Schulz piston air compressors come in three main families: V-Series, L-Series and Audaz. They share Schulz’s cast-iron, two-stage design on most models, but they differ in pump, drive, pressure and price. This guide lays out the real specs of the models we stock so you can match one to your shop, garage or plant.
Quick comparison
| Family | Pump | Drive | Range we stock | Max pressure | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V-Series | MSV / MSW two-stage | Belt | 5β20 HP, 80 and 120 gal | 175 PSI | Heavy-duty shop and industrial use, widest choice of sizes |
| L-Series | MSL / MSLV | Belt | 3β20 HP, 60β120 gal | 125β175 PSI depending on model | Strong value, including single-phase options for smaller shops |
| Audaz | MCSV 20 two-stage | Direct drive | 5 HP, 80 gal | 175 PSI | Lowest price for a 20 CFM two-stage unit; no belts to adjust |
V-Series: the heavy-duty standard
The V-Series is Schulz’s core line for auto shops, fabrication shops and light industry. Every model below is two-stage and reaches 175 PSI, which keeps more usable air in the tank.
| Model | HP | CFM | Tank | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 580VV20X / 580HV20X | 5 | 20 | 80 gal vertical / horizontal | Single or three-phase |
| 7580VV30X / 7580HV30X | 7.5 | 30 | 80 gal vertical / horizontal | Single or three-phase |
| 10120HW40X-3 / 10120VW40X-3 | 10 | 40 | 120 gal horizontal / vertical | Three-phase |
| 15120HW60X-3 / 15120VW60X-3 | 15 | 60 | 120 gal horizontal / vertical | Three-phase |
| 20120HWV80X | 20 | 80 | 120 gal horizontal | Three-phase |
The 10 and 15 HP vertical models (10120VW40X-3 and 15120VW60X-3) use a “lowboy” 120-gallon vertical tank. The 10 HP unit stands about 79 inches tall, so it fits under lower ceilings than many 120-gallon verticals while keeping the small footprint.
L-Series: value across a wide range
L-Series compressors use Schulz’s MSL pumps. The line runs from a 3 HP single-stage unit for small shops up to a 20 HP, 80 CFM industrial compressor.
| Model | HP | CFM | Max PSI | Tank | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 360VL15X | 3 | 15 | 125 | 60 gal vertical | Single-phase |
| 580VL20X | 5 | 20 | 125 | 80 gal vertical | Single-phase |
| 7580VL30X (single-phase) | 7.5 | 30 | 125 | 80 gal vertical | Single-phase |
| 7580VL30X-3 | 7.5 | 30 | 175 | 80 gal vertical | Three-phase |
| 10120HL40X-3 | 10 | 40 | 175 | 120 gal horizontal | Three-phase |
| 20120HLV80BR | 20 | 80 | 175 | 120 gal horizontal | Three-phase |
Notice that the single-phase L-Series models top out at 125 PSI, while the three-phase models reach 175 PSI. If your tools only need 90 PSI, 125 PSI is plenty. If you want the extra reserve of 175 PSI on single-phase power, look at the V-Series or Audaz single-phase models.
Audaz: direct-drive and budget-friendly
Audaz compressors use the MCSV 20 two-stage pump driven directly by the motor, with no belts or pulleys. That means fewer parts to adjust or replace, and the lowest price we offer on a 20 CFM, 175 PSI compressor.
- Audaz 5 HP horizontal, three-phase
- Audaz 5 HP vertical, three-phase
- Audaz 5 HP horizontal, single-phase
- Audaz 5 HP vertical, single-phase
Audaz is a smart pick for a home garage, a small shop or a second compressor, where 20 CFM covers the tools you run at once.
Which one fits your work?
- Home garage or hobby shop, single-phase power: an Audaz 5 HP single-phase or a 5 HP V-Series 580VV20X. Both give 20 CFM at 175 PSI on 230V single-phase.
- 2β4 bay auto shop: a 7.5 HP, 30 CFM unit such as the 7580VV30X or 7580VL30X. Add a refrigerated dryer if you paint.
- Busy shop, body shop or fabrication: 10β15 HP on a 120-gallon tank, such as the 10120HW40X-3 or 15120HW60X-3.
- Industrial plant on piston power: the 20 HP, 80 CFM 20120HWV80X or 20120HLV80BR, or step up to a rotary screw if it runs all day. See our SRP rotary screw guide.
Not sure how much air you need? Start with PSI and CFM for shop tools and single-phase vs. three-phase compressors.
What every Schulz piston compressor needs
- The right oil. Schulz recommends its SG-TM 30 semi-synthetic oil for L-Series and V-Series compressors. Other oils may void the warranty.
- Daily tank draining to remove condensed water. An automatic drain valve does this for you.
- Clean intake air and good ventilation. Piston units run hotter in cramped, dusty spaces.
- Clean, dry air downstream for painting and sensitive tools. See choosing a refrigerated dryer.
Every unit comes with the full Schulz factory warranty: 2 years on the compressor pump and 1 year on other components, with extended 2, 3 and 5-year plans available at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Schulz V-Series and L-Series?
They use different pump families (MSV/MSW for V-Series, MSL for L-Series). In our catalog, V-Series models are all 175 PSI two-stage units, while L-Series includes both 125 PSI single-phase models and 175 PSI three-phase models.
Is a direct-drive Audaz as good as a belt-drive compressor?
For 20 CFM jobs, yes. It’s a two-stage, 175 PSI unit with fewer moving parts. Belt-drive models offer more sizes and higher CFM.
Can I run a 7.5 HP compressor on single-phase power?
Yes. The 7580VV30X, 7580HV30X and 7580VL30X all come in single-phase versions. Make sure your breaker and wiring match the motor’s amp rating.
Vertical or horizontal tank?
Vertical tanks save floor space; horizontal tanks are lower and more stable. Read vertical vs. horizontal air tanks.
Want a recommendation? Call (770) 734-6383 or email info@schulzproducts.com with your tools and power supply. Shipping is free to commercial addresses. Shop all Schulz piston compressors.
