Air Compressor, Horizontal or Vertical?

[Garage_Guy]

Hey guys, right now I own the Craftsman 3 hp, 15 gallon air compressor. It is not
very powerful and I would like to upgrade. I was planning on buying the 6 hp, 33
gallon Craftsman unit but dont know which tank format to buy, horizontal or vertical? Is there any advantages or disadvantages to each or does it just come
down to personal prefrance? If that is the case I will probably go with the horizontal. Anywho, thanks guys. Hope to get some responces soon!

 

[Roadster]

Floor space in a garage is usually at a premium, and the vertical units take up less square footage.

 

[Runum]

I prefer the look of a horizontal tank but they take up more floor space. Vertical compressors always look like they are ready to fall over to me. I personally have an 80 gal vertical compressor. It's mounted outside where I can't hear it in the shop. It's also easy to service out there. Good luck with yours.

 

[Concrete Video]

I used to have a horizontal, and mounted it on a platform mounted from the ceiling. I now have a vertical, and it sits just under the old location, which now makes for great storage.

 

[Wile1Coyote]

Vertical! Unless you are going to put it under the workbench or in the attic space above the garage in which cases a Horizontal is more appropriate. Visit your local car fix it places and see what they have done.

 

[bmwpower]

I would think a vertical unit would drain moisture better than a horizontal unit.

 

[Garage_Guy]

Thanks for the helpful advice guys. I ended up going to Sears last night and
purchasing the horizontal unit. I was contemplating about the vertical unit but they didn't have it in stock and had no idea when they would get more so I
went with the horizontal. Again, thanks for all the advice.

 

[DynoDave]

I have twin horizontals tied together under my work bench. They are out of the way, and work well. I think you'll be happy with your purchase. The difference between horizontal and vertical is debatable, but the difference between having "A" compressor Vs. not having one, well, there's no comparison!

 

[Concrete Video]

The difference between horizontal and vertical is debatable, but the difference between having "A" compressor Vs. not having one, well, there's no comparison!

That is the best statement ever!

 

[jdlong]

General rule as far as I know it. Vertical for stationary because of the smaller footprint. Horizontal for portable because they are easier to wheel around.

 

[md21722]

Vertical take up less space, but are harder to move because they are tippy. 10HP/120 gallon is the largest you can get as vertical as a free standing unit. After that they are horizontal. Horizontal units need more care in leveling more for moisture to drain.

 

[cvairwerks]

General rule as far as I know it. Vertical for stationary because of the smaller footprint. Horizontal for portable because they are easier to wheel around.

I'd hate to be trying to wheel around my big IR T-30 on a 120 gallon tank.

 

[jdlong]

I'd hate to be trying to wheel around my big IR T-30 on a 120 gallon tank.

Well OK....you got me there. The original poster inquired on a 33 gallon tank.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I have a horizon one, Because it was given to me. I really would of liked to have a vertical one, so it would not take up as much room, But free is hard to beat.

 

[cvairwerks]

Well OK....you got me there. The original poster inquired on a 33 gallon tank.

All tongue in cheek fun I assure you. I'm used to having to use cranes, monorails and forklifts to move my toys and tools.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Back from the dead thread warning, 11+ years old...

When I was looking to buy a compressor, I wanted the smaller footprint of a vertical and never even considered a horizontal unit.

 

[bobcatdan]

I think it really comes down to one's application to which style is better. Mainly as whether it's mobile or 100% stationary. Where is going to place. From a function standpoint, I can't see no difference. To me the biggest debate on the smaller ones is oil vs oilless.