60 Gallon Air Compressor Comparison

[Qtr_miler]

I am debating between the following two compressors. Usage will be general car shop usage (40x60 personal shop, not commercial), mainly all automotive. Working on my race car & general car maintenance. Main tool usage will be impact wrenches, die grinders, air hammer, etc. Don't plan to paint & do not have sand blaster. Sorry for the long post, I tried to line them up next to each other for comparison, but it took out all spaces & ran the two together.

1st:
MFG: Puma
Model Number: PK6060V
Motor Running HP: 3 HP
Voltage: 230 Volt AC
Phase: 1-Phase
CFM @ 40 PSI: 13.5
CFM @ 90 PSI: 12
Max PSI: 150 PSI
Pump Material: Solid Cast Iron
Pump Type: Single-Stage
Pump Drive: Belt Drive
Oil Type: Oil Lubricated
Low Oil Shut-off: No
Oil Sight Glass: Yes
After Cooler: No
Tank Size: 60 Gallons
Tank Outlet: 1/2 Inch
Tank Orientation: Vertical
Electronic Drain Valve: No
Overview
Certification: ASME
Dimensions: 31L x 29W x 71H
(78.74 x 73.66 x 180.34 cm)
Product Weight:300 lbs (136.08 kg)
Consumer Warranty: 1 Year
Price: $640 (to my door)

2nd:
MFG: Quincy
Model Number: Q13160V
Motor Running HP: 3.5 HP
Voltage: 230 Volt AC
Phase: 1-Phase
CFM @ 40 PSI: 14.6
CFM @ 100 PSI: 12.4
Max PSI: 135 PSI
Pump Material: Aluminum w/ Cast Iron Sleeve
Pump Type: Single-Stage
Pump Drive: Belt Drive
Oil Type: Oil Lubricated
Low Oil Shut-off: No
Oil Sight Glass: No
After Cooler: No
Tank Size: 60 Gallons
Tank Outlet: 3/4 Inch
Tank Orientation: Vertical
Electronic Drain Valve: No
Overview 60 Gallons
Tank Orientation: Vertical
Electronic Drain Valve: No
Certification: ASME
Dimensions: 30L x 22W x 68H
(76.20 x 55.88 x 172.72 cm)
Product Weight: 261 lbs (118.39 kilograms)
Consumer Warranty: 1 Year
Commercial Warranty: 1 Year
Price: $735 (to my door)

I am leaning to the Quincy...well, because it's a Quincy. But the Puma has EXCELLENT reviews & it's $100 cheaper. The Puma has a cast iron V-type pump & the Quincy has a sleeved aluminum vertical oriented pump. The Quincy has 3/4" outlet vs. 1/2" on puma, this probably doesn't matter as I will reduce it anyway.

Thoughts, opinions & experiences with either of these from the GJ members is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[pattenp]

I'd go with PUMA because of the cast iron pump. That's just me. I actually own a Kobalt 60 gal.

 

[rburke65]

You want to look at the air requirements of the die grinders and other equipment that you are and will be using in the future. Those little die grinders and small sanders eat A LOT of air. And if you don't have a steady air supply you aren't going to be doing nothing but standing around waiting.

 

[2012 LML]

For what it's worth I am going with the PUMA for my new shop.

 

[Ad13]

That Puma has great reviews around the web, and it has a cast iron pump as well as an oil sight glass all for $100 less. Both seem like good options but I personally would go with the Puma.

 

[Trey T]

All the best recip. pumps are made of cast iron. Those are very similar specs but the PUMA can do up to 150psi is more attractive.

 

[txz28]

I am leaning to the Quincy...well, because it's a Quincy. But the Puma has EXCELLENT reviews & it's $100 cheaper. The Puma has a cast iron V-type pump & the Quincy has a sleeved aluminum vertical oriented pump. The Quincy has 3/4" outlet vs. 1/2" on puma, this probably doesn't matter as I will reduce it anyway.

Thoughts, opinions & experiences with either of these from the GJ members is appreciated.
Thanks

Out of curiosity, where are you looking to source the Quincy from?

 

[Speed-Racer]

You could out grown either of these compressors in your huge shop. Not sure how your budget looks, going to throw out a 3rd choice. If you look at a dual stage, it has dryer air and only cost a few hundred more. Another advantage of a dual stage, if you have a frozen nut. With a dual stage you can crank up the PSI to get it off. It is a little more money, but the 80 gal tank with a 5hp is a nice combination. The quincy is going to last you a lifetime, so buy the one you want the first time.

 

[Qtr_miler]

Thanks for all the replies. These are all the exact things I've been debating about. The 5hp 80 gallon is also been thought about. The cast iron vs cast iron/sleeved aluminum pump is one that has me thinking. The alum. with cast iron sleeves should wear & seal just fine, but I'm guessing the theory is better heat dissipation via the aluminum. Most high end high duty cycle racing engine blocks are alum with sleeves, so I wrestle with it being a disadvantage???? Keep the opinions & experiences coming as I'm still in decision mode & hopefully will get something I have not yet thought of. BTW, the price on the Quincy is Northern tool (free shipping). Great discussions on this board!

 

[larry_g]

Have you looked at the motor country of origin? One or both may have a cheap import motor.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[neitzel]

Thanks for all the replies. These are all the exact things I've been debating about. The 5hp 80 gallon is also been thought about. The cast iron vs cast iron/sleeved aluminum pump is one that has me thinking. The alum. with cast iron sleeves should wear & seal just fine, but I'm guessing the theory is better heat dissipation via the aluminum. Most high end high duty cycle racing engine blocks are alum with sleeves, so I wrestle with it being a disadvantage???? Keep the opinions & experiences coming as I'm still in decision mode & hopefully will get something I have not yet thought of. BTW, the price on the Quincy is Northern tool (free shipping). Great discussions on this board!

While I agree that aluminum has better heat transfer properties, the main reason aluminum is used in (internal combustion) engines these days is weight savings (MPG).
This is not an advantage unless you plan to use only a 5' hose and pack the compressor to every corner of the shop that you need air.

 

[R6 Racer]

I vote for the Puma.
Full cast & an oil sight glass seal the deal for me.
If the 2 stage Quincy is affordable, go that route, It will be a much better value in the long run.

Steve

 

[Qtr_miler]

Definitely agree with you about the aluminum blocks in racing -weight (& daily drivers -mpg), was just making the comparison to longevity, sealing & performance. At first I thought is was a disadvantage, but not sure if it really is....if it's done correctly. Actually it is theoretically cheaper to build a all cast iron motor/pump than a aluminum/sleeved motor/pump. Really just thinking out loud.

 

[SeattleKent]

The quoted CFM seem a little high for the stated horse power. I don't really think you'll get 12 CFM @ 100 psi with a 3.5 HP motor. I would be thinking 5 hp. But if you're not going to be doing sand blasting you probably can go 3.5. Will you want to blast down the road?

That said, be sure to check Craigslist. Not sure where in Michigan you are. If you are near a major city there should be very nice compressor on CL. Might have to look for two or three weeks. Good deals do come up. I got a Ingersoll-Rand T30, two stage compress with 5 HP motor for $350. Changed the oil and the drain valve and it was good as new.

Good luck. Looks like you know what you're doing and will make a good choice.

 

[01ssreda4]

While I agree that aluminum has better heat transfer properties, the main reason aluminum is used in (internal combustion) engines these days is weight savings (MPG).
This is not an advantage unless you plan to use only a 5' hose and pack the compressor to every corner of the shop that you need air.

Maybe, but a bi-product of the aluminum is it is easier to cool. The same car with an iron block gets a 1/2 thicker radiator all else being the same. That's a fact.

 

[Fixnair]

Compare the CFM rating between the two and you will see the Quincy is more efficient. You will get more air for your dollar. Quincy has been in the business for probably a hundred years. Puma is a Johnny come lately at (I'm guessing here) not more than 20 years. I am nt impressed with them.
The aluminum construction will make it run much cooler and don't let the max pressure influence your decision. Either will do 200 PSIG if you let it. Efficiency drops off rapidly after 125 PSIG but you can see by the numbers the Q is better.

 

[DirtRoad]

I went through this as well.

I came to the realization that pretty much all single stage compressors are the same, in alot of cases literaly the same. Some claim little higher or little lower numbers, splitting hairs.

Because of that i went and got a 60 gallon husky from HD, it was the cheapest.

I wanted a two stage but they twice the cost.

 

[PT Doc]

How easy will it be to get parts for the puma in 10 years? Who provides on site service for the puma?

Go Quincy.

 

[sophijo]

I saw 3 US General 60 gal. at Harbor freight today. I believe they are Belaire....good name. I thought they discontinued them but apparently not. $700. NOT Central Pneumatic.

 

[pepi]

On site service ......... ? Unless it is a business that's really not a concern. I have had my compressor for 20 years, replaced the tank pressure cut off switch so onsite service not necessary. Change the oil once a year and drain the water out of the tank and they last.

Consider the following, lets use puma and quincy. Say we got a puma, with a 60 tank just like a quincy. The motor, compressor pump and hardware mount the same. So the parts would be interchange able for the most. That eliminates the part replacement problem.

So then lets say the quincy motor and pump are better quality and that is debatable when considering models, pro versa hobby. But for the sake of the post we will give quincy the edge here.

Here you are one day and the puma goes **** up for a pump failure. What to do puma is out of business or HF closed its doors?

No problem remember when I mentioned the tank, well any 4 bolt pump will bolt right up. You choose the style and price you wish to pay. So what I am saying here is do not get all caught up in label and brand names. Look the compressor over and note the way it is built, those construction characteristics and similarities are what's important.

There are no guarantees that a puma will out last a quincy or the other way around, these quincys are being made over seas just like snap on here in 2013.

 

[Albiemanmike]

You want to look at the air requirements of the die grinders and other equipment that you are and will be using in the future. Those little die grinders and small sanders eat A LOT of air. And if you don't have a steady air supply you aren't going to be doing nothing but standing around waiting.

This cannot be overstated. I went through three compressors before I learned enough about them and my requirements before I got one that had enough guts to supply me with what I needed for my air requirements. Those numbers for the pumps you mentioned are pretty small CFM wise and I would be concerned about using any cutoff wheel or die grinder with them as the compressor will run and run while trying to use those air hogs. I also have a blast cabinet and it requires lots of air as well. Even without the cabinet you will want a compressor that supplies you with as much CFM/SCFM as your wallet will allow. I got mine off CL it is an 80 ga. 6.5 hp. Devilbiss Proair 4000 that I was able to purchase for $500 and it has been a great compressor plus it is pretty quiet while running which was a bonus.

 

[2story30x50]

I researched and the biggest bang for the buck I found was a EMAX 80 gallon 26 cfm, it is a beast!!!!! and pretty quiet.

 

[2story30x50]

I plumbed 290 feet of 3/4 rapid air in a complete loop for my garage workshop and woodworking shop upstairs, I think I have a total of 16 air hook ups and never suffer from drop in cfm anywhere.... hope this helps

 

[killerjeep]

If you can actually check compressors out physically you will start to notice how many look exactly the same. Maybe a different mfg for the motor but the rest looks exactly the same. Well that will be because they are. Company's will have some one make it and just paint it and slap their stickers on it. When I worked in the compressor industry I saw this all the time. Made it easier for me since I didn't have to store so many parts and was kind of funny when I would hear people say how much better this one was over the other and they were the exact same pump. Just some thing to toss out there when you look at them.

 

[Qtr_miler]

Thanks, all great info! I was initially up in the air on tank size & supply capability. Price drove me to the single stage 60 gallon. But after much thought, this is a one time expense (hopefully) & I don't want to have a regret in a year. I can just see myself running a die grinder for endless hours porting a set of heads & cussing the lack of air. With that I am switching my search to a 2 stage 80 gallon......the price is scary, but I think I will regret the smaller unit down the road. Anybody got an extra $2500 they want to donate So now the search for this monster. I saw that TSC has an IR 80gal 2 stage for $1100, it seems that it's an "box store" or TSC only model #. After searching here, I have gotten some info on it. But was wondering if anyone has any real world experience with it. The motor is a US motors (made in Mexico) & the pump is made in India. 1st pump I've seen from India. Any thoughts??? Sorry to hijack my own thread & switch directions after everyone has given input on the 60 gallon.

 

[killerjeep]

Good to hear you are getting more air. I always say think how much air you need and then get more. You wont regret it.

 

[mharmon]

I am glad you are being realistic in what to purchase. I went through the same process you did. I ended up with a used Quincy 100 gal because the price is right.

The used Quincy was less than the IR that you are looking at. The IR has mixed reviews.

I don't know if you are set on new, but after all my research I realized I wouldn't be satisfied with a consumer grade compressor. My budget wouldn't allow for a NEW pro-model. I purchased a used pro-model knowing I would only have to do it once.

 

[PT Doc]

On site service ......... ? Unless it is a business that's really not a concern. I have had my compressor for 20 years, replaced the tank pressure cut off switch so onsite service not necessary. Change the oil once a year and drain the water out of the tank and they last.

Consider the following, lets use puma and quincy. Say we got a puma, with a 60 tank just like a quincy. The motor, compressor pump and hardware mount the same. So the parts would be interchange able for the most. That eliminates the part replacement problem.

So then lets say the quincy motor and pump are better quality and that is debatable when considering models, pro versa hobby. But for the sake of the post we will give quincy the edge here.

Here you are one day and the puma goes **** up for a pump failure. What to do puma is out of business or HF closed its doors?

No problem remember when I mentioned the tank, well any 4 bolt pump will bolt right up. You choose the style and price you wish to pay. So what I am saying here is do not get all caught up in label and brand names. Look the compressor over and note the way it is built, those construction characteristics and similarities are what's important.

There are no guarantees that a puma will out last a quincy or the other way around, these quincys are being made over seas just like snap on here in 2013.

Wouldn't you rebuild a pump if it failed? No need to toss it cause it failed? That unit is likely one that is available under other names. Very like info on the web when searching for puma. Why?

 

[ar2stp48]

Checked H/F today; they had 3 of the US General 60 gal, 5hp, 2 stage, 230volt units for $799. Motor is Century (Smith); pump says made in EU (?). After reading all the comments to other reader's queries, I am tempted to visit the store next week (without family financial adviser) and get one of these.

 

[DHS]

Checked H/F today; they had 3 of the US General 60 gal, 5hp, 2 stage, 230volt units for $799. Motor is Century (Smith); pump says made in EU (?). After reading all the comments to other reader's queries, I am tempted to visit the store next week (without family financial adviser) and get one of these.

EU is USA. I think they are pretty good compressors but I went with the 60 Husky when they went on sale.

 

[Fixnair]

FYI DHS, EU means European Union. Not EU (A) which would be the Latin translation of Estados Unido America.

 

[Etz]

Checked H/F today; they had 3 of the US General 60 gal, 5hp, 2 stage, 230volt units for $799. Motor is Century (Smith); pump says made in EU (?). After reading all the comments to other reader's queries, I am tempted to visit the store next week (without family financial adviser) and get one of these.

Is US General the same as Central Pneumatic? When you check the website it shows The central unit, but all the reviews are for the US General model. A bit confusing.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-6...age-air-compressor-93274.html#pr-header-93274

 

[ar2stp48]

So, any idea which country of the EU, H/F gets compressors from? Found all these listed for EU.

Austria (2012-07-11)
Belgium (2012-12-03)
Bulgaria (2013-01-07)
Cyprus (2012-10-04)
Czech Republic (2012-12-14)
Denmark (2013-02-22)
Estonia (2012-12-03)
Finland (2012-12-03)
France (2012-08-24)
Germany (2012-10-02)
Greece (2012-10-02)
Hungary (2012-08-14)
Ireland (2013-01-15)
Italy (2012-08-14)
Latvia (2012-12-03)
Lithuania (2013-02-15)
Luxembourg (2012-12-03)
Malta (2012-06-06)
Netherlands, The (2012-12-03)
Poland (2012-10-25)
Portugal (2012-08-14)
Romania (2012-10-02)
Slovakia (2012-12-14)
Slovenia (2012-08-29)
Spain (2012-09-24)
Sweden (2013-01-08)
United Kingdom (

 

[PT Doc]

18 cfm @100psi enough?

 

[DHS]

I would think it is e.u. And not eu so made in the Us. I seem to.remember an american company making them for hf.

 

[mechanicworkman]

After reading this post a few days ago I have been doing alot of reading.My conclusion is I would definitively go for the Quincy. Before I had my heart set on getting an IR but, after reading a bunch of negative reviews I am going with quincy as well!

 

[bimmer1980]

I went thru this a couple of months ago when my small compressor died and I had to have one quickly. I would have liked to get a two stage compressor. However, after looking at the options and the bang for the buck, I went with a Kobalt 3.7 HP 60 gallon from Lowes for $499. I far I have been quite happy with it. It runs my air drill and nail gun fine. The cycle time is decent and it is a lot more quiet than my small air compressor. I can run the air blower nozzle continously and not have it run out of air.

My other thought was when and if the time comes that I need more capacity, it is relatively cheap to simply add another compressor and then have more capacity than a medium sized dual stage compressor. Or I could sell it and get one giant compressor at that time.

Regardless, until this compressor is running continuosly and/or I don't have enough CFM to keep up with a piece of equipment, it will work just fine for me.

 

[DirtRoad]

I went thru this a couple of months ago when my small compressor died and I had to have one quickly. I would have liked to get a two stage compressor. However, after looking at the options and the bang for the buck, I went with a Kobalt 3.7 HP 60 gallon from Lowes for $499. I far I have been quite happy with it. It runs my air drill and nail gun fine. The cycle time is decent and it is a lot more quiet than my small air compressor. I can run the air blower nozzle continously and not have it run out of air.

My other thought was when and if the time comes that I need more capacity, it is relatively cheap to simply add another compressor and then have more capacity than a medium sized dual stage compressor. Or I could sell it and get one giant compressor at that time.

Regardless, until this compressor is running continuosly and/or I don't have enough CFM to keep up with a piece of equipment, it will work just fine for me.

Basicly the same thing for me.
But after a little research found that lowes (kobalt), home depot (husky), menards (sanborn), tractor supply (CH) and a slew of others where all the same exact compressor with a different paint job and a different name sticker on the front.

I went with the husky, $460 and then if you opened a card you got a discount, iirc i paid like $420 after taxes. Went back the next day, or maybe it was that same day and paid it off in full.

 

[Qtr_miler]

Well guys, Thanks for all the great input. Here's how things shook out. My decision to go with an 80 gallon 2 stage was definite & was leaning toward a new Quincy (or BelAire). Yesterday while checking out CL I found an 80 gallon Blue Point 2 stage. It is 6 HP, the pump is aluminum with cast iron sleeves, all parts are made in USA, it is actually a DeVillbis. Output is rated in the high 16's scfm at 150psi & it is a 175psi tank. It is an older compressor but has virtually no use. It is 3450rpm, so not as quiet as a Quincy....but all in all a decent unit for $875.

 

[38Chevy454]

Full cast iron is better for noise dissipation. Cast iron is good for vibration reduction, as compared to aluminum. Cast iron sleeves limits any wear issues, but it can still have more noise than full cast iron.

It sounds like you found a good compressor used, so that should do just fine for your needs.