As low as 65 dBA—quiet enough for installation near workstations.

Ingersoll Rand UP6 Series Review: Compact Rotary Screw Compressor

Q: Is the UP6 Series suitable for continuous operation?

Yes, it’s designed for continuous-duty use with rotary screw reliability.

Q: What is the Total Air System (TAS)?

An integrated dryer and filtration module that delivers clean, dry air in one compact unit.

Q: Does it require a separate dryer?

Not if you choose the TAS option—it’s built-in.

Q: What kind of maintenance does it need?

Routine checks on belts, filters, and coolant levels. Service intervals are generous.

Q: Can it be installed in tight spaces?

Yes, its compact footprint is ideal for space-constrained environments.

Q: Is it energy-efficient?

Yes, especially with auto start/stop and the high-efficiency cooler.

Q: Does it support variable speed drive (VSD)?

No, the UP6 is fixed-speed only.

Q: What’s the warranty coverage?

Typically 5 years on major components—check with your distributor.

Q: Can it replace a piston compressor?

Absolutely. It’s quieter, more efficient, and built for longer life.

Introduction: What Is the UP6 Series and Who Is It For?

The Ingersoll Rand UP6 Series is a line of oil-flooded rotary screw compressors designed for small to mid-sized industrial operations. With horsepower ranging from 5 to 15 HP (4–11 kW), the UP6 Series delivers consistent, clean, and dry compressed air in a compact, easy-to-service package.

This series is ideal for workshops, fabrication shops, automotive service centers, and light manufacturing facilities that need reliable air without the bulk or complexity of larger systems. It’s also available with the Total Air System (TAS) option, integrating a dryer and filtration system for plug-and-play air quality.

Key Features and Technical Specifications

Core Features:

Rotary Screw Technology: Continuous-duty operation with whisper-quiet performance (as low as 65 dBA).
Total Air System (TAS): Optional integrated dryer and filtration for clean, dry air.
Auto Start/Stop: Maximizes efficiency during variable demand cycles.
Visual Diagnostics: Simple interface with fault warnings and operating status indicators.
Compact Footprint: Frees up valuable floor space and reduces installation costs.
High-Efficiency Cooler: Roof-mount exhaust simplifies ducting and improves cooling.
Poly-V Belt Drive: Reduces belt stretch and improves air output consistency.

Technical Snapshot:

Specification	Value Range
Power	5–15 HP (4–11 kW)
Pressure Range	Up to 200 psig
Noise Level	As low as 65 dBA
Dryer Option	Total Air System (TAS)
Controller	Visual indicators + auto start/stop
Drive Type	Poly-V belt

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Quiet enough for point-of-use installation
Compact and easy to service
Integrated air treatment with TAS option
Reliable performance with minimal maintenance
Cost-effective for small industrial setups

Cons:

Limited scalability for large operations
No advanced remote monitoring (unlike R-Series)
Belt drive requires periodic tension checks

Comparison: UP6 vs. R-Series vs. Atlas Copco GX

Feature	UP6 Series	R-Series	Atlas Copco GX Series
Target User	Small to mid-size	Mid to large-scale	Small to mid-size
Noise Level	Very Low	Very Low	Moderate
Dryer Integration	Optional (TAS)	Modular	Built-in
Remote Monitoring	No	Yes (Helix™)	No
Maintenance Accessibility	High	High	Moderate
Energy Efficiency	Good	Excellent (VSD)	Good

The UP6 Series is a smart choice for smaller operations needing reliable air without the bells and whistles of larger systems. The R-Series offers more advanced control and scalability, while Atlas Copco’s GX Series competes closely but lacks the UP6’s modular air treatment flexibility.

Use Cases: Who Should Buy It (and Who Shouldn’t)

Best For:

Auto repair shops needing dry air for paint and pneumatic tools
Small manufacturing lines with moderate air demand
Facilities with limited space or noise restrictions
Users seeking plug-and-play air systems with minimal setup

Not Ideal For:

Large-scale production facilities
Users needing remote diagnostics or cloud integration
Environments with highly variable pressure demands

Ingersoll Rand UP6 Series FAQ

Is the UP6 Series suitable for continuous operation?

How quiet is it?

What is the Total Air System (TAS)?

Does it require a separate dryer?

What kind of maintenance does it need?

Can it be installed in tight spaces?

Is it energy-efficient?

Does it support variable speed drive (VSD)?

What’s the warranty coverage?

Can it replace a piston compressor?

7Interesting & Lesser-Known Facts

Interesting Fact: The UP6 Series is so quiet that it’s often installed directly in service bays—eliminating the need for separate compressor rooms.

Lesser-Known Fact: Its Poly-V belt drive system minimizes stretch and slippage, maintaining consistent air output even under fluctuating loads.

Further Read

Conclusion: Compact Power, Proven Reliability

The Ingersoll Rand UP6 Series is a workhorse for small industrial teams who need dependable air without the complexity of larger systems. It’s quiet, compact, and easy to maintain—making it a favorite among auto shops, light manufacturers, and facilities with limited space.

Have you used the UP6 Series in your operation? Share your experience in the comments and tag a colleague who’s shopping for a compressor. Let’s help more small manufacturers find the right fit for their workflow.

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