Product Description
286554X TF-501 Air Compressor – Bendix Replacement for Cummins Diesel Engines
The 286554X TF-501 air compressor is a heavy-duty replacement compressor designed for Cummins diesel-powered commercial trucks and trailers. This compressor is available from Ace Motor Parts and is engineered to provide reliable air supply for heavy-duty air brake systems. Engine-driven compressors generate the compressed air required to operate service brakes, parking brakes, and other pneumatic systems used on commercial vehicles.
This TF-501 configuration is commonly installed on Cummins engines used in International Harvester and White truck platforms. The compressor uses a durable two-cylinder piston design and features a flange-mounted engine drive system with an installed drive gear for compatibility with Cummins accessory drives.
Cummins Engine Applications
The 286554X compressor is typically used on trucks equipped with Cummins NH, NTC, KT, and KTA diesel engines. These compressors are commonly found on heavy-duty trucks, highway tractors, and vocational vehicles that rely on air brake systems for safe and reliable operation.
The unit uses a flange-mounted engine-driven configuration and features a left-side air inlet and discharge orientation when viewed from the rear. This layout allows the compressor to integrate with many Cummins accessory drive configurations used on legacy heavy truck platforms.
TF-501 Compressor Design
The TF-501 compressor utilizes a two-cylinder reciprocating piston design that compresses air through a single-stage process. With an airflow rating of approximately 12 cubic feet per minute at 1250 RPM, the compressor provides dependable airflow for commercial vehicle air brake systems.
This configuration uses a combined air and water cooling system to help regulate operating temperatures during extended operation. Engine-supplied lubrication ensures the compressor receives proper lubrication during heavy-duty service conditions.
Key Features
- Direct replacement for Bendix TF-501 air compressors
- Designed for Cummins diesel engine applications
- Engine-driven flange mount configuration
- Drive gear included and installed
- Heavy-duty two-cylinder reciprocating piston compressor
- Water and air cooled compressor design
- Left-side air inlet and discharge ports
- Flange discharge connection
- Designed for commercial truck air brake systems
- Includes installation gaskets
Technical Specifications
| Part Number | 286554X |
| Compressor Model | TF-501 |
| Mounting Style | Engine Flange Mount |
| Drive Type | Engine Driven (Drive Gear Installed) |
| Cylinder Quantity | 2 |
| Bore x Stroke | 2.625 in x 1.50 in |
| Rated Displacement | 12 CFM @ 1250 RPM |
| Displacement per Revolution | 16.5 cu in |
| Cooling Method | Water / Air Cooled |
| Air Inlet Location | Left |
| Air Outlet Location | Left |
| Maximum RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Horsepower @3000 RPM /100 PSI | 4.9 HP |
| Minimum Coolant Flow | 2.5 GPM |
| Minimum Unload Pressure | 60 PSI |
| Maximum Inlet Temperature | 250°F |
| Maximum Discharge Temperature | 400°F |
| Weight | 43 lbs |
| Typical Use | Heavy-Duty Truck Air Brake Systems |
286554X Compressor Cross Reference
| 101556 | 272CC | 285977 |
| 285978 | 286037 | 286103 |
| 286554 | 286970 | 287108 |
| 3018543X | 3049186X | 586041 |
| BEN286554 | BW-286554X | BXX286554 |
| E-BN286554X | R955286554X | R9553049186X |
| WBW286554 |
Part Number Reference
The 286554X air compressor replaces several TF-501 compressor numbers used in Cummins diesel truck applications. Common interchange numbers include 101556, 286037, 286103, 286970, and 287108 as well as aftermarket replacements such as BEN286554 and BW-286554X. These compressors are designed for trucks using Cummins NH, NTC, KT, and KTA diesel engines that require a flange-mounted TF-501 air compressor.
What Trucks Use the 286554X Air Compressor?
The 286554X TF-501 compressor is commonly installed on heavy-duty trucks powered by Cummins diesel engines including NH, NTC, KT, and KTA series engines. These compressors are often used on International Harvester and White truck platforms where a gear-driven engine flange mounted compressor is required.
Depending on the engine configuration, the EL13040X compressor may also be used as an alternate replacement.
The Role of the Air Compressor in Commercial Brake Systems
The air compressor is one of the most critical components in a commercial vehicle braking system. It continuously pumps compressed air into the truck’s air tanks so that the braking system maintains proper operating pressure.
If the compressor begins to wear internally, the air system may take longer to build pressure or struggle to maintain proper pressure during braking. Replacing a worn compressor helps restore proper air system operation and ensures reliable braking performance.
Browse our full selection of air brake compressors or explore our inventory of surplus air brake compressors for heavy duty trucks.
