison table.
Ownership tips
- Drain the tank after each use (daily on a shop compressor) to stop rust from the inside.
- The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to change; keep the intake filter clean instead.
- Have an electrician install a dedicated 240V circuit sized to the motor, and anchor the tank on a level floor.
- Test the safety relief valve now and then by pulling its ring briefly, and never adjust or plug it.
General guidance; always follow the owner's manual. More in our maintenance checklist.
California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD: quick answers
How loud is the California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD?
It is rated at 75 dB (manufacturer rating (dba), measuring distance not stated), which is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
What can the California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD run?
With a 30% safety margin it covers Ingersoll Rand 231C 1/2" Impact Wrench, Ingersoll Rand 2235TiMAX 1/2" Impact Wrench, Ingersoll Rand 2135QXPA 1/2" Impact Wrench, AEROPRO A398 1/2" Aluminum Impact Wrench, Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge Brad Nailer, Metabo HPT NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, Ingersoll Rand 170G 3/8" Air Ratchet, Ingersoll Rand 3101G 1/4" Die Grinder, Ingersoll Rand 119MAXK Air Hammer Kit, AEROPRO R500 LVLP Spray Gun from our tool list, based on 10.6 CFM at 90 PSI.
Is the California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD oil-free?
Yes. The pump is oil-free, so there's no oil to check or change.
What power does the California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD need?
It needs a dedicated 240V circuit. Have a licensed electrician size and install it to match the motor's nameplate.
Spec sources
Where each figure on this page comes from (checked October 18, 2026). We don't present manufacturer figures as our own measurements.
- Amazon product listing: noise, tank, horsepower, pump type
- californiaairtools.com: CFM @ 90 PSI, CFM @ 40 PSI, max PSI, weight
- powerequipmentdirect.com: duty cycle
Alternatives to consider
Ingersoll Rand 2340L5-V Two-Stage
85 dB · 14.3 CFM @ 90 PSI · $1,500+
Professional two-stage shop air
Quincy QT-54 Two-Stage
dB not published · 15.2 CFM @ 175 PSI · $1,500+
Long-life splash-lubricated shop compressor
Appears in: 60 gallon · Oil-free · Shop / heavy duty · Industrial