Good to go
The hitachi 2 horse protable compressor is light enough tocarry around the jobsite but heavy enough so it won't fall out theback of the truck. It delivers plenty of air for nailers air wrenchs and filling tires. I wouldn't use it for painting but it was about the same price as the Coleman compressors.

Hitachi quaility and plenty of air.
This machine is yet another good example of high quality Hitachi engineering. This compressor has outlasted several other brands. The machine has run two finishing guns continuously for almost a year and hasn't needed anything more than an oil change The regulator is predictable, and adjusts as easily as other brands. I firmly believe that Hitachi gets 4.1 CFM out of 14.5 amps. We simply do not run out of air no matter how fast we are working with the Senco SFN40's. Down time has been zilch. One thing we did add was a water/oil separator and filter to protect our work and our guns. I suppose Hitachi (and most other brands) leaves these off so that they will have a competitive price. But it does not make economical sense for YOU to leave them off.

While I have given this compressor a 5 star rating, there are some things for the engineers (and you!) to think about in the next model: 1. The way the regulator is mounted it is difficult to make a manifold for two hoses without hanging those pipes out there where they can get knocked off. Anyone who has knocked one off before will know that A) everyone in the neighborhood knows it right away and B) it puts you down for some expensive time. And C) when this happens, it often creates an unwanted projectile. It took me three street elbows and an hour of figuring to get the quick disconnects in a safe place. 2. When you pick the unit up with the handle, the unit tilts a bit. This means you have to hold it out away from your body a bit more than the size of the compressor would promise. All that horsepower weighs enough to make this more uncomfortable than need be. We just bent the handle with a torch to get on the center of gravity.

These are relatively small gigs on a really great compressor. I only spent so many words on them so that the engineers might just read this. It seems they will have plenty of time to correct this before the ones I own wear.

great quality, reasonable price
first the reasons why i only gave it 4 stars. The handle is just a little too far forward which i always notice and makes it awkward to carry/move sometimes. The other item is the brass stem out of the upper tank to the regulator; it positions the regulator in a location which is very susceptible to be knocked off. The positives: I've used it for over a year now, building two houses (both framing and finish guns), with little or no maintenance, the oil lubed compressor is fast.

Hitachi's Dependable Compressor
I chose the Hitachi three years ago because it has a fine compressor and motor, solid construction, and overall good design. It has been entirely reliable and three years later I still am using it both in my cabinet shop and on the job for residential remodeling. The only significant design flaw is the position of the gauges. They are subject to being knocked off. I found this out the hard way one day when I had to slam on the brakes in my van and a sliding tool box sheared one of them off. Despite this one flaw I would still by another Hitachi in a heart beat. The Hitachi is not only reliable, but, unlike many compressors, it truly works on 15 amps. This compressor has never blown a fuse on me, which is something of a miracle considering the wiring in many of the older homes I remodel.

Tremendous product, good value
I have had this unit for several weeks now, and have had my expectations exceeded. The unit has no difficulty running on a 15 amp circuit in my house with older wiring (I was expecting many trips to the breaker box - I have yet to trip one.)

The regulator stem is in an exposed position where it could be damaged/broken off if struck hard enough or handled carelessly, and the unit is every bit as loud as I expected (invest in some good earplugs) but still, I am extremely pleased my decision to go with this unit.

This becomes the third Hitachi tool product I have purchased, and the quality of their products continues to impress me.

Good price and quality!
I did alot of checking on compressors and everyone really liked the hitachi. I think its a great unit at a very good price. I placed my order on a Sunday and got it on the following Friday. Thank you Amazon!

oil cap pops up?!
whenever I start the compressor the oil cap pops up and splashes the oil out. Probably a pressure is building in but why?

A good little workhorse
Works reliably and does so on just about any household circuit: you won't have to go looking for a 20 amp plug.Puts out enough air to keep two framing nailguns running at full speed.

I find that I am using the big shop compressor much less - it's just so easy to plug in the handy little Hitachi for everything.

The gauges are a weak spot- very prone to damage from both bad design (plastic cased and weak ) and bad positioning. As the Hitachi uses an odd-sized thread for their gauges you have to either replace them with another (relatively expensive at $17 or so and weak plastic ) Hitachi gauge or replace the regulator and add a new gauge (costs a little more but most replacement regulators are better made than the original costs maybe $21 with a better gauge). This makes a nice tool better.

Excellent Value - Compact & NOT too noisy!
I initially bought one of those oil-less 'Pancake' type compressors. It was so noisy and could not stay put because of vibration that I returned it the same day! The Hitachi unit was just $60 more and is a brilliant piece of engineering design (executed in Italy). It is quiet, does not vibrate and has adequate power for routine use. Complaints about the gauges being vulnerable may be valid if you are a bit careless.

Excellent Compressor
I purchased the kit with the NR83A nailer. Both perform flawlessly. The compressor is quiet, powerful, and reliable so far. I have looked at quite a few compressors and 95% of them have something hanging out waiting to be sheared off if impacted. I think it would be fairly simple for them to tuck the regulator assembly between the tank and pump to avoid possible damage but few manufacturers do so I didn't take any stars away for that. Great price, great compressor. I modified my compressor by bolting a single gang plastic electrical box to the leg under the regulator. The compressor power cord is spliced inside the box to a recepticle and a 25 foot 12ga cord that provides power to the recepticle for accessory power tools or extension cords, etc.

Zero stars for Amazon & Tool Crib
Based on the fantastic reviews, I decided to purchase this compressor. The box arrived, and when I opened it, I was a little surprised at how little packing material there was - just a box with the compressor inside. I also noticed oil leakage had occured. I read the manual, went to fill the oil reservoir, and noticed a spreading pool of oil on the floor of my garage. The oil reservoir cover was shattered. As Amazon has no customer service number to call, I'm not sure how I'll get satisfaction. This may be a great product, but I'll buy my major hardware purchases locally, so I can return broken products. If a book had arrived with a creased cover, no big deal, but I needed this for a job, and there's no way I can get this replaced in time to do it. If you have the time to track down how to get satisfaction, Amazon has great prices, but if you need to get a job done, buy locally.

Shipping Problems
Didn't get to test the Hitachi. I was amazed how little packing/protection is provided in the box for the compressor. I opened the box and was rewared with a lot of little plastic pieces that once were the air filter assembly. Since there does not appear to be a way for replacement parts to be sent to me, I will return the compressor without use.

Get It.
What can I say but that I love it? It's quiet enough to run indoors if need be.
The other reviews about the regulator being in a vulnerable position are true and you need to take some care with location on the job. I saw that right away and chained it to the back side of a gang tool chest for protection.
Take care to read all the instructions before using the compressor. The compressor ships without oil in the compressor and in my haste to get started I nearly missed filling it with oil.

Hitachi EC12 2-Horsepower Air Compressor
Overall a great compressor. I have taken it everywhere, on roofs, in fields, in basements, run it off a generator, used it for almost everything you could use a compressor for, and it keeps on going. Nailing (framing and finishing) , small paint jobs with a cup gun or pressure pot, air chisle, air ratchet, air wrench, you name it.
As with the other reviewers, the guages are the weak link in this unit. Too exposed and too fragile. My only actual complaint ( and why it only got 4 stars) it that it won't start when it gets cold. Here in Michigan, it can be 65 degrees one day, and 35 degrees the next. I have to carry a propane heater on the truck to warm up the compressor so it will run. Once it cycles a few times and builds up it's own heat, it is fine unless it cools off again. It seems like whenever it get around 45 degrees or lower, it won't start. If anyone has any suggestions, I am sure we all would appreciate it. (firemike1016@twmi.rr.com)

Bob, a home improvement enthusiast
I have owned this compressor for 3 years now and it continues to run flawlessly. I agree that the gauges are mounted in an area where they can be easily damaged but if you take care when using and transporting the compressor, you won't have any problems. Change the oil regularly and this beauty will last a very long tme.

Compressor great, regulator bad
This compressor is a great value. It has a quality oil lubricated motor and is competitively priced with "oil-less" compressors of similar size and capacity. It works great with my various small air tools (palm nailer, impact wrench, etc). My only complaint: After a few hours of light use, the regulator dial became very hard to turn, and eventually stopped working altogether. I dismantled it and found that the dial threads had stripped. I replaced the regulator with an inexpensive AmFlo model purchased at Lowes, and am much happier with the new one -- easier to adjust, more precise, and more accurate. If Hitachi included a better regulator, they would have a 5 star product.

EC12 Cold Start Problems
The Hitachi EC12 is a very solid contractor compressor. However, like most units that fall in this category, it often has difficulty starting. Starting related issues stem from cold weather, voltage drop across an extension cord or the use of multiple tools. While these problems occur across the board among compressor manufacturers, there is a product that helps eliminate the issue. Called the Smart Start by Conrader it replaces the standard inlet filter of the compressor. Essentially, it delays compression and allows the motor to reach full speed before encountering a load. More information is available at www.conrader.com.

Good Compressor
This compressor is surprisingly quiet and it feels very sturdy. It came with one of its' feet bent and I felt the packaging could be better. It has worked well so far. The compressor is heavy, mostly because it is mostly metal and it weighs about 65lbs. It works well, comes with compressor oil but you'll need to buy some quick couplings and teflon tape.

CAUTOIN!!!! CHEAP SAID MADE IN CHINDA
Well first when UPS droped off untied the plastic it said on unit MADE IN CHINA, Then when I lifted out of bag I saw pieces of what looked like pot metal in the bottom of bag, What happen was that someone sit it down to hard, busted the motor and compressor from the frame, Metal looked about 1/16" thick,plus free shipping took 13 days to arrive.Sent back refunded money back all except $9.99 so it cost me $10.00 to wait 13 days to get a china made busted compressor. But it was a blessing in disquise, went and bought a CRAFTSMAN.

Happy, but could be happier
I was given a high recommendation for Hitachi power tools by a construction veteran, so I purchased one. The compressor is still fairly new and seems to provide excellent power for framing guns, finishing nailers, and hoppers. However, I am not incredibly impressed with this compressors ability to start. I realize during the cold winter mornings (not too cold in the San Francisco bay area), that some compressors require an empty tank to kick over, but this is getting a little ridiculous. On a 45 degree morning I don't even try to kick over the tank before making sure it is decompressed completely, and during the middle of the day I still have to, on a not-so-rare occasion, pull the pressure release valve. This isn't a huge problem, but a noticable flaw. I have seen on another review that a Smart Start inlet filter can be purchased to cure this problem, but it's annoying that you need to buy new parts to cure problems on a new compressor.

I guess having only one complaint for a power tool isn't too bad, but I'm sure there's a better compressor out there.

A real turd
I bought one two years ago, and I'd driven less than 250 nails with it before it failed to work properly, so that's about a buck per nail - a great value. It now pumps up, and doesn't stop until the pressure safety valve blows, then the motor goes into some kind of cardiac arrest. Now I'm sure I'll be raped at the repair center as I spend >$100 to repair this $200 turd. Save your money and pound the friggin' nails in with a hammer.

Affordable and hard working (residential construction)
Good airflow and not a power drain. Has powered two framing nailers but need to give compressor a breather when going fast. While using one framing nailer no problems even while using the hitachi pneumatic stapler for fastening sheathing. Great air supply for the blower used for cleaning tools of sawdust. I was able to run this unit on a 50' cord with no problems.

Disappointing
Had this unit for about three years with very light use - occasional tire inflation. As a previous writer indicated, the gauges got stuck, the pressure release valve froze, it wouldn't start and turned out to be uneconomical to repair. Basically, as other reviewers on other sites stated...its a piece of junk - Stay away

A DECENT LIGHT DUTY UNIT
I've a professional woodworker for 20+ years and have owned several small compressors. I have yet to find one that lasts indefinately either due to malfuntioning or being stolen from job sites. Therefore I'm reluctant to purchase anything expensive. This unit however has so far proven to be a quiet and reasonably reliable for over 2 years. For the current asking price of $200 and change, I consider it to be a good buy. The list price of $600+ is a joke but wouldn't be all that far out of line if it didn't come with the flaws in the controls that turn up eventually in all light duty compressors in the $200-$300 price range. It's likely that if you plan on running it all day to feed one or multiple framing nailers, you might be better off purchasing something more expensive, installing a GPS locator chip for when it disappears or chaining it to your truck while being guarded by a junk yard dog. Using a light duty unit like this to feed tools like air sanders or paint guns would fry even larger, inexpensive, medium duty compressors after a realtively short time.

Horrible warranty service from Hitachi and Amazon
We sent the Ec 12 in for repair after only six months of use, on April 12. They still have not repaired or returned the compressor. Hitachi rep for the NW said that is the best they can do. Be prepared for the big company attitude and the I dont care people, and the hundreds of hours on the phone trying to get an answer.

Buy something else and from a direct retailer. Amazon will not honor exchanges.

bad thermol protector
the compressor works great but the thermol protector is not very strong and wore out in just over a year. Do not plug the compressor into an extention cord. I had it plugged into a 12/2 cord and it still drew to much power for it and shorted it out. Plug it right into the wall and run longer hoses instead of an extention cord.

Keeps on running
I run 3 framing nailers on the one compressor. No problems, runs great.