Diesel air compressors are generally more expensive than gasoline ones. But they afford many benefits, including more power, greater reliability, and less maintenance. These can translate to cost savings.
Due to their longevity and reliability, used diesel air compressors have become a popular alternative to spending lots of money on a new one. You may think that buying a used compressor is risky, but it could save you a lot of money and provide years of reliable operation.
The diesel air compressors buying tips below can help you determine if purchasing a used one is right for your business.
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Air Compressor Features
The first step–and the most necessary one for keeping costs down–is to determine what features you need in an air compressor. Here are some basic ones to consider.
Operating Capacity
A good starting point is to check the pounds per square inch (PSI) rating on the machine. Equipment operating under 120 PSI may require a single-stage air compressor, which will be much cheaper than larger ones. Many industrial uses need greater than 150 PSI, which warrants the use of a two-state compressor.
Besides PSI, you will want to know the machine’s CFM, or cubic feet per minute. This is the amount of air a compressor can provide. Many pneumatic tools need a CFM of around 5, with many requiring much less.
More heavy-duty tools will need much more. Consider all the equipment you will simultaneously be running and be sure to get a compressor that can accommodate that.
Tank Size
The tank volume dictates how long the compressor can produce air before the motor has to repressurize it. Air compressor tanks are available in sizes from one to 80 gallons.
How much volume you need will depend on the output required for your tools. A good rule-of-thumb is to have between two and four gallons of capacity for every CFM you use.
Portability
Stationary air compressors will give you more power for a cheaper price. The ability to transport it incurs greater costs and has limitations based on size. If you don’t think you will need to move the compressor around the job site a great deal, a stationary compressor may be the way to go.
If your business or projects warrant regular maneuverability, then prioritize this feature in your search. Remember that being able to move the compressor around can mean time and efficiency savings over time.
Compressor Buying Tips
When you’re looking for a used diesel air compressors for sale, be sure to stick with reputable retailers. Look for ones who understand your business needs.
Look for dealers that offer up a lot of information about their products upfront. This includes age, hours of operation, condition, and evidence of maintenance and quality check. If you have to go digging around or ask for this information, then that’s an indication that the dealer may be trying to hide something.
Finally, ask to run the compressor before purchasing it. Test the output and functionality with different tools. If the seller has provided documentation of its condition and the machine runs as intended, then you can be confident that it is reliable.
Find Diesel Air Compressors Online
Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a used diesel air compressor, you can start shopping for one that will fit your business or project needs.
We hope this information on diesel air compressors was helpful to you. Be sure to check out some of our other automotive posts that include reviews, car comparisons, automobile news, and many more topics.