Air Compressor: V vs. Inline

[snakyjake]

In my consideration for a 60 gal air compressor, I've noticed different pump configurations: V-Twin and Inline Twin.

Are there any pros/cons?

Trying to narrow the choices:

• Puma PK6060V
• Campbell Hausfeld VT6275
• Chicago Pneumatic RCP-3561V
• Ingersoll Rand SS3L3

There doesn't seem to be much information regarding pros/cons of the above choices. So I'm trying to find a good tie-breaker.

Thank you,

Jake

 

[tonydanzah]

v twin all the way, love the sound it makes. also if it is a single stage, both cylinder should have better even cooling

 

[snakyjake]

Is the sound more quiet?
Does it run at lower RPM's?

Using some logic, if the V is better, then why don't I see the design on more pumps within the same compressor class? Puma and Porter Cable are the only ones I've seen (within the same class). If it was better, I would reckon that Ingersoll Rand would be using the pump design too.

 

[tonydanzah]

as far decibal level i'm not totally sure? I know they CH 60gal vtwin tank i bought for 400 new is relativly quiet, can stand next to and talk. Im not sure on the duty cycle, but the IR tanks are normally 100 duty for lots of hours. I 95% of the time have enough air for most but every once in a while 11cfm at 90 is not enough. I plan on upgrading to a 3 cylinder pump which eaton says is quiter(3 smalled pistons running slower. http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/518643/184117.htm And puts out 4 more cfm at 90psi. They say in the article most cheaper 5hp motors will burn out running constatlyt and should be replaced or put a smaller puller if it will be used extensively. I most likely will not do this as I maybe only use the compressor for 20-25 minute continous at most. Unless you are running a shop out of your garage with multiple people using air most should be fine. As far the inline design, i think it would be better for longevity of the pistons as the load on the piston is pretty well spread out. Where as the v twin has wear more on one side. At a greenhouse I worked out had a larger vtwin pump compressor that I asked about and it had been rebuild once in 40yrs. Its run almost 8-12hrs constantly every day as it the air source for the soil conveyors.

 

[tonydanzah]

the unit i have

 

[benjamming]

tony,

I wouldn't put much stock into what Eaton says on their website. They are more like an infomercial.

 

[Dan0myte]

It's pretty simple.

Inline pumps are smoother and shake less, but they run warmer.

V-Twin pumps shake the tank a bit more and are noisier, but keeping the cylinders apart from each other helps with cooling and the efficiency of the pump.

 

[wineslob]

In a "V" design you can also run bigger cylinders (within reason) in a small(er) foot print.

 

[rodhotter]

after ordering a new 1/2 air gun i am looking into a replacement for my craftsman 60 gal unit side by side, replaced a head gasket in 2014 so unit is older but only used sparingly in my garage. it puts out 10.4 SCFM @90 psi so looking for a bit more at a reasonable cost, but it still works ok + have V fittings + a bigger 3/8 hose coming mainly for my 1/2 air gun that struggles a bit + its 24 YO!!

 

[Firebrick43]

tony,

I wouldn't put much stock into what Eaton says on their website. They are more like an infomercial.

I have had a 5hp eaton as a friend has for almost 10 years now. They are good compressors, the run slower than most other compressors in their price range, and there fore are quieter. Also they use heavy motors 1750rpm (mine is a WEG) that is true to their FLA hp ratings.

Eaton is one of the more truthful compressor companies in their advertising.

CH compressors I have seen lie on the FLA/HP ratings.

To the OP, there is very little difference/advantage to V twin vs inline compressors. Very good (and bad) ones of each have been made in the past.

There is little difference in noise either as compressors work on every stroke unlike a harley that has the uneven firing spacing.

The main thing that is going to affect noise is pump speed for a given CFM. A slow 800 rpm pump with larger displacement is going to be quieter and cooler than a smaller displacement pump turning 1100-1200 rpms. You can not get the slow speed if you have a 3600 rpm motor as there is not enough room for the size of sheaves needed to turn 800 rpm.

Out of the ones you have listed I would pick the CP or IR but even still you need to realize they are fairly loud and mid grade compressors. I don't know of any heavy duty 3hp compressors any more. They were a thing 50 plus years ago but not so much anymore. Both make really good industrial grade compressors but those are not it.

 

[F-22]

I doubt there'll be a big difference for a compressor... Probably more to do with manufacturing and packaging for different final designs.

If you use a single casting for an inline design, it also makes it less modular, though I assume most multi-cylinder compressors use individual castings for every cylinder. So you only have one cylinder and head casting in both single or twin configurations etc...

 

[Firebrick43]

I doubt there'll be a big difference for a compressor... Probably more to do with manufacturing and packaging for different final designs.

If you use a single casting for an inline design, it also makes it less modular, though I assume most multi-cylinder compressors use individual castings for every cylinder. So you only have one cylinder and head casting in both single or twin configurations etc...

Most multi-cylinder compressors do not. Most 5hp models are twins and the majority of them are inline and are a single casting/block.

A lot of larger compressors are V4's if they are not screw compressors. And the majority of them have a block casting and a pair of cylinders on each bank are cast together.

 

[vanapplebomb]

The V vs Inline debate is pretty meaningless. It is more down to the design of the pump and the quality of manufacturing.

Avoid the IR SS3 pump. Avoid any entry level IR compressor. The ss3, ss5, and ts5 are all less than impressive for what they cost. IR charges you for the name on those specific compressors. If you want to spend extra money to show off an IR product, go for it. I much prefer value for money.

I am not a huge fan of Campbell Hausfeld entry level compressors. They are ok, no doubt, and they are priced accordingly, which is good. Just personal preference, but I would choose another entry level compressor from Sanborn MFG (MAT Industries) before a Campbell Hausfeld. Sanborn MFG seems to make more efficient and cooler running pumps. You will find that about 1/3 of all 60 gallon 3HP compressors on the market are actually made by Sanborn.

CP (and BelAire) compressors are great, and I highly recommend them. I have nothing negative to say, other than many use the same motors as other entry level compressors. But, the pumps are rock solid.

I don’t have enough experiance with entry level Puma compressors to coment. I do know their higher end stuff is great.