Air compressor decision
- Thread starter 05dmaxlly
- Start date
md21722
Well-known member
The Bel Air 216V uses the same pump as the HF, NAPA, and other brands. It's an Italian made pump.
The IA 5076055 has the same pump as the DeWalt's and appears to be the same as the FS Curtis. They are Fu Sheng Chinese pumps. Fu Sheng is the "FS" in "FS Curtis" since Fu Sheng bought Curtis.
The fact that both use Condor 3.x HP pressure switches to start a 5 HP motor is a common draw back. Condor does make a 5 HP pressure switch, but a magnetic starter would be more appropriate.
My local compressor dealer likes the FS Curtis compressors that use this pump. When I asked them about Champion compressors, they suggested that I look at these because they are $1,000 less and sold them to a lot of tire shops in town. I have no direct experience with them. I'm a Champion guy.
The IA 5076055 has the same pump as the DeWalt's and appears to be the same as the FS Curtis. They are Fu Sheng Chinese pumps. Fu Sheng is the "FS" in "FS Curtis" since Fu Sheng bought Curtis.
The fact that both use Condor 3.x HP pressure switches to start a 5 HP motor is a common draw back. Condor does make a 5 HP pressure switch, but a magnetic starter would be more appropriate.
My local compressor dealer likes the FS Curtis compressors that use this pump. When I asked them about Champion compressors, they suggested that I look at these because they are $1,000 less and sold them to a lot of tire shops in town. I have no direct experience with them. I'm a Champion guy.
MacMcMacmac
Well-known member
I would not buy that Bel Aire. I have an aversion to aluminum Italian reciprocating compressors, except for Chinook.
so the belair has the same pump as harbor freight? i thought i read that was back in 2015 but in 2016 they changed to a chinese pump. if it is still the Italian made pump that might be an option. and I'm assuming this is the napa equivalent NAC 82356VAT i seems to cost more then the belier is there any difference?
i also found this fscurtis compressor with looks like the same pump as the industrial air as you said. FCT05C55V6X but is 300 more
now I'm really confused. with all the rebranding and price differences i don't know what to go with. i was also looking at the quincy qt54 but read a lot of bad reviews with smoking from breather.
really just looking for the best compressor for around $1000. that being said if theres one thats drastically better for a little more than i could make it work.
do you happen to know with compressors use the chinook pump. all i find is the pumps.
i also found this fscurtis compressor with looks like the same pump as the industrial air as you said. FCT05C55V6X but is 300 more
now I'm really confused. with all the rebranding and price differences i don't know what to go with. i was also looking at the quincy qt54 but read a lot of bad reviews with smoking from breather.
really just looking for the best compressor for around $1000. that being said if theres one thats drastically better for a little more than i could make it work.
do you happen to know with compressors use the chinook pump. all i find is the pumps.
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SgtHawkUSMC
Well-known member
I've had the BelAire 216v for about 10 years now. It gets used a lot... I couldn't be happier with it with exception to the motor speed. It runs at 3,500 vs. 1750 like some of the nicer ones. For less than $1k, I knew there were going to be some sacrifices. I bought it from AirCompressorsDirect.com.
so i just went to my harbor freight and the floor model is the us general from 2012 and has a century motor made in oh and what looks like the belaire pump. it says t29s on the tank as the pump model but no where on the pump. and the cover on the front of the pump says made in eu
Marctrees
Well-known member
05 - THAT'S the one to buy.. #93274...best value out there.
SAME pump as the Belaire.
Italian ABAC pump, mexico made motor, US made 60 gal tank, best value available.
Be very careful if ordering sight unseen - HF has filled orders for that model w the 3 cylinder one.
I bought one a month ago and to find one in stock was difficult - some of the stores said they had it, but when they went and looked, it was the 3 cylinder w the 93274 # on it..manager says it looks like they are phasing out the good one, and subbing the bad one for it.
Should be $799, no coupon deal available for it.
Marc
SAME pump as the Belaire.
Italian ABAC pump, mexico made motor, US made 60 gal tank, best value available.
Be very careful if ordering sight unseen - HF has filled orders for that model w the 3 cylinder one.
I bought one a month ago and to find one in stock was difficult - some of the stores said they had it, but when they went and looked, it was the 3 cylinder w the 93274 # on it..manager says it looks like they are phasing out the good one, and subbing the bad one for it.
Should be $799, no coupon deal available for it.
Marc
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redmondjp
Well-known member
Go buy it! The pump is an ABAC/American IMC T29 which is extremely common and parts are widely available (not that you will need them soon). Rol Air compressors also use these same pumps, as does Sanborn.
It is loud, as mentioned here many times before.
Marctrees
Well-known member
I dunno, I just did my breakin the other day.. and it was quieter than I expected.
No complaint here.
I had the output open, maybe it gets louder under load, don't know yet.
The fan / belt cover vibe rattled abit, will be easily fixed.
Marc
No complaint here.
I had the output open, maybe it gets louder under load, don't know yet.
The fan / belt cover vibe rattled abit, will be easily fixed.
Marc
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redmondjp
Well-known member
Quiet is all relative - it's loud compared to a cast-iron pump spinning at 400 RPM.
i will have to go back and check what they have in stock as that was the floor model and i don't think they sell floor models.
also everyone says its suppose to say made in Italy on the pump. this floor model says made in EU on the pump cover. is that still the good pump?
also everyone says its suppose to say made in Italy on the pump. this floor model says made in EU on the pump cover. is that still the good pump?
Marctrees
Well-known member
It does say "EU"
European Union, Google it.
The one with the "US General" graphic stopped a few years ago, replaced by the current "Central Pneumatic" graphic on tank.
If I were you, I would call the locations nearest to you and ask them if they have the #93274, and if so , have the manager go put his eyes and hands on it to make sure it is the right one.
Any person with eyes can see from 20 feet away if it is a single vertical head, or three radiating heads.
Mine is in a diff location, so I can't go check it now, but I clearly remember it said "EU"
It's the only 5 hp 60 gal one at HF that looks like it, no other choice or possibility.
When I did that a month ago, about 5 stores had the bad substitute... only revealed when they went to back room to see.
So I needed to call about 6 locations to find one ... still on pallet in back room.
I had the manager unmistakably hold it for me, went next day 90 mile one way to get it.
Totally OK to transport it laying down as long as you drain the oil.. Drain plug on front of crankcase, about a 5/16 - 3/8 but METRIC allen wrench needed - was VERY tight, needed to "crack" it loose.
Unscrew the vent, big diff in draining speed.
The pump you want is called a T29s, also B4900.. same thing, two diff #'s.
http://viewer.abacaircompressors.com/ABAC_PistonBinder_ProBooklet_v07/#page/20
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=360354&page=2
Marc
European Union, Google it.
The one with the "US General" graphic stopped a few years ago, replaced by the current "Central Pneumatic" graphic on tank.
If I were you, I would call the locations nearest to you and ask them if they have the #93274, and if so , have the manager go put his eyes and hands on it to make sure it is the right one.
Any person with eyes can see from 20 feet away if it is a single vertical head, or three radiating heads.
Mine is in a diff location, so I can't go check it now, but I clearly remember it said "EU"
It's the only 5 hp 60 gal one at HF that looks like it, no other choice or possibility.
When I did that a month ago, about 5 stores had the bad substitute... only revealed when they went to back room to see.
So I needed to call about 6 locations to find one ... still on pallet in back room.
I had the manager unmistakably hold it for me, went next day 90 mile one way to get it.
Totally OK to transport it laying down as long as you drain the oil.. Drain plug on front of crankcase, about a 5/16 - 3/8 but METRIC allen wrench needed - was VERY tight, needed to "crack" it loose.
Unscrew the vent, big diff in draining speed.
The pump you want is called a T29s, also B4900.. same thing, two diff #'s.
http://viewer.abacaircompressors.com/ABAC_PistonBinder_ProBooklet_v07/#page/20
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=360354&page=2
Marc
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Marctrees
Well-known member
05 - At this point you have ALL the info I had before I broke out the checkbook.
And I don't do that without alot of study.
Marc
And I don't do that without alot of study.
Marc
redmondjp
Well-known member
There is no contradiction; Italy has been in the European Union since 1958.
What size of fitting is on your tank?
1/2"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z1K7INQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
3/4" (little harder to come by and more expensive)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071GPQKJ5/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Marctrees
Well-known member
bhoth - I used a hydraulic hose similar to above, under $20 at Tractor Supply.
Overkill pressure wise, but on shelf, why not.
So, were you able to snag the ABAC compressor?
It was STILL available?????
Marc
Overkill pressure wise, but on shelf, why not.
So, were you able to snag the ABAC compressor?
It was STILL available?????
Marc
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bob15
Well-known member
I went with Hose Master metal hose. http://www.hosemaster.com/product/corrugated-metal-hose/#tab-2hash
Look on the Grainger for item numbers then ebay to buy it.
Or just look on ebay for "metal hose".
The one I bought lists on grainger for $91, I bought it on ebay for $30...new
Look on the Grainger for item numbers then ebay to buy it.
Or just look on ebay for "metal hose".
The one I bought lists on grainger for $91, I bought it on ebay for $30...new
Hi Yes I found one with the ABAC compressor pump made in Italy.