Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[dirtymartini]

It doesn't seem like it would even crank with a ton of stone on it. Did it crank harder with all that weight on it?

It did crank a little harder but as long as you have a plastic bedliner it should work fine. Once it starts moving it gets easier.

 

[rbstern]

Smooth bed (metal or composite) is a must with cargo unloader. Otherwise, you must throw a tarp down under the dragsheet before loading. Cranking does get harder with heavy loads, but it is still very workable.

 

[dragoneggs]

Works even better if you have a plain plastic bed liner (no rubber floor)

Or if you have a lineX sprayed in liner, put a hard plastic removable liner under the fabric that extends across the tailgate to help smooth out the 'ride'. What I did.

 

[lostcreekranch]

I've decided that I need to upgrade my shop air system. I presently have two Craftsman 33 gallon, 150 psi, non-oiled type portable air compressors that provide a bit over 5 cfm at 90 psi. One is installed in woodworking shop and the other in smaller metal shop. Both leave a lot to be desired when using air grinders, etc.

I'm taking a hard look at the HF 5HP, 60 gallon, 2 stage, stationary compressor. It's rated to 165 psi and 15.8 cfm at 90 psi. It's on sale for $799 presently which seems like good value.

6 Gallon Air Compressor - 2 Stage, 5 HP, 165 PSI

Anyone else have any any experience with this unit?

Thanks!

 

[Midniteoyl]

I've decided that I need to upgrade my shop air system. I presently have two Craftsman 33 gallon, 150 psi, non-oiled type portable air compressors that provide a bit over 5 cfm at 90 psi. One is installed in woodworking shop and the other in smaller metal shop. Both leave a lot to be desired when using air grinders, etc.

I'm taking a hard look at the HF 5HP, 60 gallon, 2 stage, stationary compressor. It's rated to 165 psi and 15.8 cfm at 90 psi. It's on sale for $799 presently which seems like good value.

6 Gallon Air Compressor - 2 Stage, 5 HP, 165 PSI

Anyone else have any any experience with this unit?

Thanks!

This is from another forum. Little dated but I believe the compressor is still the same:

I was in the market for a larger new vert electrical driven, while looking I found out some interesting things. These are pasted below. From a number of posts on another forum!

Since, Air compressors have come up lately on this forum. and I was thinking of getting an electric motor driven one to replace the gas driven portable I have.
While at Horrible Fright They have a 5 HP, 60 Gallon, 165 PSI Two Stage Air Compressor
* Air delivery: 13.5 CFM @ 165 PSI, 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI
* Cast-iron cylinders and stainless steel valves
* Automatic start/stop
* ASME tank with safety valve
* No mag starter required

230 volts, 22 amp, Single phase; Overall dimensions: 36" L x 24" Diameter x 69" H
Shipping weight: 243 lbs.

No country of origin on it. On the label, there was a Mfg.code and a phone number for compressor support.
I called it this morning. The parent company is called Atlas Copco and is a large multi national company. The compressor is made in Rock Hill South Carolina. So H F sells America made compressors

.....

They look like a number of other rebranded compressors at other venues for sales at higher prices.
I would like to correct my grievous error! It is an American assembled compressor.
Since I got jumped on about the made in USA on another forum.
I called them back and asked were the parts were made.
The tank is made in Virginia
The Motors are A.O. Smith or Baldor depending on size
The pressure controls are From a US company.
The mag stater on the larger one is Square D
The pump is made by there parent company in Italy
They screws nuts and other items maybe from various countries of origins.
I will say that the support by phone, even with the questions was great and the warranty looks to be better than most as they just bought a distribution company Rock hill to support their compressors and other equipment they sell under rebranded names.
They also build heavy duty equipment for mining and construction and industry.
If you are talking about the one on sale now. It is assembled in Rock hill SC. By the atlas copco company. They are from Italy and one of the largest mining and construction compressor makers.
The tanks are asme stamped made by Manchester tank company here in the USA. As are most of the others that are assembled
I believe that you are wrong on the warranty its two years for home owners use or 90 days for contractor or rental. I believe that the extended warranty is for repaired on site.
Check the instruction booklet down load on the web site. that what it says in the pages.
Here is the 800 number for the parts warranty in Rock Hill SC. 1-866-869-3114

They also make 7 other brands at the same sight.

BY the way Husk Pro, some Campbell Hausfields and Kobalt are assemble in the same plant here in the states. They all all have the same parts warranty 800 number. 1-800-543-6400

Air Compressor Harbor Freight - SmokStak

Its also the same one as this one thats selling for $400 more: Amazon.com: 6 gal. 5 HP 165 PSI Two Stage Air Compressor Special: Home Improvement

 

[daugen]

HF selling American? Wonders never cease...
If I were going to pay 800 bucks or more for a compressor, I think I'd also look at Ingersoll Rand and Quincy, maybe Puma, for comparison.
Very positive report about the HF though above. Impressive actually.
the Italians make good water pumps (AR) so I bet they make good air compressors.
DOT Tanks Propane Tanks Compressed Air Tanks ASME Grill Manufacturer
If Manchester Tank has a location in Quincy, sure sounds like they make Quincy's pressure tanks. All good.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Thanks for the links, I had seen most of them last week and hoping for more current updates. HF also sells same air compressor "factory reconditioned" for $640 plus $85 shipping from factory.

6 gal. 5 HP 165 PSI Two Stage Air Compressor

So $800 vs. $715.

 

[lostcreekranch]

HF selling American? Wonders never cease...
If I were going to pay 800 bucks or more for a compressor, I think I'd also look at Ingersoll Rand and Quincy, maybe Puma, for comparison.
Very positive report about the HF though above. Impressive actually.
the Italians make good water pumps (AR) so I bet they make good air compressors.
DOT Tanks Propane Tanks Compressed Air Tanks ASME Grill Manufacturer
If Manchester Tank has a location in Quincy, sure sounds like they make Quincy's pressure tanks. All good.

Thanks Drew. Everything I've found under $1000 has been single stage compressors so, limited to about 135 psi and much lower cfm @ 90 psi.

 

[Garandman]

Bought the digital inspection camera with a coupon for $54.

Pleased with it. The extension is much longer than shown: 4 foot or so. Saved me some time already!

Digital Inspection Camera

 

[rswyan]

Rick,

I've had that compressor here for around 5 or so years. Had an issue with the fitting on the on/off switch not sealing when I got it home.

Called an 800 number and they shipped out a complete new switch and I had it in a few days.

No problems since then. I do have the shutoff dialed back to 150 psi.