Portable Compressors

Eight portable compressors that meet all of your jobsite needs.

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Source: TOOLS OF THE TRADE Magazine
Publication date: January 1, 2002

By Tools of the Trade Staff

The Extreme Contractor Series of air compressors from Campbell Hausfeld includes six new models that carry five-year warranties. Model EX8000, shown here, features a 3.25-hp, 4-gallon, oil-less twin stack with a 3,450-rpm motor that delivers the highest air flow on the contractor market, the firm says. The compressor has a protective roll cage, ergonomic handle, and twin universal quick-connect couplers. It retails for $330. For more information, contact Campbell Hausfeld, 888-247-6937; www.chpower.com.

Designed for high-production crews, the CAP5580WB gas-powered wheelbarrow compressor from Stanley-Bostitch includes a 5.5-hp Honda engine and a low-oil protection system. The compressor features a roll cage, easy-to-read gauges, and foot-actuated drain valves. The compressor's air pump is oil lubricated and has a cast iron lined cylinder. It retails for $1,099. For more information, contact Stanley-Bostitch, 800-782-6539. www.stanleyworks.com.

The Shuttle-200P compressor from Interchange features a .6-gallon tank and a 2-hp motor that runs at 1,750 rpm. The unit includes a forced air cooling system, an automatic electric pressure switch, and splash lubrication. It weighs 33 pounds and retails for $296. For more information, contact Interchange, 800-458-6635.

Makita's MAC500KIT combo kit includes the AF503 brad nailer and the MAC500 air compressor. The 18-gauge brad nailer weighs 3.1 pounds and features a multi-directional exhaust port and an anti-dry fire mechanism. The 25-pound compressor includes cast aluminum components and a dynamically balanced crankshaft design for reduced vibration. The kit comes with a 25-foot air hose, air fittings, an air coupler, and brads. It costs $319. For more information, contact Makita, 1-800-462-5482; www.makitatools.com.

Hitachi's first gas-powered compressor, model EC25E, features twin 4-gallon tanks and delivers 9 cfm at 100 psi. The unit features a 5.5-hp Honda engine, a cast iron pump, a forced-air cooling system, and easy-to-read gauges. It weighs 145 pounds and retails for $999. For more information, contact Hitachi, 800-546-1666; www.hitachi.com/powertools.

DeWalt recently entered the air compressor market with six new portable models in a variety of sizes. Its gas- and electric-powered units come in hand-carry or wheeled styles. The compressors range from 1.5 to 8 hp and feature tank capacities from 4 to 17 gallons. Many include high-performance, cast iron oil-lubricated pumps. They range in price from $309 to $1,425. For more information, contact DeWalt, 800-433-9258; www.dewalt.com.

Porter-Cable's three new compressors have large crankcases and direct-drive lube pumps that constantly lubricate the pistons to minimize friction and extending the unit's lives. Other features include low-amp capacitor start motors, pleated air filters, and high-pressure technology that provides a longer continuous air supply. The compressors are available in 4.3-gallon twin-stack, 4.3 partial-frame, and 4-gallon pancake units. They range in price from $269 to $349. For more information, contact Porter-Cable, 1-800-487-8665; www.porter-cable.com.

The Renegade Pro heavy-duty air compressor is the quietest 2-hp unit on the market, according to manufacturer Thomas Industries. The compressor has a low current draw and delivers 4.6 cfm at 100 psi, allowing for multi-tool operation. Additional features include a dirt deflector and a high-capacity cooling system. The unit sells for about $369. For more information, contact Thomas Industries, 920-457-4891; www.thomaspumps.com.