Air Compressor

[Trent Flemming]

Hey Gang,

I'm in the market for a new air compressor. I have been looking at the following two:
Lowes $799.00
Campbell Hausfeld 80-Gallon Air Compressor
5hp, 16.1 cfm at 90 psi, 80 gallon
140 max PSI


Northern Tool $834.00
Ingersoll Rand
5 HP, 18.1 CFM @ 90 PSI, 230 Volt, 60 gallon
Motor: 5.0 HP/11.5 Peak HP - single phase motor
135 max PSI


If it's allowed I can post links to the products.

Thanks for the help

Trent

[Scott T Smith]

Trent, you might want to check the duty cycles on both units. Typically, whichever unit has the highest duty cycle is the best quality unit.

I've used both brands, and they both work well. My current unit is a 27 CFM Campbell Hausfeld 80 gallon that I've had for 14 years w/o any problems.

[Greg Portland]

The IR is continuous duty and a nice unit. When comparing prices, be sure to check out all the 'extras' that come with the unit:

- hoses?
- drain valve & type
- gauges
- air valves & type
- oil

You can quickly spend another $200 in extras outfitting a new compressor. Be sure to price the entire system + maintenance supplies for a true dollars to dollars comparison.

[Charles Lent]

Trent,

If there is a Tractor Supply store near you, compare their prices for the Iingersol Rand compressor. I saved over $100 on the same 18 cfm 5 hp size by buying from them.

Charley

[Trent Flemming]

Thanks for the tip. I will check out Tractor Supply.

[Jerome Stanek]

When you compare the IR compressors Make sure that they are the same model numbers. IR builds some that look alike and have the same specs but have cheaper parts. We ran into this when we had to replace one that we thought was identical but had a cheap motor and the pump was different.

[Trent Flemming]

Thanks for all the help.

I pulled the trigger on IR 5hp 80gal 16cfm at 90 psi, two stage commercial grade continuous duty compressor. The price was 999.00 at Tractor Supply. I hope to get it wired and plumed in the next few days.

Thanks again,

Trent

[Jim Becker]

No question in my mind between those two...the IR all the way. My IR compressor was a great choice and when you compare how they are built to the mass market units from the 'borg, it's eye opening sometimes.