Service truck air compressor

[Nuccio]

I order a new service truck 2019 Chevy 4500HD 4x4 with a Knapehide 11' service body. On my existing truck I have a IR 2 stage 8 gal air compressor it is in rough shape and will be replacing it for the new truck. Now here is my dilemma I am looking at a Champion HGR7-LPH about $3,000 , Mi-T-M ABS-13H-B about $2,700, Puma TUK-130HGE about $2,000 and VMAC G30 about $4,500. The Puma and Mi-T-M do not have a tank i would need to add one. By the way the air compressor will be mounted on top of the side boxs not to take up bed space. I do not have 1st hand experience with any of these brands and leaning towards the Champion. If anyone has an opinion i would appreciate it.

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[Nuccio]

I guess no one has an opinion.

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[sberry]

They are likely not familiar with the models, I wouldn't know one from another either.

 

[G-Ram]

I haven’t heard a single good thing about the Mi-T-M products, but I have no personal experience with them. If you are on Facebook, look up group called “Service trucks”. 17,000+ members and tons of great advice and discussions to do with service trucks, field service work, etc etc.


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[Nuccio]

They are likely not familiar with the models, I wouldn't know one from another either.

Yes I get that. Maybe not necessarily farmilar with those models but with the brand.

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[Nuccio]

I haven’t heard a single good thing about the Mi-T-M products, but I have no personal experience with them. If you are on Facebook, look up group called “Service trucks”. 17,000+ members and tons of great advice and discussions to do with service trucks, field service work, etc etc.


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I have seen a lot of Mi-T-M pressure washers used on jobsite never a air compressor. Just put in a request to join that group on Facebook thanks

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[bobcatdan]

If you plan on having a welder on the truck, the Miller air pac is pretty sweet.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I like the champions, but I'd also think about maybe rebuilding (and re-tanking) the IR - those are pretty decent units, and unless you need something more (more capacity, or CFM) a little time and money will probably keep it running, and save the $$$...

BTW thanks for the pointer to Service Trucks...

 

[DerekV]

What will you be using it for?

 

[Nuccio]

If you plan on having a welder on the truck, the Miller air pac is pretty sweet.

I have a Miller Bobcat Efi already that is going to get moved over.

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[Nuccio]

What will you be using it for?

Running impact gun and my plasma torch.

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[Nuccio]

I like the champions, but I'd also think about maybe rebuilding (and re-tanking) the IR - those are pretty decent units, and unless you need something more (more capacity, or CFM) a little time and money will probably keep it running, and save the $$$...



BTW thanks for the pointer to Service Trucks... [emoji481]

I already ditched the original twin 4 gal tanks that they do not make any more. Added an external tank and re placed the unloaded valve on the compressor. The frame is covered in rust and it rattles has been on the truck for 11 years uncovered and never shut the fuel off but it starts on the 1st pull never even hooked a battery up to it. Just figured with a nice new truck to upgrade a bit ton the compressor. Was even thinking about underhood or PTO compressor just hate putting hours on the motor and it a very expensive option.

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[stonesfan68]

I have 27-years of compressor experience. My advice is to get the Champion and/or an IR 2475 model gasoline engine powered compressor.

 

[chickenfarmer]

Maybe I'm crazy, but on my next truck I'm gonna go with an electric compressor and just plug it into the bobcat, that way theres only 1 engine, and it takes up less space

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[Jlarson]

I have an older 11 gallon double tank Hitachi on my rig now. When it's time to replace it I'm gonna go with the VMAC, they are nice units.

 

[Nuccio]

I have 27-years of compressor experience. My advice is to get the Champion and/or an IR 2475 model gasoline engine powered compressor.

With the Champion I am looking at the base mount unit with twin 4 gal tanks and Honda motor. They offer in two configurations splash lubes and pressure lubes is there an advantage in my application?

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[Nuccio]

I have an older 11 gallon double tank Hitachi on my rig now. When it's time to replace it I'm gonna go with the VMAC, they are nice units.

The VMAC is nice unit just a biy pricey

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[isb cornbinder]

The service truck at work has a rotary compressor driven off the truck engine. The service truck has two long small diameter tanks under the body. The rotary compressor really puts out the air.
I have an Ingersoll T30 at home. While it does an acceptable job in my shop, I cannot recommend it for a service truck.
The company had a T30 on the 40 year old truck . The rotary is faster. This was important on an emergency road call in traffic.

 

[Jlarson]

The VMAC is nice unit just a biy pricey

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Yeah, but I's hard to compare the receps to a rotary compressor. One of those VMAC G30 units gives you a lot more capability for the size and weight.

 

[Snapped-off]

I'm not sure how the prices would compare but what about a Vanair unit? They make alot of different units for different applications.

 

[MattT]

Rotary screws are nice when you need a lot of air volume but will they build enough pressure for a service truck? With a truck you're pretty much stuck with a hose reel and need high tank pressure to get full torque out of a 1" impact.

 

[Outwest]

I've got a Miller 302 Airpac that I bought under the advice of a friend who is a CAT tech. He runs the same machine on his service truck and regularly runs a 1" impact. He's impressed a few other mechanics he works with busting big bolts loose on D11s that are notorious for being tough. It's constant air pressure so no need for a tank, although I've heard of those that have plumbed them in. I've not put mine to the test like that, but there's no worry about needing to wait for pressure to build. Miller also sells a smaller machine- I believe it's a 200 series Airpac if the OP was interested in trading his in.

 

[bw77]

This guy just did a review of his VMAC compressor.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Don't forget to check out Saylor - Beall also. Made in the USA and they too offer either splash lube or pressure lube. Great pumps. Champion is also a great pump and you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[strutaeng]

With the Champion I am looking at the base mount unit with twin 4 gal tanks and Honda motor. They offer in two configurations splash lubes and pressure lubes is there an advantage in my application?

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Pressure lubricated is better. It is considered a more robust design and can be operated out-of-level, like working out of service truck parked on a steep embankment. Go with that.

I live in an area that has a lot of semis and I'd say 90-95% of the service trucks I see have a Champion, some so old that the green paint is very faded. But have seen even 1/2 tons with HF on them, probably the guys just starting out.

The ones I see usually have a 30 gallon tank. Is 8 gallons enough for your application?

I mean 23 CFM is a lot of air, but wouldn't the 30 gallon extend the cycles more? I know on electric this a bad thing for motor longevity, not necessarily a bad thing on gas engine?

 

[sberry]

23 is ok for a sander but impacts work so much better with some tank, a 30 works. I have the tanks under my truck but its a bigger one. I have worked on 450 before but its been a while and don't recall how much room there is under.

 

[MattT]

I mean 23 CFM is a lot of air, but wouldn't the 30 gallon extend the cycles more?

A decent 1/2" impact will pull 30 CFM under load and IIRC my 1" gun is rated 60 CFM. So 23 CFM really isn't a lot with little/no tank.

 

[Nuccio]

The normally use a IR composite 3/4 gun on my truck now and I believe it is only 14 or 17 CFM my compressor is putting out and has taken everything that I need off. Either going to get the Champion or the Vmac. Unless I get a 30 gal Champion and split the tank and mount behind the compressor on the side box.

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[Nuccio]

I've got a Miller 302 Airpac that I bought under the advice of a friend who is a CAT tech. He runs the same machine on his service truck and regularly runs a 1" impact. He's impressed a few other mechanics he works with busting big bolts loose on D11s that are notorious for being tough. It's constant air pressure so no need for a tank, although I've heard of those that have plumbed them in. I've not put mine to the test like that, but there's no worry about needing to wait for pressure to build. Miller also sells a smaller machine- I believe it's a 200 series Airpac if the OP was interested in trading his in.

Yes saw the airpac nice unit. My Bobcat 250 only has about 200+ hours and puts out 12,000 peak watts and will run my electric hot water Hosty if needed.

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