Atlas or Kaeser compressors?

[sfm1951]

We're starting a new body shop( 2 or 3 people) Has anyone had any experience with an (Atlas Copco) Atlas model# GX5FF screw compressor , or an Kaeser model #SX7.5 screw compressor? Both with air dryers? Pros or Cons. Thanks in advance, Steve

 

[bsaint]

They are both mediocre. Is there a reason why you want European?

Your best bet is get something made in America. Im not saying to be patriotic but think about cost of importing parts - that's reflected in the price of service. Also I've never had a european compressor run more than 100k on the air end without a rebuild.

I'd recommend looking into a Sullair, IR, Quincy, Palatek, Gardner Denver.

From the hp you are looking at, I'd get an ES6-7.5hp
http://www.sullair.com/Americas/en/Products/Stationary+Air+Power/Compressors/5+-+25+hp

 

[stonesfan68]

My advice is to get a separate compressor and air treatment system. The integrated compressor/dryer units do not work well under all conditions. Compressors put off a lot of heat which is not good for refrigerated air dryers. In addition, what happens when that dryer needs service? Is there a bypass around the dryer included inside of the compressor cabinet?

bsaint makes a valid point about parts availability. Atlas Copco & Kaeser import everything from Europe. If you need a part overnight and they don't have it in the USA then you get to wait for the parts to clear customs, etc.

I've been an Ingersoll-Rand guy for 20+ years, so yes, I am biased, but the small UP6 line from IR are very good machines. We file very few warranty claims for the units.

 

[sfm1951]

We talked to the Ingersol Rand salesman. He came by and talked to us and said he would call back and email us with spec and prices. Never heard from him again. I would prefer to buy American,but if you were spending $6,000 to $7,000 and never heard back from them. Maybe times are that good for them that they don't want my business( they are 200 miles away) at least Kaeser and Atlas call back and answered our questions. What I am looking for is answers as to what the members have had good luck with. Pros and Cons. With this economy I want the most for my money, wether it's price, durability , service, parts, and long lasting product. Steve

 

[sfm1951]

Bsaint i just sent for information on the sullair compressor, Steve

 

[mechanic217]

Ran two Kaeser screws both about 125 cfm with a separate dryer great compressors not a bit of trouble and most months they would run 24/7 , we bought them to replace two sulairs that were constantly breaking down even tho the were only a few years old . I have no info on atlas-copco. Which ever way you go be sure and ask about the after sale service dept.

 

[bsaint]

Ran two Kaeser screws both about 125 cfm with a separate dryer great compressors not a bit of trouble and most months they would run 24/7 , we bought them to replace two sulairs that were constantly breaking down even tho the were only a few years old . I have no info on atlas-copco. Which ever way you go be sure and ask about the after sale service dept.

Must've not kept up on the maintenance too well, sold the wrong compressor, or had a bad service rep.

I can personally contest constantly breaking down isn't the normal with Sullairs. We had a plastics plant trade in 4 25hp's with over 100k per air end (without rebuilds) for two 75 hp VFD machines. We resold 2 of the 4 compressors and they are still running.

Also last time I worked around Kaesers or Atlas' they did not have modulating air ends. If you get an ES6, ask the salesman if a modulation inlet option would benefit you.

 

[Mario428]

Stay away from the 25 HP Kaesers, had one at my previous business. Had some trouble with it. The motor for the cooling fan burnt out and Kaeser basically said "so what", would not cover it in any way on a 2 year old compressor. Got it rewound and it lasted 8 months. Took it out and bolted a barn fan to the top of the compressor.

 

[sfm1951]

Sounds like they all have good points and bad. Do sullairs have a seperate air dryer or are they incorperated into the compressor? Anybody have oil problems with them like some say with the Kaesers? Steve