Product Description
286526X TF-501 Air Compressor – Pulley Drive Bendix Replacement
The 286526X TF-501 air compressor is a heavy-duty pulley-driven compressor designed for commercial truck air brake systems and industrial vehicle air supply applications. This compressor is currently in stock and ready to ship from Ace Motor Parts. It is manufactured as a high-quality replacement unit engineered to meet or exceed OEM performance standards for Bendix TF-501 compressors used across a wide range of medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
Air compressors play a critical role in the operation of modern air brake systems. They continuously generate compressed air that is stored in onboard reservoirs and used to actuate brake chambers, parking brake systems, suspension components, and other pneumatic accessories. A properly functioning compressor ensures that the vehicle maintains adequate system pressure for safe braking and dependable operation.
The TF-501 compressor family has long been recognized for its durability, consistent airflow output, and adaptability to a variety of engine configurations. This pulley-drive configuration is commonly found in medium-duty and vocational truck platforms where a belt-driven compressor arrangement is required.
TF-501 Pulley Drive Compressor Design
The TF-501 utilizes a proven two-cylinder reciprocating piston design engineered for continuous duty operation in commercial vehicle environments. Each piston compresses incoming air through a single-stage compression cycle, delivering a steady supply of compressed air while the engine is running.
This compressor produces approximately 12 cubic feet of air per minute at 1250 RPM, providing sufficient airflow to replenish system air reservoirs after brake applications or auxiliary air consumption. The pulley-driven configuration allows the compressor to be driven by a belt system connected to the engine crankshaft, making it suitable for vehicles and equipment where gear-driven compressors are not used.
The compressor is both water-cooled and air-cooled, allowing it to maintain stable operating temperatures during continuous operation. Engine coolant circulates through the compressor housing while airflow around the unit assists with additional heat dissipation.
Lubrication is supplied by the engine’s oil system through a dedicated oil supply line, ensuring that internal moving components remain properly lubricated under demanding operating conditions.
Key Features
- Direct replacement for Bendix TF-501 pulley drive compressors
- Heavy-duty two-cylinder reciprocating piston compressor
- Single-stage compression design for commercial air brake systems
- Pulley-driven configuration for belt-drive installations
- Approximately 12 CFM airflow capacity at 1250 RPM
- Water-cooled and air-cooled compressor housing
- Durable construction designed for fleet trucks and vocational equipment
- Replacement unit built to meet or exceed OEM specifications
- In stock and ready to ship from Ace Motor Parts
Technical Specifications
| Part Number | 286526X |
| Compressor Model | TF-501 |
| Drive Type | Pulley Drive |
| Mounting Type | Base Mount / Flange Mount |
| Cylinders | 2 |
| Bore x Stroke | 2.625 in x 1.50 in |
| Displacement | 16.5 cubic inches per revolution |
| Air Output | Approx. 12 CFM @ 1250 RPM |
| Maximum Speed | 3000 RPM |
| Horsepower Requirement | 4.9 HP @ 3000 RPM / 100 PSI |
| Cooling | Water and Air Cooled |
| Minimum Coolant Flow | 2.5 GPM |
| Minimum Unload Pressure | 60 PSI |
| Max Inlet Temperature | 250°F |
| Max Discharge Temperature | 400°F |
| Air Inlet Port | Right Side |
| Air Outlet Port | Right Side |
| Discharge Type | Flange |
| Unloader Port | 1/8"-27 NPT |
| Weight | 40 lbs |
Vehicle Applications
The 286526X TF-501 pulley drive compressor is commonly used in medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles where belt-driven air compressors are required. Typical applications include:
- Freightliner M2
- International 4300
- Ford F-650 and F-750
- Hino 338
- Trailer air systems (2000 and newer)
- Oshkosh specialty vehicles
- Kershaw maintenance equipment
- Allis-Chalmers industrial equipment
- Eaton-Batavia systems
- Crane Carrier vehicles
- GMC heavy-duty trucks
- FWD specialty vehicles
Bendix Interchange
| 104436 | 104437 | 106169 |
| 285930 | 285953 | 285954 |
| 285955 | 285965 | 285966 |
| 286128 | 286131 | 286134 |
| 286218 | 286526 | 286641 |
| 286642 | 286684 | 287303 |
| 287483 | 288062 | 288974 |
| 7020001 |
International Harvester Service Interchange
| 97193R91 | 143018R91 | 149628R91 |
| 179022R91 | 295435C91 | 398568C91 |
| 398568C92 | 861448R91 | 861448R92 |
| 861448R93 | 990007C91 | 990178C91 |
| 990187C91 | 990210C91 | 997065R91 |
Additional Industry Cross References
| BW286526X | H286526X | E-BN286526X |
| EL130200 | 13020 | 286528X |
| 286535X | 286529 | 04625286592X |
| BXC286592X | 102822 | 289751 |
| 286585X | 286586X | 286527X |
| 286528RX | 286592X | 4015800 |
| 4015801 | 4015802 | 4015803 |
| BEN286591X | NTP286526X | FP286526X |
| MHC286526X | RTC286526X | PHD286526X |
| VIPAR286526X |
Always verify compressor mounting configuration, pulley alignment, port orientation, and engine compatibility before ordering.
Role of the Compressor in Air Brake Systems
The air compressor is responsible for generating compressed air used throughout the vehicle’s pneumatic systems. It continuously pumps air into the storage reservoirs so that brake chambers and other air-operated components have sufficient pressure available when needed.
When compressors wear internally, pressure build-up times can increase and overall system performance may decline. Installing a properly engineered replacement compressor restores air system efficiency and ensures the vehicle’s braking system operates reliably under normal and heavy-duty operating conditions.
Browse our full selection of air brake compressors or explore our inventory of surplus air brake compressors for heavy duty trucks.
