Air Compressors

Air compressors supply the shop air that runs impact tools, tire changers, bridge jacks, spray equipment and air-operated lifts. The range here covers portable and cordless jobsite units, 5 HP 80-gallon vertical commercial compressors, 10 HP 120-gallon horizontal machines, and gas-engine compressors with Honda motors on 30-gallon tanks for sites without power. Atlas, BendPak, Rol-Air, DEWALT, Hitachi and Metabo are stocked. Condition is stated on each listing.

How to choose

Size on CFM, not horsepower. Add up the air consumption of the tools you will run at the same time, add margin, and buy a compressor that delivers that at your working pressure, because a compressor that cannot keep up will run constantly and wear out early. Tank size buys recovery time for intermittent tools; it does not increase output. Then check power. Units listed here are offered in single phase and in three phase, and the Atlas 10 HP 120-gallon horizontal, for example, is listed in both a 1-phase and a 3-phase version. Confirm what your panel supplies and what amperage is available before ordering, because a three-phase machine cannot be run on single-phase service. Where a site has no suitable supply, the gas-engine models are the alternative. Decide vertical or horizontal by floor space: vertical tanks take less footprint, while horizontal tanks are easier to move and site under a bench. Plan for the air itself as well, since a filter, a regulator and, in humid climates, a dryer keep water out of your tools and out of paintwork.

Installation, freight and what is included

Stationary compressors ship by freight on a pallet; portable and cordless units ship by parcel carrier. Larger stationary machines should sit on a level slab, be anchored or isolated per the manufacturer’s instructions, and be hard wired by a licensed electrician. Some listings state a manufacturer warranty term of 1, 3 or 5 years depending on the model, so check the product page. Variety Engines applies a 6-month limited warranty as standard. The extended warranty offered on qualifying remanufactured drivetrain units does not apply to compressors. Call 440-374-1039 with your tool list and we will help size the CFM.