Always follow manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines. Wear eye and hearing protection when using compressed‑air tools. Disconnect power before servicing.
UNIMAC 1.5HP 6L Silent Oil‑Free Air Compressor — Tyre Inflation & Portable Power (Australia)
Compact, quiet, and built for everyday Aussie jobs. This silent oil‑free air compressor delivers clean air for tyre inflation, brad nailing, dusting, and light workshop tasks—ideal for units, garages, and mobile kits where noise and reliability matter.
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Overview
The UNIMAC 1.5HP 6L is a silent oil‑free air compressor designed for quick, clean and low‑maintenance compressed air. With a compact six‑litre tank, twin‑cylinder motor, and hush‑baffle mounts, it’s a smart pick for tyre inflation, stapling and brad nailing, blowing out filters, and other light‑duty tasks around the shed, carport, or on the road.
Why it matters: oil‑free means cleaner air delivered to tools and tyres, and fewer consumables to worry about. “Silent” isn’t a gimmick—noise‑absorbing mounts and a balanced motor cut the racket so you can work without annoying the neighbours or waking kids during an early‑morning inflate.
Where it’s used: volunteer brigade workshops, strata garages, mobile fit‑outs, caravanning setups, and any home where space is tight. At 6L, it’s small enough to lift into a boot yet strong enough to seat beads on pushbike tyres and service multiple inflations in a session.
Who benefits: firefighters and SES volunteers maintaining small tools, tradies who need a quiet inflator on site, and households who want a reliable emergency compressor for wet weekends, school‑sport tyres, and seasonal maintenance.
Key Features
Quiet Operation
Noise‑absorbing motor mounts, hush baffle, and anti‑vibration feet reduce disturbance in units and shared spaces.
Oil‑Free Clean Air
No oil changes, less mess, and cleaner output for tyres, nailers, and airbrushes.
Portable 6L Tank
A compact reservoir that fills quickly and keeps the overall weight manageable.
Twin‑Cylinder 1.1kW
Balanced motor design for smooth running and efficient airflow at typical home/shop pressures.
Auto Cut‑In/Out
Pressure switch handles start/stop to protect the motor and deliver consistent performance.
Easy‑Read Gauges
Dual gauges and quick‑connect coupler make setup fast for inflators and nailers.
How It Works
Switch on the compressor and the pressure switch energises the motor. Twin cylinders draw in ambient air, compress it, and store it in the 6L tank. As pressure reaches the cut‑out threshold, the motor stops. When you pull the trigger on an inflator or nailer, tank pressure drops; the switch restarts the motor at the cut‑in point.
The regulator lets you set tool pressure precisely—keep tyres in the range recommended by the vehicle placard, and run nailers at the pressure specified by the tool maker. Because it’s oil‑free, maintenance is largely limited to draining condensate and checking fittings.
Benefits & Advantages: Why a Silent Oil‑Free Air Compressor?
- Low noise for suburban and multi‑unit living; easy to hold a conversation while it runs.
- Oil‑free design protects tyres and light pneumatic tools from contamination.
- Fast start‑up and quick recovery for small tasks—no long wait between jobs.
- Compact footprint for utes, caravans, and small sheds; easy to carry solo.
- Cleaner air output suited to dusting electronics (with care) and blowing filters.
Limitations & Safety Considerations
Know the limits: a 6L tank is perfect for short bursts—tyre top‑ups, stapling, brad nailing, dusting—but it’s not intended for grinders, impact wrenches, sanders, or continuous spray‑painting. For those, step up to a larger tank and duty cycle.
- Observe duty cycle. Allow cool‑down periods during long sessions.
- Always wear eye protection; consider hearing protection even with quiet units.
- Drain moisture after use to prevent internal corrosion.
- Keep children and pets away when pressurised parts are exposed.
- Never exceed tool or tyre rated pressures. Use a calibrated gauge.
- Secure the compressor during transport; use anti‑tip orientation.
User Scenarios
Volunteer Brigade Workshop
A quiet weekday morning: a volunteer tech tops up ute tyres to placard values, cleans a chainsaw air filter with short bursts, and tests a brad nailer for appliance panel repairs. The silent oil‑free air compressor keeps conversations easy inside the shed and leaves no oily residue on parts.
Caravanning & Road Trips
On a coastal run, a family seats bicycle tyres, inflates a spare, and dusts sand from camping gear. The 6L tank cycles quickly, and the low noise won’t upset neighbours in a holiday park.
Apartment Garage & Weekend Jobs
Living in a unit, you can still keep tyres right and fix skirting with a brad nailer. The compact footprint stores neatly against a wall; anti‑vibration feet keep it stable on smooth concrete.
Maintenance & Care Guide
- After each session, shut down and bleed off pressure. Open the tank drain to release moisture.
- Weekly, check the intake filter; tap out dust or replace if clogged.
- Monthly, inspect hoses, quick‑connects, and regulator knobs for wear or air leaks.
- Quarterly, torque‑check accessible fasteners and clean cooling fins.
- Storage: keep dry, off the floor, with hose coiled loosely; avoid kinks.
Tip: log tyre pressures for family cars and trailers—correct inflation reduces fuel use and improves braking.
Comparison Table
Model | Motor / Tank | Noise | Best For | Pros | Trade‑offs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
UNIMAC 1.5HP 6L (this model) | 1.1kW / 6L, oil‑free | Quiet | Tyres, brad/staple, dusting | Portable, low noise, clean air | Not for high‑draw air tools |
Quiet 2.0HP 8L class | ~1.5kW / 8L–10L | Low–medium | Longer sessions, small spray | More headroom and runtime | Heavier; pricier |
12V Portable Inflator | DC motor / no tank | Medium | Emergency top‑ups | Ultra‑light; glove‑box size | Slow; not for tools |
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FAQs
Is a 6L tank big enough for household needs?
Yes for typical tasks: car tyres, bikes, sports gear, dusting, stapling and brad nailing. For grinders, spray guns, or rattle guns, step up to a larger tank and higher duty cycle.
How quiet is “silent” in practice?
Expect a comfortable workshop conversation level. Noise‑absorbing mounts and anti‑vibration feet reduce harshness compared with older oil‑lubed units.
What tools pair well with this compressor?
Tyre inflators, blow guns, staplers, brad nailers, and airbrushes with light duty cycles. Always check the tool’s CFM/LPM requirements.
Does oil‑free mean zero maintenance?
You still need to drain condensate, clean the intake filter, and inspect fittings. No oil changes required.
Can it run off an inverter?
Check your inverter’s continuous and surge ratings. Compressors draw a high start current—choose a quality inverter with margin and follow electrical safety rules.
Will it work for light spray‑painting?
Short bursts with small nozzles may be possible, but continuous spraying needs a larger tank and higher CFM. This model is best for inflating and fastening.
Is oil‑free air better for tyres?
Yes. Oil‑free reduces contamination risk, helping valve cores and TPMS sensors last longer when used with quality hoses and gauges.
What’s the difference between “silent” and “ultra‑quiet” marketing terms?
Both point to reduced noise versus traditional units. Actual dB varies by model; the key is vibration isolation, motor quality, and cooling design.
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Where to Buy in Australia
- Edisons — Official retailer for UNIMAC gear and accessories.
- eBay Australia — Check seller ratings and warranty coverage.
- Bunnings — Hoses, fittings, and pneumatic accessories.
Links & Manuals
- Manufacturer & Product Support — Parts, accessories, and warranty terms.
- Safe Work Australia: Noise — Guidance on hearing protection and workplace limits.
- Standards Australia — Search relevant compressed‑air and pneumatic safety standards.
Credits & Review Notes
Reviewed with a focus on firefighter, community, and household use. We tested typical jobs—tyre inflation, filter blow‑outs, and brad nailing—prioritising noise, portability, and cleanliness of air. No compensation influenced the editorial verdict. Affiliate links may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Emergency Contacts — Quick List (Australia)
- 000 — Life‑threatening emergencies
- SES — 132 500 (storm/flood)
- Poisons Info — 13 11 26
- Non‑urgent Police — 131 444
Quick Maintenance Tips
- Drain condensate after every session.
- Keep intake filter clean and dry.
- Check hose O‑rings and quick‑connects monthly.
- Label tyre placard pressures in your notes app.
For Professionals
For light trim and service work, run short duty cycles and pair with low‑CFM nailers or inflators. For field kits, store with a quality digital gauge and whip hose to reduce stress on the regulator port.