Reciprocating Piston Air Compressors

What is a Reciprocating Piston Air Compressor?

A reciprocating air compressor is a positive-displacement compressor that uses a crankshaft-driven piston and cylinder to compress the air. A single-stage reciprocating piston compressor works by drawing the air into the cylinder where it is compressed in a single-piston stroke of approximately 120 PSI and then sent to a storage tank. A two-stage compressor includes an additional step where the air is compressed by a second, smaller piston to a pressure of up to 175 PSI. See our collection of Reciprocating Piston Air Compressors below.

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QR-25

Our premium, top-of-the-line pressure lubricated piston air compressor is the QR-25. It’s a heavy-duty compressor that is pressure lubricated in all critical areas and delivers up to 25 hp. Available in single- and two-stage versions, the QR-25 is designed to operate at slower speeds and is equipped with intake loaders that minimize work. The rugged cast iron construction ensures a long life expectancy, less downtime and easier maintenance. Other key features include loadless starting, a manually reversible oil pump and rebuildable components. Seen as the industry standard in piston compressor technology, the performance of Quincy’s QR-25 is legendary.

Parts, Fluid / Oil

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  • 1-25 hp
  • 3-95 acfm, 20-500 psig intermittent
  • Single & Two Stage
  • Cast iron full pressure lubricated
  • 5-Year limited warranty

QT

Our two-stage splash lubricated QT piston air compressor models are designed to deliver higher volumes of air while also consuming less energy. The special valve design provides the highest possible volumetric efficiency and features super-strong stainless steel valves. The balanced counter-weighted crankshaft ensures smooth operation and fewer maintenance headaches. The cast iron construction also assures a long compressor lifespan. The QT series is available with Pro, Pro+ and Max unit configurations.

Parts, Fluid / Oil

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  • 5-15 hp
  • 17-51 acfm, 175 psig maximum
  • Two Stage
  • Cast iron splash lubricated

QB

The QB series reciprocating boosters are designed for high-pressure air and nitrogen applications. The QB boosters are featured with a 360 psi and 580 psi option and power range from 10 to 40 hp. They’re offered in standard configuration or full-feature configuration which includes an aftercooler and unit-mounted Q-control touch.

Parts, Fluid / Oil

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  • 10-40 hp
  • 360 or 580 psi
  • Full Feature available with aftercooler and Q-control

QP

The QP is a two-stage pressure lubricated air compressor featuring a working pressure of 175 PSI for your more challenging air compression applications. Key QP features include a cast iron crankcase, flywheel and cylinder, reliable positive displacement oil pump and high efficiency intercooler. The QP series is available with Pro, Pro+ and Max unit configurations..

Parts, Fluid / Oil

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  • 5 to 15 HP
  • 175 PSI Working pressure
  • Oil filter and pressure gauge
  • Fully pressure lubricated

Climate Control

Our application specific air compressor models include climate control systems that are designed and engineered for efficient and effective climate control in all types of operating environments. The options include Simplex Splash Lubricated Tank-Mount models that include an ASME pressure relief valve, a pressure gauge, a manual shut-off at tank discharge and a manual tank drain. A Duplex Splash Lubricated Tank-Mount model with a Duplex Control Panel and optional dryer is also available.

Parts, Fluid / Oil

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  • 0.5-20hp
  • 4-88 acfm, up to 100 psig service
  • Single & Two Stage
  • 2 ppm carry over factory certified

Single Stage & Portable

Our stationary and portable single-stage piston air compressors are ideally suited for commercial compressed air applications and smaller DIY projects. Despite their small size, they feature a rugged cast iron construction that ensures maximum durability. Key product features include a cast iron cylinder and crankshaft, an aluminum head and a fully enclosed belt guard.

Parts, Fluid / Oil

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  • 4 to 12.4 acfm
  • 110 to 145 psi
  • Single Stage

Reciprocating Air Compressor Benefits

Some of the critical benefits of a reciprocating air compressor are: 

  • High pressure and power: Reciprocating compressors can push out high pressure and energy, even though they are compact. 
  • Low maintenance costs: These compressors have fewer moving parts than others, which leads to less wear and tear and part replacement. 
  • Improved efficiency: Reciprocating compressors can be used intermittently and do not need to run continuously. They produce high power at low energy levels and can help lower your outputs. They are best used when turned on and off frequently. 
  • Longer product life: As these compressors do not run repeatedly, they are less likely to need repairs. You can get more time out of your compressor. 
  • Compact design: These compressors are smaller than other styles, making them easy to transport and place closer to the work site. If you work in oil and gas, a portable compressor can help on multiple sites.

Quincy Compressor carries several different reciprocating air compressors for any industry. Browse our inventory of air compressors to discover which one is best for you.

How Reciprocating Air Compressors Work


Compressors decrease the amount of space air takes up by compacting it. A reciprocating compressor is a positive-displacement air compressor that uses a crankshaft-powered piston and cylinders. Our piston air compressors use either a single- or two-stage process to compress air. 

Compressing air decreases its volume and increases its density without changing it to liquid. Here is how a reciprocating air compressor works: 

  1. Gas enters the cylinder through the intake valve. 
  2. The piston pulls away from the intake valve and allows the gas to pass into the cylinders. 
  3. The crankshaft powers the piston, which compresses the gas in one stroke of about 120 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure. 
  4. In two-stage compressors, air travels to a second cylinder for another round of compression. A second piston compresses the gas at a pressure rate of 175 psi.
  5. Once complete, the compressed air is sent to a storage tank for use. 

Reciprocating air compressors are compact options workers can apply to natural gas processing and delivery and oil refining. These air compressors work across industries to give you powerful compression. 

Your Local Quincy Distributor Offers a Wide Selection of Reciprocating Air Compressor Parts

Your Quincy Compressor dealer is your one-stop source for all of the reciprocating air compressor parts you need to keep your unit up and running, whether you need fluid for maintenance, an air compressor piston, pump, belt or other vital part or component

Ask your dealer about our tough, tougher and toughest piston air compressor options.
Ready to learn more about properly maintaining your reciprocating air compressor? Follow the link to learn more about oil and maintenance.

Click here to find the right air compressor for your industry-specific application.