I am looking at this air compressor at Tractor Supply - Ingersol 2-stage

[jimgerken]

Champion? Hmmm, they don't look bad either!

Champion Centurion II Vertical Air Compressor, Champion Air Compressor, Champion Centurion II

The above is a Champion 80 gallon 5 hp, slow speed motor unit. Looks competetive to the Quincy 251CS80VCB in specs and features, at about the same price (Champion may be $100-$200 less than similar Quincy). However, I cannot find any published information regarding pump and motor country of origin on this Champion unit. I am presently favoring USA made components.

 

[DXN1EL]

Champion IS the best bang for the buck it has a US BALDOR, 100% cast iron pump.

 

[jimgerken]

Where is the Champion pump made? They look good so far.

 

[DXN1EL]

I'll have to look were these pumps are made, but as far I can tell they are one of the best pumps on the market.

 

[jimgerken]

I checked and found that Rollair pumps are Italian. I do really like the dark green color however. Eaton pumps are also now imported according to sources I read. Snap on may have domestic parts, but the prices I found were twice that of competitive units.
And the winner is...Champion!!!
I called the Champion company in IL. Took a while to determine but finally the gal from customer service said " I guess we build those ourselves!". apparently they are made in Princeton Illinois. She said there are two motor manufacturers, WEG and Baldor. I asked if I could request Baldor over WEG, she said yes, they would not have a problem with that if my dealer ordered it that way. So I called and talked to a very helpful guy named Jim (of course), at TP Tools and equipment in Ohio, an online retailer of Champion AND Quincy. Salesman Jim told me he had personally purchased the Quincy for his home automotive and motorcycle shop about 17 years ago. It is still going strong of course. Then he added that after he purchased the Quincy, his company TP started carrying the Champion line of compressors. He would have preferred to have a Champion, but already had a Quincy (what a great problem to have). He says they are both excellent products and fully USA-made as far as he knew (with the exception of the WEG-sourced motors which could be shipped on the Champions). He would buy the Champion today because the compressor speed is another 140 rpm slower than the Quincy (805 on Champion, 942 on Quincy), and the Champion compressor is all cast iron, no aluminum head. He has not had any trouble with his Quincy, but being honest he realizes the diss-similar metal combination can be a problem with heat cycles. We also talked about compressor oils and he recomends not switching the oil to synthetic. He has seen compressors that did not break in properly when switched to synthetic and then they passed oil into the air. He said just stick with mineral based oil and change it on time per recommendations.
So I ordered this Champion Heavy-Duty 5HP 2-Stage 80-Gal Air Compressor - TP Tools & Equipment
This has been a really good thread and helpful to me and I want to thank everyone for the input. I did spend twice my original budget, but did so with eyes wide open and with the idea of getting an all-American (or darn close to it) solution. I am sure it will outlast me, so be sure you attend my auction after I die. The wife is going to have some REALLY nice stuff to sell.

 

[mikehaugen]

Congratulations, nice last-minute find.

Make sure to tell the wife to post that auction on here when it happens!

 

[DXN1EL]

Congratulations, excellent choice!!!
I like Champions best, I am looking to purchase a Champion also. since I can have it spec like I want.

 

[jimgerken]

Congratulations, nice last-minute find.

Make sure to tell the wife to post that auction on here when it happens!

Extremely last minute!!! Had to get a Quincy order from Northern canceled before I could proceed with the Champ.

 

[Midniteoyl]

NIce... but isnt that 200% of what you wanted to spend?

 

[Husaberg]

I rode a Husaberg 500 back in 1991 or so in California desert.

Those early ones were very unique by not having any oil pump other than crankcase pressure and a reed valve.