Air Compressor - Portable & Stationary Suppliers

There are two types of air compressors – positive displacement and dynamic displacement – each providing two distinct air compression options. 

• Rotary screw compressors – usually large compressors for industry, they’re low maintenance, designed for heavy use and range from 5 to 350 horsepower.
• Reciprocating compressors – usually smaller compressors designed for garages and residential building sites, they are not designed for continuous use, but offer up to 30 horsepower.

• Axial compressors – usually designed for high-speed engines on planes and ships, they provide 1,000’s of horsepower if you have a plane or ship to power.
• Centrifugal compressors – usually large compressors designed for heavy industrial work in chemical and steel plants, they are lower maintenance than both positive displacement options and can offer up to 1,000 horsepower.

An air compressor is exactly what it sounds like, a machine that forces air into a container and then compresses it. This compressed air is then used as a power-packed form of energy as it’s released.

What are you using the compressor for – powering machinery or tools? If you’re only filling tyres, a portable unit’s probably enough. 

• Belt drive for quiet operation
• Oil pump to reduce maintenance 
• Adjustable exhaust to direct fumes away from where you’re working
• Thermal protection to prevent damage from overloads
• Plenty of couplers for multiple tasks
• Hoses, nailers and blow guns
• Auxiliary air tank

The average price for an air compressor in Australia is around $5,000, but prices can be as low as 900 for a small unit and a little over $13,000 for a heavy duty unit.

Air compressors are big, boisterous beasts operating under extreme pressure, quite literally. So things can and do go wrong.

• Won’t start – could be a power connection, lack of cut-in air pressure or a lack of oil.
• Won’t stop – could be a faulty pressure release or a damaged power switch. 
• Fails to provide adequate air pressure – could be the air-intake pump or a gasket issue between the low and high pressure compartments.
• Runs erratically or runs out of puff – could be the motor or unloader valve. 
• Runs unusually loudly – could be loose parts and mountings or problems with the pistons or crankcase.

Air compressors vibrate, so regularly tighten all nuts and bolts. Compressors need a clean and clear air intake to operate so clean all vents regularly. Hoses transport compressed air to wherever it needs to go so check all hoses are secure and undamaged. Filters in air compressors fill with all manner of nasty dust and dirt over time so change filters as often as your compressor manual specifies.

Other regular maintenance chores are:

• Cleaning the fuel tank
• Checking the shutoff system
• Changing the oil
• Changing air and oil separators

Fair question, they’re pretty sturdy pieces of equipment after all. However, they do need more TLC than average. If you stick to a regular regime of maintenance and general tinkering to keep every part in peak condition, your compressor will reward you with:

• significant money savings
• greater production efficiency
• greater productivity
• better products

Anyone operating air compressors should undergo thorough training in a reputable air compressor operation and maintenance course.