Hitachi EC12 14.5 amp 2-Horsepower 4-Gallon Oiled Twin Hot Dog Compressor

5 Reviews

1. I bought 2 of these compressors – one for me and one for my son. Each of our compressors has failed in the identical fashion, his multiple times. I think the basic compressor, i.e. the electric motor and vane compressor, is quite solid, but the control circuit which turns the motor on and off is quite cheesy and prone to failure. It is also *very* expensive to replace.

   Since this has happened to us a total of 3 times now, this is not just a case of random failure, but is a systematic problem. A shame, too, because the rest of the tool seems quite robust. We are shopping for new compressors now. I can tell you one thing – they won’t be Hitachi.

2. I bought a like-new Hitachi EC12 compressor from a fellow woodworker. I encountered the following problems.

   1. The pressure regulator leaks air. You can hear the air leak when the working pressure is set below 90psi. At higher working pressure, the leak is not as noticeable. It also seems that Hitachi uses non-standard thread as standard 1/4″ hex nipple does not fit. I had to reuse the hex nipple came with the unit.

   2. The unit does not hold pressure. Over a 12-hour period, it lost about 20 psi of air. I have noticed the unit will refill the tank periodically even though it is not being used.

   3. The unit fails to run sporadically. The motor makes a humming sound but the compressor will not kick in. The motor will stop in a few seconds and the same cycle will repeat every few seconds. The only way to get the unit working again is to cycle the AUTO/STOP switch.

   I am really disappointed by the quality of this Hitachi air compressor.

3. If you get your new compressor Hitachi EC12 14.5 amp 2-Horsepower 4-Gallon Oiled Twin Hot Dog Compressor and after adding oil, and installing a female connector to the manifold you find that the compressor run very slow and build up no pressure. This may be where you find Hitachi customer service/repair leaves early (they do IMO)- so remove the air filter (one screw) start the compressor and briefly put the flat of your hand over the compressor intake and then remove it swiftly (several times if necessary) this may bring beneficial results. Did for me! This seems not unlike starting a new born child to breath ( the therapeutic application of a hand?).

4. I was surprised to received the Hitachi EC12 a day early. Unfortunately it had a broken filter box case. I called the company and the part was in the mail no questions. So far I have had this unit for over 3 years. The pressure control knob fell apart in my hand but a quick to the shop fixed that. I don’t know if the knob failure was my fault or worn part. I do wish I had purchased a compressor with more horsepower but this one is a keeper. It does 87% of jobs I need.

5. This thing is great unless you are trying to start it in cold weather. It pops the breaker over and over until it warms up enough for the motor to keep running. I just use it around the house but if you were on a job site in cold weather it would be a problem.