Kobalt Compressor Downgrade?

[Derek Arita]

About a year ago, I bought a Kobalt 60gal 11cfm compressor for about $550. Its a great compressor. Now, what looks like the same compressor, has been downgraded to about 7cfm. Seems like everything else is the same. What gives? Anyone have the inside scoop on this? https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-60-Gallon-Two-Stage-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000542193

[Andy D Jones]

Who knows? They may have changed (to cheaper) suppliers, or they may have made small changes in response to abnormally high warranty repair rates. A simple change like pulley size can reduce compressor speed (and CFM with it) to reduce operating temperature, wear, etc.

Or the compressor may have never consistently delivered the advertised performance, so they changed the spec to match actual performance.

-- Andy - Arlington TX

[Richard Coers]

A lot of companies are selling quiet when it comes to compressors. Easiest way to quiet it down is to slow it down. Just guessing.

[Bill Dufour]

It may be related to the lawnmower engine horsepower fraud cases. They were reporting hp as a simple math problem of displacement, stroke and rpm. It was assumed 3600 rpm was the standard while it was really around 2,600, They also assumed 100% volumetric efficacy in the valves, carburetors and exhaust system. Then a simple calculation assuming 100% stoichemetric efficiency.
In fact air did not flow in and out at supersonic speeds with no air resistance, some percentage was blocked by friction and not all left the chamber every single stroke.

This is similar to the old car horsepower wars where they measured engine output power but they used an electric water pump, oil pump, cooling fan etc so that power was not robbed from the engine. No power steering or ac either.
Bil lD

[Curt Harms]

As I recall, a number of years ago - 10+ - most air compressor numbers were reduced. The method of measuring output changed to more closely reflect real world capacity. I wouldn't think that applies to new machines but who knows.

[Tom M King]

I doubt they changed anything on the machine. Someone probably bought one because they actually needed 11 cfm, and found out the truth the hard way.

[Derek Arita]

I'll have to check the pulley diameter on the "new" version and see how it compares to mine.

[David Kumm]

Slowing down a compressor adds greatly to its lifespan. The AL head on many will last much longer at 900 rpm vs the 1100+ they sometimes run to provide the cfm. It is possible the company was experiencing failures. Dave

[Derek Arita]

Sure hoping someone has the inside info as to why the change. Parts...marketing...pricing...?

[Art Mann]

According to their internet site, the 7 cfm is at 175 psi. If I remember correctly, the 11 cfm specification previously quoted was at 90 psi. If true, those two numbers can't be compared and the difference is reasonable.


About a year ago, I bought a Kobalt 60gal 11cfm compressor for about $550. Its a great compressor. Now, what looks like the same compressor, has been downgraded to about 7cfm. Seems like everything else is the same. What gives? Anyone have the inside scoop on this? https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-60-Gallon-Two-Stage-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000542193

[Derek Arita]

According to their internet site, the 7 cfm is at 175 psi. If I remember correctly, the 11 cfm specification previously quoted was at 90 psi. If true, those two numbers can't be compared and the difference is reasonable.

Art, mine says 11cfm @90psi. How does that compare to new specs...431482

[justin sherriff]

Art, mine says 11cfm @90psi. How does that compare to new specs...431482
if it is 6.9 cfm at 175 and at just about half the psi 90 is will do 7.6 cfm somthing does not add up to me.
Looking at some other Kobalt compressers the the psi and cfm bo not add up eather. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-80-Gallon-Two-Stage-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000528985
80 gallon in the discripshion 175 Maximum PSI 15.6 CFM at 175 PSI then under the spec tab 11.3 at 175, 11.9 at 100, 11.9 at 90
30 gallon specs are listed as 3.9 at 175, 5.2 at 100, and 4.1 at 90

so do not put to much in what they have listed most likely the same commpressor as what you have. I have on of the kolbalt quiet compressers and am happy with it.

[Ole Anderson]

I have one and they are anything but quiet. Lots of air though.