Which Eaton 7.5 HP Compresssor?

[larry4406]

Had this post in the Tools Section but got no traction so reposting here (sorry for the dual posts).

I have been looking at compressors for a while and the Eaton units seem to be a good value for the $. It would be used for cabinet blasting (medium nozzle 10-15 cfm, large nozzle 20-25 cfm both @ 80 psi), pressure pot blasting (1/8 nozzle 17.5 cfm, 5/32 nozzle 25 cfm both @ 90 psi), general tools, and perhaps painting. This is hobby use, not commercial.

They have two 7.5 hp models, one a 3 cylinder, and the other a 4 cylinder. Both use 1750 rpm Baldor motors with mag starter 220V single phase 32A, pressure range 115-150 with 175 max, have 80 gallon vert tanks, dual belts, unloader, auto drain, etc. In the end, the key differences between the two are:

Y3 cyl $1575, 800rpm, 32cfm pump, 26scfm@100psi, 24scfm@175 psi
V4 cyl $1799, 600rpm, 34cfm pump, 28scfm@100psi, 26scrm@175 psi

This purchase is a stretch for me and I want it to be the last compressor I buy, so debating whether the extra $224 for the V4 is justified (shipping will be about the same for either unit). The 2 cfm difference seems small/trivial, the Y3 is more exposed and would seem to run cooler vs the V4, not sure how critical the difference between 800 vs 600 rpm on noise and longevity.

For those of you that actually have one of these, what has been your experience with Eaton as a company, your experience with the compressor, and why you choose the V4 vs the Y3 or vice versa?

 

[bmwguru]

I have the 7.5hp 4 cylinder Eaton. I bought it new 1-09. I went with that one because I wanted the quietest compressor in that price/performance range. I believe the RPM is a direct factor on how loud they are and how long the pump will last. I was the same in that I wanted it to be my last compressor purchase. The only reason I would replace it would be if I went to a rotary screw type, but that's in the budget right now. Overall I have been very happy with it. It's a beast. It's actually more than I need but too much is never enough. I found Eaton to have the best warranty hands down, 5 years (not pro rated) on the entire compressor. I've been meaning to take some pics of it and post them up here but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

[benjamming]

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/eat...e-over-made-china-compressor-post-143953.html

 

[larry4406]

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/eat...e-over-made-china-compressor-post-143953.html

Thank you for the link; I have seen it before and it is largely a rant of not made in USA, etc. For the benefit of all (at least me) please do not turn this into a made in china forum. Let's keep it technical please.

 

[kartracer55]

I have had an Eaton 5hp compressor for probably 4? years now. Maybe 5? It has been a great machine, and I got the recommendation from a friend of mine who's family business has one on one of their service trucks.

Is it the quality of a Quincy? No. There is no pressure lube or anything like that (at least on mine) However it is a lot more machine than you will get for similar money in big box stores.

Of the two, here is what I can say. I would imagine that the 4 cylinder will be slightly quieter, due to lower RPM however it seems like the 3cylinder pump has a more effective after cooler, which is a plus in my book.

Eaton says the 4 cylinder runs at 77dba, but that is assuming a 10hp motor on it spinning around 800rpm. They are notorious for Using a larger than average pump slowed down. IE 7.5hp pump slowed down on a 5hp motor in my case. The 3 cylinder pump is a 7.5hp pump and runs at 73dba.

Worst case, give them a call and ask which compressor is quieter, advantages of either one etc etc. They are pretty good about not giving the sell job, at least when I ordered. They could have tried selling me the more expensive compressor that I was initially looking at but talked me down into my current compressor which is exactly what I need.

 

[Motofixxer]

Well I had an excellent Eaton customer experience with them. I bought a 4 gal portable compressor from them. I received it and it was leaking oil from somewhere in the end of the pump. I called them, they said it probably got dropped or something in shipping. For the prices involved...they said we are just going to ship you a new one. And they did.
As for which one...Pretty hard to say. They would probably be pretty similar. Most likely not really distinguishable from each other except by the numbers. So just pick based on whats more important to you. Slightly more air, slightly quieter etc...