Compressor Choice - SnapOn or IR

[Amphicar770]

Hi All,

I am looking at two used compressors. Both are in the same condition, about the same age, with similar specs (7hp, 80 gal, 24cfm)

First is an IR 2475n7
2nd is a Snap-On bra718v

I realize that if bought new the Snap-on is way overpriced. However, given the equivalent price of the two used units, which is the better to own and why?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[bmwpower]

How used is the Snap On? With all the horror stories I am hearing about IR, I might look elsewhere.

 

[Nuit Damnant]

I can tell you I have an IR2475 that I've had for 3 years and never had an issue other than the gauge got stuck once. When I bought it, the previous owner said that it was about 2 years old, although I can't say for sure. I've always changed the oil every 2-3 months, I don't use it every day but when I use it, I use it alot.
I'm not sure what horror stories bmwpower is refering to, I'd like to know though before I run into something I could've prevented. So please enlighten me!
A friend of mine has the next smaller IR, I can't recall the part # at the moment, but I know he got it at TSC new, and has used it for 4 or 5 years at least with no issues that I know of.
I don't have any experience with the Snap on compressors though. So can't help you there. I lucked out on the IR for around $1k when an aquaintence's shop closed down, and I'd buy it all over again given the chance.

 

[KM1013]

Snap on = over priced. Compressors and welders especially. I'd get the IR or look for a Quincy.

 

[Zrexxer]

Parts availability on the IR will be better for years to come.

 

[woody 73]

Hi,
I have the IR compressor and I love it never had a problem in 10 years....

 

[bmwpower]

All the complaints I've heard were with units that were used in higher-than-the-average-homeowner usage. Units broke down and service stank. If you search on here, the threads are out there somewhere or maybe those owners can chime in.

IIRC, the T30 series pumps have one piece connecting rods - no (typical) bearings. If things go south, you're replacing at least the crank and rods. And you're disassembling the whole thing to get the parts out.

 

[tonydanzah]

the snap on is rebadged, but i forget who is the oem

but i would take the IR either way

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

not all IR compressor are bad. just some models are junk.

 

[WVU Tuba Dale]

Snap on = over priced. Compressors and welders especially. I'd get the IR or look for a Quincy.

Did you even read the first post?

I would take the IR.

 

[Aberdale]

I have the same SO compressor. I believe they are manufactured by Big Red in Indiana. I bought mine for $1800 with 10 hours on the hour meter. It now has over 200 hours on it with no problems so far. Still looks and runs like new.

I have a buddy that has a 2 stage IR that he bought about the same time I bought the SO. Not sure if it's similar to the one your looking at. His has been a good compressor as well, and runs every day.

Dale

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Aberdale nailed it. Big Red made those compressors before the company that supplied them their tanks bought out Big Red. They made a great compressor and parts should be available for a long time. I would rather have the SO for resale value later down the road as a lot of people I know have that compressor and they would buy another in a heart beat. Snap-on has a new supplier for their compressors now but some of the shops I know of are hesitant to buy them until they have been out for a while.

The IR compressor would depend upon which model you have. As noted above, they have had a few quality control issues lately.

 

[Mickey_D]

Older Ingersoll compressors that are made in the USA are good, but they moved production of most of the smaller stuff to India and it *****. If you look at an older IR pump, the castings are very nice, but the new stuff is very porous and the glop the paint on very heavy to try and help with the cosmetic issues. I had an SSL3 units and got to know the service guy. It ran on average between 1 and 3 hours a day and during the first year it went through a pump, a switch, and the motor. The next year the replacement motor died (heche in Mexico). The service guy said that my experience was not out of line. If the Ingersoll is older and the pump and motor are labeled USA, I would not feel bad about it, but if it is new and does not show where it is from, run away. Another previously good company that the MBAs and Wall Street Wizards offshored all of the quality out of the products along with the American jobs.