Kaeser Portable Diesel Air Compressors
Keep high-air-demand tools running all shift with towable and truck-mount diesel compressors built for sustained jobsite output. Chicago Pneumatic CPS, Kaeser Mobilair, and Vanair Viper Diesel rotary-screw units span 60 CFM utility models up to 400+ CFM machines enough air to feed rock drills, paving breakers, and tampers all day at a true 100% duty cycle. Not sure what size you need? Our air compressor buyer’s guide walks through CFM, pressure, fuel, and mounting in order. For smaller, intermittent jobs, see gas-driven compressors.
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Matching CFM to the Job
Size a compressor to the air your tools actually draw, then add margin. Add up the CFM of every tool running at once, and multiply by 1.3–1.5 for anything used continuously like sustained breaking or sandblasting. A single 90 lb breaker pulls about 90 CFM; two at once need roughly 180. Under-size it and tools slow and lose power. The air compressor buyer’s guide works through the full sizing math, tool by tool.
Diesel Compressor Comparison
Diesel rotary-screw compressors deliver a true 100% duty cycle — run them wide open all shift. CFM is free air delivery at 100 psi; match it to your tools’ combined demand.
| Model | Brand | CFM @ 100 psi | Mount | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanair Viper D60 | Vanair | 60 (@150 psi) | Truck / skid | Hand tools + light breaker |
| Vanair Viper D70 | Vanair | 70 (@125 psi) | Truck / skid | One 60 lb breaker |
| Vanair Viper D80 | Vanair | 80 | Truck / skid | One 90 lb breaker off the truck |
| CP CPS 110 | Chicago Pneumatic | 95 | Towable | One 90 lb breaker or sinker drill |
| Kaeser M27 / M30 | Kaeser | 92–100 | Towable / skid | One rock drill |
| CP CPS 175 | Chicago Pneumatic | 170 | Towable | Two 90 lb breakers |
| CP CPS 185 | Chicago Pneumatic | 180 | Towable | Two breakers with headroom |
| Kaeser M55 PE | Kaeser | 185 | Towable | Two breakers with headroom |
| Kaeser M58 | Kaeser | 210 | Skid | Two to three tools at once |
| Kaeser M118 / M125 | Kaeser | 405 | Towable (DEF) | Sandblasting or a multi-tool crew |
See the full lineup and every configuration — including quote-only models to 1,700 CFM — in the air compressor buyer’s guide.
Diesel Duty Cycle and Fuel
Diesel makes more torque per gallon and lasts longer under sustained load — CP cites up to 12% fuel savings in the 170–180 CFM range. The small diesels under about 25 hp (CP CPS 110, Vanair Viper Diesel) meet Tier 4 Final with no DPF and no DEF to maintain; only the large 100+ hp Kaeser M118/M125 units require diesel exhaust fluid. All tow behind a truck or set on a skid; Vanair Viper Diesel units are compact enough to truck-mount behind the cab.
Common Questions
How big a compressor do I need for a 90 lb breaker? Plan on a 95–110 CFM unit for a single 90 lb breaker — a CP CPS 110, Kaeser M30, or Vanair Viper D80. Two 90 lb breakers at once need about 180 CFM, like the CP CPS 175 or Kaeser M55 PE. See the buyer’s guide.
Diesel or gas? Diesel suits continuous, fuel-sensitive, larger jobs — more torque per gallon and longer life under sustained load. Gas is lighter and lower-cost for smaller, intermittent work; see gas-driven compressors.
Do the small diesels need DEF? No — units under about 25 hp (CP CPS 110, Vanair Viper Diesel) meet Tier 4 Final with no DPF and no DEF. Only the large Kaeser M118/M125 and up require diesel exhaust fluid.
Does altitude change sizing? Yes — output drops about 3.5% per 1,000 ft of elevation, so a sea-level rating makes less air on a mountain grade. Size up for high-altitude work and see the buyer’s guide for cold-weather and altitude options.