Air Compressors Vertical or Horizontal? (Why?)

[Bob Hall]

Air Compressors: Vertical Tank or Horizontal (Why?)

I'm buying an air compressor for my son for Christmas. The one I'm looking at is available in vertical and horizontal format. All other things being equal is one style better than the other?

By the way, these, are not top end tools, they are around $300 at Sears. I know that there are much better ones, but this is the range that I need to stick to.

Thanks for you input,
Bob

 

[Dustball]

Taken from another website-

Your space requirements or limitations will determine which style to buy. If you don't have a wide area to run one in, get a vertical compressor. Likewise, if you are storing the compressor up high and have height limitations, choose a horizontal model.

There is no difference in performance and utility of horizontal vs. vertical compressors of equal power. They are the same
machines, just built in different styles.

 

[pop pop]

Horizontal is more stable, vertical takes less floor space. Otherwise likely even.

 

[byoungblood]

A vertical at takes up less floor space than a horizontal compressor of the same capacity. At the same time, you can also get a larger compressor that takes up roughly the same space as a smaller one.

Most compressors larger than 30 gallons will typically require 240v. To run most automotive air tools, 30 gallons will be the minimum size required, and avoid oil-less compressors.

 

[zmotorsports]

I prefer the vertical because floor space is at a premium and the vertical has a much smaller footprint.

Mike.

 

[b-body-bob]

A vertical at takes up less floor space than a horizontal compressor of the same capacity. At the same time, you can also get a larger compressor that takes up roughly the same space as a smaller one.

I'm finding that it also depends on the compressors. I've got a 60 gal DeVilbiss horizontal tank unit, and am replacing it with an 80 gal Champion vertical tank unit. By the time it's assembled with the belt guard on, the Champion is pretty much the same width as the DeVilbiss. So in my case I'm not going to see much if any space savings by going to a vertical unit and will lose storage space that I use now above the horizontal compressor.

 

[shooting4life]

Vertical if it I going to be on the floor.

I would strongly advise you to look used in your price range. Check CL, I was able to find a 5hp 60 gallon IR for $250.

 

[Wine-o1]

Another vote for vertical tank, especially if it will sit on the floor.

 

[DHS]

I also think the vertical tanks drain more of the water out if they are not perfectly level.

 

[Bob Hall]

Thanks guys. That's what I suspected, but it's good to check.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Bob

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Side benefit of the vertical tank is that it most likely is easier to drain of water, and get it all out. It seems like you never really get all of the water out of a horizontal tank, vertical tanks with a domed bottom drain pretty well.

Space savings is important. In a stationary installation, Vertical is great. With a portable compressor, vertical may be a little difficult to handle.

Charles