Campbell Hausfeld IronForce compressor value?

[Bunchgrass]

I'm looking at a CH Ironforce compressor 7.5hp, 80 gallon 2 stage that was purchased and then not used (so new?). I see these things list at over 2K or maybe close to 3K. I'd be looking at significantly less than that - under 1500. Worth it?

 

[mike93lx]

Well under half the new price. There isnt much market for a 7.5hp compressor

 

[Bunchgrass]

Well under half the new price. There isnt much market for a 7.5hp compressor

I guess my question is whether or not the newer CH IronForce is a decent compressor. I'm good with the size/cost.

 

[Jswain]

Does it come with a name brand motor on it? Is it 7.5hp, or is it "7.5hp" spl which identifies as a 7.5hp but truly has 5hp ********.

 

[Bunchgrass]

Does it come with a name brand motor on it? Is it 7.5hp, or is it "7.5hp" spl which identifies as a 7.5hp but truly has 5hp ********.

Can't see the motor close enough to tell.

 

[Jswain]

I'm guessing by the CFM it's actually a 5hp. Which at 1500$ used isn't that great of a deal unless it was a more industrial version with a name brand motor.

If the motor only draws ~21-23amps @ 240v = 5hp, but through sneaky marketing they call it a "7.5hp"

You can get a brand new Ingersoll Rand 5hp at tractor supply for the same price, not that I'm recommending it either, but a better gamble then paying the same for used...

 

[mike93lx]

Can't see the motor close enough to tell.

Yeah, that's not a real 7.5 otherwise it would be 21+ scfm

 

[racecougar]

IMO, assuming it really is NOS, it would be worth around $700-$800 here in MO.

I bought it's baby brother (60 gallon version), NOS, in 2019 for $300. FWIW, it has been an excellent compressor.

 

[Mandres]

Agreed, it's a nice compressor but still a consumer grade unit. Around here it's worth maybe $1,000.

 

[metalmagpie]

It will be loud and smell hot. You can expect to replace the check valve every few years. I don't know if it has reed valves or disc valves, pressure lubrication or splash, what kind of unloader system it uses, if its crank has replaceable bearings or not, or if the crankshaft seal can be replaced without a 100% teardown.

To me the name Campbell Hausfeld indicates cheap consumer grade machinery. However, my opinion was formed a long time ago and they may have a quality line I hadn't known about.

 

[racecougar]

It will be loud and smell hot. You can expect to replace the check valve every few years. I don't know if it has reed valves or disc valves, pressure lubrication or splash, what kind of unloader system it uses, if its crank has replaceable bearings or not, or if the crankshaft seal can be replaced without a 100% teardown.

To me the name Campbell Hausfeld indicates cheap consumer grade machinery. However, my opinion was formed a long time ago and they may have a quality line I hadn't known about.

That is not at all the case with the one I posted above.

 

[Jswain]

That is not at all the case with the one I posted above.

They are really hit or miss. You did extremely well to get it NOS for $300. If you had to pay $1500 then I would say pass.

Some of them come with decent pumps, some don't, most come with cheap motors etc.

For a guy airing tires or changing wheels a couple times a year it really doesn't matter. If you want to use your air heavily it matters a lot more.

 

[racecougar]

I don't deny that it was a good deal, but the deals are out there to be had (at least in my area).

I wouldn't be surprised if a manufacturer used different motors and pumps throughout a production run. I wouldn't write them all off as junk though. I run the heck out of mine sandblasting, painting, plasma cutting, running cutoff wheels, DA's, etc. It has been an excellent, reliable, piece of equipment for me, and it has never smelled hot, run loud, or experienced any sort of failure to perform.

 

[Jswain]

I don't deny that it was a good deal, but the deals are out there to be had (at least in my area).

I wouldn't be surprised if a manufacturer used different motors and pumps throughout a production run. I wouldn't write them all off as junk though. I run the heck out of mine sandblasting, painting, plasma cutting, running cutoff wheels, DA's, etc. It has been an excellent, reliable, piece of equipment for me, and it has never smelled hot, run loud, or experienced any sort of failure to perform.

My shop is built out of mostly used/refurbished by me equipment as my area is very good for used as well.

There is simply things to look for if you want a big, last for the rest of your life compressor. Name brand motor, disc valves, replaceable rod/crank bearings, ASME tank, and then add a magnetic starter because eventually if you don't have one wired the pressure switch will weld itself on. Drain the moisture daily, Change the oil every now and then and lap the valves every now and then.

New I would want to make sure I spent my money wisely, obviously if you buy used and get a working compressor you start way ahead in value/$

 

[racecougar]

I totally understand the sentiment, as I apply the same much of the time. In this case, I have no idea if the pump has replaceable bearings. I installed a new pressure switch when I put it in service, along with the Solberg air filters. I drain moisture from the tank, shut off the output, and kill the power at the pressure switch at the end of every day, and I change the oil once a year. Should the motor ever fail, I'll bolt on a replacement. Should the pump fail, I will rebuild it if possible, or replace it. The point to my posts in this thread are that it is a good consumer-level compressor; just buy it at the right price point.

EDIT: Zooming in on my photo above, it appears to have a Century motor. I can take a photo of the decal later. To be honest, I've never looked at it. I just stuck the compressor in the corner, plumbed it up, and put it to work five years ago.