IR 60 gal Air Compressor oiled
- Thread starter Alan L.
- Start date
- Views: 13810
Went to Tractor Supply and looked at compressors today. I couldn't pull the trigger as I can't seem to decide what level of machine I need. Hate to spend more for capacity I might never use, but hate to run short of capacity at some point. Realistically I will probably only use impact wrenches and blow things off. And air up tires. But I might decide I need something else later such as an angle grinder (use an electric one now and its fine).
Of the vertical oiled units that I am interested in they had 3 units:
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal single stage 135 max, 10.3 CFM @ 90 psi, 3 year warranty - this was regular $449 on sale today for $399. Looks fine but has plastic belt guard and comes with oil. The IRs don't have oil in them so I could transport it on its side.
Ingersol Rand 60 gal single stage 135 max, 11.2 CFM @ 90 psi, 2 year warranty with their "kit" which includes synthetic oil. Was on sale a couple weeks ago for $499 but today it was $599.
Not much difference in specs for the two above for $200 difference in price. The IR clearly heavier built, but warranty not as long.
Ingersol Rand 80 gal 2-stage 175 psi max, 15.8 CFM @ 90 psi, same warranty with kit. $999. Very big and heavy looking unit.
There is an IR model for $849 that TSC didn't have in stock. Its a single stage 80-gal, but does 18.1 CFM @ 90 psi (only 135 max).
Hard to decide, the 18.1 CFM unit which they didn't have in stock seems like the sweet spot price wise - not sure if I would ever need more than 135 psi.
Probably only need a regulator - not gonna be painting and the impact wrench would get very light use. Figure on wiring to a 50-amp plug to plug into the welder outlet.
I'm hoping Northern Tool in Plano has the Puma that Bird referred to, I'd to lay my eyeballs on that one too before I pull the trigger.
Looks like I'll also have to invest in a hammer drill to drill holes in the concrete to mount the compressor when I get it. Any ideas on bits and what kind of anchor bolts? Might be quite a challenge getting it up and over the studs
Of the vertical oiled units that I am interested in they had 3 units:
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal single stage 135 max, 10.3 CFM @ 90 psi, 3 year warranty - this was regular $449 on sale today for $399. Looks fine but has plastic belt guard and comes with oil. The IRs don't have oil in them so I could transport it on its side.
Ingersol Rand 60 gal single stage 135 max, 11.2 CFM @ 90 psi, 2 year warranty with their "kit" which includes synthetic oil. Was on sale a couple weeks ago for $499 but today it was $599.
Not much difference in specs for the two above for $200 difference in price. The IR clearly heavier built, but warranty not as long.
Ingersol Rand 80 gal 2-stage 175 psi max, 15.8 CFM @ 90 psi, same warranty with kit. $999. Very big and heavy looking unit.
There is an IR model for $849 that TSC didn't have in stock. Its a single stage 80-gal, but does 18.1 CFM @ 90 psi (only 135 max).
Hard to decide, the 18.1 CFM unit which they didn't have in stock seems like the sweet spot price wise - not sure if I would ever need more than 135 psi.
Probably only need a regulator - not gonna be painting and the impact wrench would get very light use. Figure on wiring to a 50-amp plug to plug into the welder outlet.
I'm hoping Northern Tool in Plano has the Puma that Bird referred to, I'd to lay my eyeballs on that one too before I pull the trigger.
Looks like I'll also have to invest in a hammer drill to drill holes in the concrete to mount the compressor when I get it. Any ideas on bits and what kind of anchor bolts? Might be quite a challenge getting it up and over the studs
Bird
Rest in Peace
Alan, I know there's been a lot of talk about anchoring a compressor to the concrete and if that's what you want to do, that's fine, but there's just no way I'd do that. It's just too simple to leave it on the pallet it comes on and I've never known one to move at all. But whatever you do, you want to be sure you leave room to easily get to the condensation drain frequently.
If you use a paint gun, you'll need the regulator, but for other things, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Your impact wrench is rated for 90 psi and running higher pressure CAN damage it, but that doesn't mean it WILL damage it if it isn't done a great deal. In fact, many, if not most, professional mechnics run theirs at 175 psi routinely. Eventually, you'll wear it out, but for most folks, it's not worth worrying about. My compressor kicks on at 125 psi and off at 155 psi and I never bother to turn it down for the impact wrench, air ratchet, or angle die grinder.
If you use a paint gun, you'll need the regulator, but for other things, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Your impact wrench is rated for 90 psi and running higher pressure CAN damage it, but that doesn't mean it WILL damage it if it isn't done a great deal. In fact, many, if not most, professional mechnics run theirs at 175 psi routinely. Eventually, you'll wear it out, but for most folks, it's not worth worrying about. My compressor kicks on at 125 psi and off at 155 psi and I never bother to turn it down for the impact wrench, air ratchet, or angle die grinder.
rswyan
Super Star Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2004
- Messages
- 11,425
- Location
- Northeast Ohio
- Tractor
- Kubota B2910, Cub Cadet Pro Z 154S, Simplicity 18 CFC, Cub Cadet 782
Alan,
You might want to take a look at Harbor Freight's larger offerings. I just purchased this one, on sale for $825 (unfortunately HF no longer allows the use of "XX% Off" coupons on compressors
):
5 HP, 60 Gallon, 165 PSI Two Stage Air Compressor
13.5 CFM @ 165 PSI, 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI
When researching these I first started by reading the 15 or so reviews on the Harbor Freight website - as I recall it, all were positive, including a couple that had been using the compressor daily for some time, or using it commercially. I then Googled the HF model no. (93274) and started reading write-ups on other various forums (Home Shop Machinist, Garage Forum maybe ?) .... long story short: I don't think I ever found a negative one .... or even much in the way of a real compliant - but I did find numerous purchasers that were pleased.
Contrast that with my experience reading up on the IR units (I found numerous complaints about problems/failures .... when the units were brand new) .... once upon a time, Ingersoll-Rand was a very good name .... and may well still be on their larger, heavy-duty commercial products ($$$)
But, as the saying goes .... they (apparently) ain't what the used to be .....
The HF unit has a "Made in USA" ASME tank, an AO Smith Motor (Hecho in Mexico I believe) which does not require a mag starter (the IR may), and the compressor itself is a high quality unit made in Italy.
The company that produces these for Harbor Freight is ABAC/American IMC, a large, global industrial air compressor company:
ABAC
They apparently also make identical units which are sold industrially under the "Bel-Aire" label (and, apparently, a couple of other brands):
Bel-Aire Compressors
In fact, in the instruction manual for my Harbor Freight unit, they say specifically not to bolt it down solid - as it will cause metal to crack/fracture over time.
I picked up 4 heavy-duty vibration-damping leveling mounts from McMaster-Carr (Item No 60855K52 @ $7.24 ea.), rated at 80 lbs each (the shipping weight for the compressor is listed @ 260 lbs):
Heavy Duty Vibration-Damping Leveling Mounts
These seem to be working good so far, no evidence that it's walking around and I'm fairly sure it makes it quieter
All vertical tank compressors tend to be top heavy - I may chain this unit to the wall ... just to ensure it doesn't somehow get tipped over.
The only thing I can see on the compressor that is clearly of questionable quality is the pressure gauge. A new liquid-filled 0-200 psi pressure gauge with a stainless case ($23) from McMaster-Carr solved that.
I also installed a el-cheapo Husky air line filter and a 0-125 psi regulator (about $50) on it, from Home Depot, until it goes over in the polebarn .... and then I'll stick a very nice older Schrader filter/regulator and lubricator on it that's currently on my little portable up in the shed.
CDI CONTROL DEVICES - Pneumatic Drain Valve
It's a simple poppet valve with a 5' steel cable with a loop on the end that you pull to drain. For the $8.18 that it cost - plus the cost of a 1/4 NPT 90 degree street elbow to mount it in the bottom of the tank - it's worth it to my back and legs not to have to bend over. :thumbsup:
Once I get the compressor over to the barn and all plumbed in I may install a Wilkerson Pneumatic Auto Drain (around $50 or so at McMaster) .... or not ....
You might want to take a look at Harbor Freight's larger offerings. I just purchased this one, on sale for $825 (unfortunately HF no longer allows the use of "XX% Off" coupons on compressors
):5 HP, 60 Gallon, 165 PSI Two Stage Air Compressor
13.5 CFM @ 165 PSI, 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI
When researching these I first started by reading the 15 or so reviews on the Harbor Freight website - as I recall it, all were positive, including a couple that had been using the compressor daily for some time, or using it commercially. I then Googled the HF model no. (93274) and started reading write-ups on other various forums (Home Shop Machinist, Garage Forum maybe ?) .... long story short: I don't think I ever found a negative one .... or even much in the way of a real compliant - but I did find numerous purchasers that were pleased.
Contrast that with my experience reading up on the IR units (I found numerous complaints about problems/failures .... when the units were brand new) .... once upon a time, Ingersoll-Rand was a very good name .... and may well still be on their larger, heavy-duty commercial products ($$$)
But, as the saying goes .... they (apparently) ain't what the used to be .....
The HF unit has a "Made in USA" ASME tank, an AO Smith Motor (Hecho in Mexico I believe) which does not require a mag starter (the IR may), and the compressor itself is a high quality unit made in Italy.
The company that produces these for Harbor Freight is ABAC/American IMC, a large, global industrial air compressor company:
ABAC
They apparently also make identical units which are sold industrially under the "Bel-Aire" label (and, apparently, a couple of other brands):
Bel-Aire Compressors
Nor would I, without using isolation/vibration dampening mounts - and even then don't crank it down solid.
In fact, in the instruction manual for my Harbor Freight unit, they say specifically not to bolt it down solid - as it will cause metal to crack/fracture over time.
I picked up 4 heavy-duty vibration-damping leveling mounts from McMaster-Carr (Item No 60855K52 @ $7.24 ea.), rated at 80 lbs each (the shipping weight for the compressor is listed @ 260 lbs):
Heavy Duty Vibration-Damping Leveling Mounts
These seem to be working good so far, no evidence that it's walking around and I'm fairly sure it makes it quieter
All vertical tank compressors tend to be top heavy - I may chain this unit to the wall ... just to ensure it doesn't somehow get tipped over.
The only thing I can see on the compressor that is clearly of questionable quality is the pressure gauge. A new liquid-filled 0-200 psi pressure gauge with a stainless case ($23) from McMaster-Carr solved that.
I also installed a el-cheapo Husky air line filter and a 0-125 psi regulator (about $50) on it, from Home Depot, until it goes over in the polebarn .... and then I'll stick a very nice older Schrader filter/regulator and lubricator on it that's currently on my little portable up in the shed.
As a cheap solution I ordered this compressor drain from Grainger:
CDI CONTROL DEVICES - Pneumatic Drain Valve
It's a simple poppet valve with a 5' steel cable with a loop on the end that you pull to drain. For the $8.18 that it cost - plus the cost of a 1/4 NPT 90 degree street elbow to mount it in the bottom of the tank - it's worth it to my back and legs not to have to bend over. :thumbsup:
Once I get the compressor over to the barn and all plumbed in I may install a Wilkerson Pneumatic Auto Drain (around $50 or so at McMaster) .... or not ....
Last edited:
George2615
Super Member
I agree with Bird. My previous compressor (a 60 gallon tank unit) was purchased through Northern Hydraulic (now Northern Tool) about 30 years ago. It sat on the pallet it was shipped on and never moved. My newest one is a Husky 80 gallon unit I bought at HD. It's made by Campbell Hausfeld and sold through Home Depot stores. It is sitting on the pallet from my previous one since the one it was shipped on was poorly built in my opinion.
I have decided to go with a Campbell Hausfeld 60-gal, 10.2 CFM @ 90 PSI compressor for $399.99 at TSC.
Campbell Hausfeld 60 Gallon Cast Iron Air Compressor - 3310006 | Tractor Supply Company
It goes off sale today but they say they will hold one at the sale price for me to pick up on Saturday. I plan to drain the oil out and lay it on its side WITH pallet, and I plan to leave it on the pallet. I plan to purchase a regulator and drain kit, and also the wire and a 50 amp plug so I can plug it into my 50 amp welder outlet.
Just too much more money to go either to IR or to 15 - 18 cfm, when I think most of the use will be tires, blowing things off, and an impact wrench. Also leaves me some money for a decent 1/2" impact wrench. I had to use a cheater bar to get one of my ZTR blades off last saturday as my electric impact (200 fp) wouldn't budge it.
Campbell Hausfeld 60 Gallon Cast Iron Air Compressor - 3310006 | Tractor Supply Company
It goes off sale today but they say they will hold one at the sale price for me to pick up on Saturday. I plan to drain the oil out and lay it on its side WITH pallet, and I plan to leave it on the pallet. I plan to purchase a regulator and drain kit, and also the wire and a 50 amp plug so I can plug it into my 50 amp welder outlet.
Just too much more money to go either to IR or to 15 - 18 cfm, when I think most of the use will be tires, blowing things off, and an impact wrench. Also leaves me some money for a decent 1/2" impact wrench. I had to use a cheater bar to get one of my ZTR blades off last saturday as my electric impact (200 fp) wouldn't budge it.
Bird
Rest in Peace
Alan, I'll bet you'll be well satisfied with that compressor.
Elviscaretaker
Gold Member
I agree, but, tell the wife it was 2x as much and go buy more tools .
.rswyan
Super Star Member
- Joined
- May 12, 2004
- Messages
- 11,425
- Location
- Northeast Ohio
- Tractor
- Kubota B2910, Cub Cadet Pro Z 154S, Simplicity 18 CFC, Cub Cadet 782
Alan,
I agree - I'm sure you'll be quite happy/satisfied with that unit - we've had a Coleman Powermate Black Max (single-stage, 5 HP, 30 gallon tank) that served us very well for about 15 years. It has been more than adequate for almost all our past needs - the only place it really came up short was larger sandblasting jobs, which were fairly rare anyways.
Just remember to keep the tank drained, change the oil every now and then, and I'm sure it will serve you well :thumbsup:
I agree - I'm sure you'll be quite happy/satisfied with that unit - we've had a Coleman Powermate Black Max (single-stage, 5 HP, 30 gallon tank) that served us very well for about 15 years. It has been more than adequate for almost all our past needs - the only place it really came up short was larger sandblasting jobs, which were fairly rare anyways.
Just remember to keep the tank drained, change the oil every now and then, and I'm sure it will serve you well :thumbsup: