Air Compressor Purchasing Guide

Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Trends
- Types
- Specs
- Choosing a Seller

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Introduction

Air tools have become a staple on many jobsites due to the simplicity and advantages they provide. In fact, it&#;s estimated that nearly every industry now relies on compressed air tooling to some degree. Among their greatest benefits are that they offer the freedom from electricity and don&#;t require their own motor &#; especially useful in rural areas or temporary locations like fairgrounds or music festivals. But for these tools to perform in locations that range from urban to rural, they do require the support of an adequate air compressor.

Air compressors power everything from large industrial production machinery to individual ratchet and impact wrenches, paint sprayers, and finish nailers. This broad application is where you often find a couple more major advantages of an air system: versatility and power. Regardless of the scope or location of your project, an air compressor accommodates the full range of compatible tools &#; switched as quickly and easily as changing a drill bit. Plus, when compared to standard tooling, air powered models often provide greater torque and higher RPMs.

Three types
Air compressors are available in three basic types:

1. Reciprocating &#; Positive displacement compressors that provide increased air pressure by limiting the volume of air. Available in single-stage and two-stage, they&#;re typically capable of outputs ranging from 1 to 15 hp.
2. Rotary screw &#; Positive displacement compressors that are considered simple to operate and maintain. Favored for their ability to provide continuous duty, their design provides cooling within the compressor&#;s interior, saving the individual parts from extreme operating temperatures and enabling them to deliver outputs that range from 7.5 to 100 hp and up.
3. Centrifugal &#; Compressors that do not rely on positive displacement and are most effective when running at their full capacity, making them ideal for operating environments in which demand is continuous and output needs start around 100 hp.

In general, air compressors are highly durable tools. For example, it&#;s estimated that a rotary compressor will last for 40,000 to 60,000 hours &#; the equivalent of full-time operation for 20 to 30 years. With regular maintenance, reciprocating compressors have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. Each of the three types also has a number of advantages and disadvantages we&#;ll cover in more detail below.

Importance of a professional dealer
You&#;ll quickly discover that air compressor dealers often specialize in a particular brand. The reason is manufacturers typically require exclusivity among their networks. While this entails a little more comparison shopping on your part, it ends up being a plus in the long-run. Specialization enables the dealers to become highly familiar with each of the models they&#;re selling, the specific applications they&#;ve been designed for, and the type of service required to keep them up and running.

This expertise allows them to consult on the exact type of machinery best suited to your intended application(s) and also offer value-based service packages at a fixed cost that can help you maintain the investment well into the future. In fact, by some estimates, maintenance and repair can account for as much as 20% of the total investment on a light-duty or industrial air compressor.

Estimated costs
The more power you need, the more you can expect to pay. But given the versatility of an air compressor, a single investment may end up saving you on the purchase of additional tooling and equipment.

Here are some estimated costs on popular specs:

[table]Type, Horsepower, CFM, PSI, Portable / Stationary Mounted, Estimated Cost
Reciprocating, 3 - 5 hp, 10.3 - 15.5 cfm, 135 psi, Portable, "$800 - $1,400"
Reciprocating, 7.5 hp, 24 cfm, 175 psi, Portable, "$1,900 - $2,200"
Rotary Screw, 10 hp, 34 cfm, 175 psi, Portable, "$2,700 - $5,200"
Rotary Screw, 15 hp, 46 cfm, 175 psi, Portable, "$2,900 - $7,500"
Rotary Screw, 80 hp, 185 cfm, 80 - 125 psi, Stationary, "$12,000 - $17,500"
Centrifugal, 20 - 200hp, 14.3 - 998 cfm, 75 - 150 psi, Stationary, "$17,000 - $24,000"
Centrifugal, 250 - 500hp, - cfm, 109 - 125 psi, Stationary, "$35,000 - $90,000"[/table]

Finding a truck-mounted compressor that meets the professional requirements of the services you provide is not a one-size-fits-all task. Much like other equipment installed in the manufacturing and outfitting of a utility truck, a lot goes into figuring out which compressor options best meet your needs. Based on our own team&#;s expertise and the great guidance in the most recent March issue of Utility Fleet Professional magazine, we want to shed some light on a few important best practices to help you consider the best compressor for your business. 

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For instance, several factors, including the compressor&#;s placement on the chassis and ensuring appropriate flow rates, must be considered. To assist fleet managers in selecting the appropriate compressor, we&#;ve created a convenient checklist that includes insights from two of the best air compressor manufacturers, Vanair and VMAC. Let&#;s take a closer look!

Explore Air Compressors Possibilities

There are several types to choose from, including cross-mount, engine-driven compressors, engine-mounted, under-hood compressors, and PTO-driven, under-deck compressors. However, the most popular choice, according to Vanair, is the PTO-driven under-deck compressor. And why not? It boasts the highest power and largest range of CFM ratings (50-405) and can be combined with a generator, an SAE B pad for hydraulics, or even a combination of all three.

Factor in Life-Cycle Duration

When selecting an air compressor, remember to factor in the length of its life cycle. For instance, rotary screw air compressors are renowned for their durability, with some even lasting over 100,000 hours. Given that the average vehicle life cycle is 10 to 13 years, under-deck air compressors are expected to last substantially beyond that. Overall, the life cycle of an air compressor is a crucial aspect to consider when making your selection.

Consider Total Operating Costs

Don&#;t just focus on the initial purchase price when selecting an air compressor. Keep in mind that the total cost of ownership (TCO) may exceed the initial purchase price, and it can add up quickly, especially if you operate multiple compressor-equipped trucks. Vanair warns that the total life-cycle cost differential between compressor manufacturers can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars over a ten-year period for most utility fleets. That&#;s why it&#;s essential to consider total life-cycle costs when evaluating bids.

Consider Weight Carefully

The weight of the truck-mounted air compressor is an essential factor to keep in mind. Cross-mount compressors are bulky and heavy, weighing at least 2,400 pounds, occupying a large space, and require an additional engine, making them expensive. Moreover, they need higher GVWs, which might require a commercial driver&#;s license. Conversely, PTO-driven compressors are Tier 4 emissions-compliant, cost less, require less space, weigh around 400 pounds, offer high reliability, a long lifespan of around 110,000 hours, and increase the truck&#;s maneuverability without the need for towing, thereby reducing insurance costs.

Explore Power Options

When choosing a truck-mounted air compressor, most operators opt for fuel or power options that are already on the truck. Hydraulic air compressors are preferred by operators who have trucks with hydraulic cranes. In contrast, matching the air compressor to the vehicle&#;s existing fuel type is most convenient for trucks without hydraulics, according to VMAC.

Account for Weather and Operating Conditions

Weather conditions can negatively affect system materials and parts. As a result, remember to consider compressors and their mounting in terms of preventing issues from external water, ice, and snow-control chemicals. This will help ensure ruggedness for any off-road duties you need to accomplish. Additionally, where a truck operates matters because certain parts of the country may require additional cooling or winterization. Furthermore, do not overlook duty cycles. Powerful redundant transducer and thermistor systems are available to provide uptime, reliability, and dependability for PTO-driven air compressors, according to Vanair.

By considering factors like weight, power options, operating conditions, and more, you can find the perfect compressor to fit your professional ambition. Don&#;t underestimate the importance of this decision! Poorly chosen compressors can lead to lost productivity, increased downtime, and added costs. Contact Levan Machine & Truck Equipment to help you make the right choice and keep your business operating at its best. We have the expertise to help you decide which options will work best for you!

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