Air compressors; regardless of price; are always an investment. Buying the wrong compressor can severely restrict the tools you can use, so it's always important to look to the future. This Stanley 2.5HP compressor sit's right atop the compressor food chain with outstanding performance and quality. Much like any other compressor, there are always a few additional purchases that need to be made before work can begin. SAE 30W or SAE 15W-40 lubricants are well suited to this unit, and once the compressor has been filled then it's just a matter of getting the right tool, hose and inline accessories for your job. Easy to read gauges are protected in the front of this Stanley compressor, and a removable handle on top makes packing the device away simple. Ultra strong, smooth wheels on the rear with lockable swivel castors on the front make this compressor supremely manoeuvrable, and protective grills and covers on moving components helps keep everyone safe. The Stanley 2.5HP compressor is belt driven, unlike most other compressors on the market. This means that whilst the compressor works just as fast as a traditional direct-driven compressor, this Stanley product will do so with a lot less noise.