Proper air compressors

[Tero Vallas]

Hi

I'd like to know which are good air compressors to use ? In terms of proven reliability, large enough air volume, durability ( some of the pumps provides good volumes in the beginning, but it deteriorates after few times in use ) etc.

Is 150 PSI minimum requirement and I guess one should prefer 2 piston pumps. What kind of specs are recommendable ?

What kind of experiences do you have with Vitaly pumps. Does anyone have Michelin pump ?

Where have you bought yours ?

 

Plenty of questions but please advice ....

[Srikumar]

@Tero Vallas an extensive discussion on compressor is mentioned in the below thread

Its not mandatory to have the twin compressor unless you are buying the dragon mart one or Vitally air compressor, as in such compressors the double piston would fill the air much faster and hence avoiding compressor heating issues.

I recently bought a rarely used Bushranger Air Max through Dubizzle at a very good price of AED 400. It has a rated flow of 72 lpm which is very capable. I would say, check the flow rate, as all compressors are rated for max 150 psi.

[Frederic]

Brands/ Models  to avoid:
- X-cessories. These are just Chinese rebranded compressors that are being sold with a pretty big mark up. 

- Mini compressors to connect to cigarette lighter: Will last only a few drives. Not made to inflate from 15 to 35psi, unless you want to wait for 45mins or longer. Will overheat easily because of  this.

Acceptable / Good:

Camel Brand  compressors from Dragon Mart: Mixed reviews. Some last a few months, some easily last two years and longer. They are not expensive, fast, but very loud. But they get the job done. Same goes for Vitaly brand which is 99% the same but are being sold at a higher price.

Premium Models: ( 1 to 5 year warranty)

- TJM , Viair ( or Bushranger), MeanMother, Smittybilt, ARB

What to look after when buying a compressor ?

1) Warranty. A premium brand should provide 4-5 years warranty which will make the higher price worthwhile.

2) Output in liters per minute (lpm). The more the better of course. Everything from 40lpm upwards should be fine. Some will show a rating in cfm (cubic feet per minute). 2.3 cfm = 65lpm.

3) Duty Cycle: Air compressors heat up when running so most have a limited consistent output before they need to stop and cool off. This run time in-between cycles is called a duty cycle. Manufacturers typically represent run time with a number, such as “20”, which means you can run the compressor for 20 minutes every hour. sometimes they show a percentage. 20 minutes would indicate a 33% duty cycle. Keep this in mind when you are using the compressor every week. Avoid exceeding the duty cycle time as in a short period of time it would overheat / destroy the compressor.

4) Quality of the coiled hose, pressure gauge. 

5) inline fuse and thermal overload protection. Will come standard with premium models.

 

Below a specs example of Bushranger Black Max:

Duty cycle is 30 minutes @40psi at 24°C ambient temperature. Obviously the ambient temperature will be much higher for us here in the UAE, so you will need to take that into account. Keep the compressor in the shade while using (or even on the inside of the car if possible) and keep your engine running. These compressors are rated to work most efficiently at 13.8 Volts, so your alternator should be running. 

[RaYan E]

as what have been mentioned above. vitaly works good for me can pump 2 tires or 4 tires at once. There are heating issues but you still can manage pump air quickly. Just go for the 2 piston air compressor for faster filling