Quick air compressor question

[dime]

Alright so I'm in the market for a good used air compressor. The problem is I'm running into some people who can't set them up and run them for me before I buy. So I was just wondering if anybody can tell me a good way to determine if it's gonna work or not without putting power to it? Just so you know I'm looking at 220 2 stage compressors 60-80 gallons.

 

[reptilezs]

you could turn it over to see if it is seized

 

[dime]

Right on. Any other tips? Any ideas on a way to know if the motors ok?

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Put a generator in the back of your truck. I just hot wire them thru a AC disconnect that is fused to check out 230 volt electrical items (this works for welders, air compressors, drill press, etc).

You should also do this for 115 volt items when you are at flea markets, meeting someone in a parking lot, etc. I used to borrow one from a buddy of mine but now I have my own that is 51 amp capable to check out the larger items.

 

[dime]

Yeah a good generator is on the list of things to buy.

 

[dime]

what do you guys think of this compressor its a sanborn 2 stage 5 horse 80 gallon tank and unkown cfm? its about a hour and a half away from me and the guy cant hook it up. he wants 500 and wont budge is that reasonable for this compressor used? also what do you think about the fact that he cant power it up?
http://delaware.craigslist.org/tls/2268325534.html

 

[Weps]

what do you guys think of this compressor its a sanborn 2 stage 5 horse 80 gallon tank and unkown cfm? its about a hour and a half away from me and the guy cant hook it up. he wants 500 and wont budge is that reasonable for this compressor used? also what do you think about the fact that he cant power it up?
http://delaware.craigslist.org/tls/2268325534.html

it might not be a problem that he can't power it up...as long as he gives you a very good reason why. however, it leads to MANY other questions that would need equally good answers before i'd be willing to drive 90 minutes to check it out.

in my experience, dealing with anyone who "won't budge" is often a sign of trouble. especially for items with a lot of variables. if a seller is going to make that statement, he should present all of the information a buyer would need and make it obvious the price is justified.

if it was just across town, it might be worth a trip. but for three hours of my time plus expenses...to most likely end up dealing with an idiot - not unless i had some very good other reason to be in the area.

btw, if i were close enough to the area, or knew someone there, i'd offer to check it out for you.

 

[dime]

Yeah. Your right I will probably just pass on it. I'm having a he'll of a time finding a compressor out here.

 

[Weps]

yea. i don't think you're missing anything great. that is not a significant discount over comparable compressors that i see for sale. you can pm me the answer if you prefer, but where are you? im in central pa and could let you know if i come across anything. i also get down to the philadelphia area every month or two

 

[dime]

I'm in south jersey about 45 mins from Philly in a little town called cedarville. I'd realy appreciate it if you can point me to something. I can drive a couple hours each way for the right deal.

 

[larry_g]

What I do in situations like that is to figure in the cost of one of the three major parts, motor, pump, or tank and add that to the the selling price. If the cost of a major part plus the buing price still come up to be a good then I go for it. If you get home and everything works as it should you get a killer deal. If you have to repair or replace a part then your still ok. So if you wound up with $800 in the compressor would you still have a deal, or if the seller could demonstrate that all is working fine would you pay $800?

Just my way of thinking

lg
no neat sig line

 

[dime]

That is a very good point. I think I will pass on that one then. If anybody comes across a deal on a compressor let me know.

 

[83diesel]

I would steer clear from a compressor that someone can't run for you. Too many variables and replacement parts are sometimes more than a new compressor. A compressor is like a welder I will not buy one with out trying it out or the guy selling it demonstrating at the very least. Also on older compressors if the guy has not drained the tank on a regular basis and the tank is older the tank could turn into a ticking time bomb. I got tired for looking for a decent compressor after looking through all the junk people are trying to sell and saving up for a new one.

 

[dime]

Well wich ones are you looking at? I'm not against new I'm just cheap and want the most for my money.

 

[83diesel]

I am looking at the 80 gallon sized compressors. IR, Eaton, Quincy, etc. I am thinking about going with the Eaton. Priced right, last a long time, can get replacement parts. Seem to have pretty good reviews. I have not been real happy with IR equipment in the last few years. Quincys are a little high, they last forever but I don't think I am going to have the free time to put 50K hours on one either. Had a 80 gallon Coleman before I moved and it worked just fine for blasting and is now used in a proffessional auto shop days a week for the last 7 years with no problems.

I have been wanting to look or here from someone on the Schulz compressors. Have been seing them on CL for sale new for 900 dollars for an 80 gallon.

 

[dime]

So I thaught I'd share this with you guys just to give you an idea with the luck I'm having. So I have a wanted ad up on craigslist for a compressor. Anyway get a text message around 2am from a guy with a ch 60 gallon, he's asking $600 bucks so I'm thinking well for that used it's gotta be there two stage atleast, so I ask what it is and it turns out it's that one that sells new for 480 that puts out like 9 cfm. So so I was kinda pissed and kinda amused but i mean what the heck is wrong with these people.

 

[haveissues]

I ran into a similar situation with a smaller IR compressor. Found a 5hp as part of an moving sale on craigslist for $650. I asked for the model number which she gave me and also told me she was mistaken it's actually a 3hp. I told her they are selling the same compressor new at tractor supply for $550. She replied that she spoke to her husband and he said they can lower it to $600 . There are lots of people on craigslist selling things looking for people that don't know there value.

 

[dime]

have you guys seen any realy good sales on a good compressor? or if anybody has seen a good used deal it would be great if you could point it out to me.

 

[dime]

can anybody tell me anything about this one just by looking at it? its kinda late but im planing to call them first thing in the morning if anybody know about it or wants to tell me what its worth id apreciate it.
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/bfs/2279025489.html

 

[srmofo]

well we have a champion compressor at the shop but its blue and made in ohio, so Im not sure it really is the same brand. Ours has a buckeye boiler tag on the tank and just a serial number on a tag on the pump. If it is the same company, its been a great compressor, no way of really knowing with the little info that is there.

 

[dime]

ya i was hoping somebody would be an expert on them and be able to look at the pic and tell me.

 

[930dreamer]

have you guys seen any realy good sales on a good compressor? or if anybody has seen a good used deal it would be great if you could point it out to me.

I wish you were closer, I have a Sanborn that I can start for you.

 

[dime]

well damn ware were you a month ago? i drove a 26 ft penske truck across country and went right through amarillo. i coulda threw it right in.

 

[Weps]

for 500.00 you will want to go look at that. champion has been around for a long time and is part of gardner denver now, i believe. if it's a newer unit coming out of a closing/relocating business, it may still have a warranty that is transferable. they may even have service records. however, coming from a business, it may have been the air source for their cleaning operation and could have been run heavily for three years. that also looks like a substantial motor that might push the limits of a residential shop.

if it hasn't been neglected or isn't in need of repair, i think it's easily worth 500.00 though.

 

[dime]

do you think thats gonna be 3 phase or single 220? thats the main problem im seeing. also how big of a breaker are you thinking?

 

[930dreamer]

well damn ware were you a month ago? i drove a 26 ft penske truck across country and went right through amarillo. i coulda threw it right in.

I have it listed in the GJ classified, no bites. Not a lot of GJ members in Amarillo.

 

[dime]

well i wish i would have seen it man good luck with the sale. do you happen to know anything about the one i posted?

 

[dime]

well doing my own research just matching the pic it seams to be a 5 horse 80 gallon 2 stage with around 19 cfm at 125psi and 16 at 175 and can be 1 phase or 3. so does anybody have any guesses on if its 1 or 3 phase i dont know what kinda power cleaning places usualy have? also hoping it is 1 phase how much power do you think it will need breaker wise?

 

[Weps]

do you think thats gonna be 3 phase or single 220? thats the main problem im seeing. also how big of a breaker are you thinking?

i'm kind of torn on that. the tank looks big...but that may be distortion from the poor camera angle. if it's an 80 gallon tank, your best hope is 7.5hp 1p, but it could still be 3. if it's over 80, you're probably looking at 10hp or better, 3 only. however, since it was only 2300.00 new, that leads back to a smaller tank. however, it also looks like there might be some type of additional cooling hardware there which i'd associate with a larger unit...or maybe a hot environment.

with 7.5 and the magnetic starter, you might be able to get away with 40. i'm not sure how i'd feel about that personally though.

 

[dime]

ok i talked to the people with the champion it is 5 horse power single phase its 2 or 3 years old and from wht i can tell its the 80 gallon tank. they said its hooked up and ready to go im going to see it tmro and they said i can pick it up tuesday it apears to be this model.

http://www.tptools.com/p/3269,310_Champion-PL-Series-Pressure-Lubricated-Compressors.html

they also said i could have it for 450 these were very nice people in there 70s who were retiring so i realy dont think they are trying to get over on anybody. anyway let me know what you think. and if anybody wants to help load it

 

[Weps]

i think i'll call tomorrow and offer them 500.00.

 

[dime]

Hahaha that's funny bro u wanna drive out and help me load it?

 

[srmofo]

Yup, those horizontals look just like our shop.

 

[dime]

Have you guys had a good experience with it?

 

[dime]

Hey I've heard different things whats everybody's opinion is it ok to lay this thing down on my trailer to move it? My trailer isn't realy set up to move it vertical.

 

[Zrexxer]

I have two Champions already and if that was anywhere close to me it would have already been on my trailer. It may be counterintuitive but I find them easier to handle just standing up. It's no big deal on a trailer, just tie it down to four corners.

 

[dime]

Lol I already made a deal with these people guys don't buy out from under me. I'm glad you all aprove though. It would be on mine already to but they said I can't have it till tuesday.

 

[dime]

hey what kinda oil do you recomend and how much capacity? i am planning on draining it first if i go ahead and move it on its side.

 

[Zrexxer]

Lol I already made a deal with these people guys don't buy out from under me. I'm glad you all aprove though. It would be on mine already to but they said I can't have it till tuesday.

WELL???? Did you go get it? Time to post pics!

 

[dime]

No sadly I got there and it was 3 phase. But I did end up picking up a speedaire for a good price its a cast iron model with made in USA stamped everyware 2 stage has a new 5 horse motor new pressure switch and the pump has just had some work done I got it home 2 days ago and so far from what I can tell this thing is awesome pics will follow.