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Differences in the 30 gallon air compressor's that look identical

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Basstracker34

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I've got my eye set on getting either the new Kobalt 30 gal(Lowes) or the remanufactured Morgan 30 gal(Northern Tool). But I see Menards also has a 30 gal compressor that looks identical to the Kobalt and Morgan but it says it's 135psi. Is it really a different air compressor? The other compressors show 155psi.

Lowes $449
http://www.lowes.com/pd_221495-1498...30+air&pl=1&currentURL=?Ntt=30+air&facetInfo=

Northern Tool $299
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200396622_200396622

Menards $419
http://menards.com/main/tools-hardw...-portable-air-compressor/p-1655325-c-9076.htm
 
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larry_g

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Basstracker34 said:
I've got my eye set on getting either the new Kobalt 30 gal(Lowes) or the remanufactured Morgan 30 gal(Northern Tool). But I see Menards also has a 30 gal compressor that looks identical to the Kobalt and Morgan but it says it's 135psi. Is it really a different air compressor? The other compressors show 155psi.

]
Click to expand...

Menards is probably not as optimistic as the others. It's a crapshoot weather any of these three will be good or bad. Each of them will do about the same and any one of the brands could live a long life or show up DOA. Buy the cheap one.

lg
no neat sig line
 
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pop pop

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Check the model number of the pump, the motor and the motor amps, and CFM @ pressure.
 
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DekeT

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Kobalt is made by Sanborn. Same compressor, a little bit different trim piece.
 
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pipsters

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For $250 (plus tax) I'd get the "Morgan". They were the same as the old Kobalts.

Coupon code "147821", not sure how long it is valid for.

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Basstracker34

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What can really go wrong with air compressors? Isn't it really just the pump and motor along with miscellaneous check valves they have.

I sort of worry about the Morgan because there is really no warranty. Then adding the warranty they offer makes it close in price to what I can get the new Kobalt for with discounts available.


EDIT: My uses for this compressor will be blowing lawn mower off weekly, winterizing my sprinkler system, airing tires, running tools sparingly. Pretty light use compared to many.
 
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GTO

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Basstracker34 said:
What can really go wrong with air compressors? Isn't it really just the pump and motor along with miscellaneous check valves they have.

I sort of worry about the Morgan because there is really no warranty. Then adding the warranty they offer makes it close in price to what I can get the new Kobalt for with discounts available.


EDIT: My uses for this compressor will be blowing lawn mower off weekly, winterizing my sprinkler system, airing tires, running tools sparingly. Pretty light use compared to many.
Click to expand...

If that is all you'll use it for,that is more than enough.
I bought the 2hp Husky30 gal(Campbell Hausfield).
I'm wishing I would have saved and gotten a larger one.
I would love a 5hp Champion 60gal(Home Shop)
 
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Davefr

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Basstracker34 said:
What can really go wrong with air compressors? Isn't it really just the pump and motor along with miscellaneous check valves they have.
Click to expand...

Reed valves can fail
Head gasket can blow
Unloader valve can stick
Motor capacitors can fail
Regulator can fail

Just to name a few of the most common failure mechanisms.
 
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Basstracker34

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Davefr said:
Reed valves can fail
Head gasket can blow
Unloader valve can stick
Motor capacitors can fail
Regulator can fail

Just to name a few of the most common failure mechanisms.
Click to expand...

That's the reason the new Kobalt looks nice compared to the refurb morgan.
 
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pipsters

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Basstracker34 said:
That's the reason the new Kobalt looks nice compared to the refurb morgan.
Click to expand...

While that may be true the chances that it will break in 3 years of your use are pretty low.

It is a gamble (a small one) but use it for the first 90 days or so fairly hard and see if it pops something. There is a chart floating around here showing warranty returns and in the first couple weeks it's pretty high after that there is almost none on an average basis.

Here's a thread on the 120v air compressors
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138871
 
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Basstracker34

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Just an update. I decided to buy a new Kobalt 30 gallon. The price difference with my discounts at lowes was close enough to push me to getting new with the 3 year warranty. Just made me nervous not knowing what all would be done to "recondition" the Morgan.
 
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pipsters

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Either way you'll be happy, I love having a compressor even though it's just a "small" 25 gallon one.
 
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