Compressor Choice: Saylor-Beall versus Champion (5hp 80gal compressor)

[Bordeauxman]

I'm looking at purchasing a *new* 5hp, 80 gallon, vertical, 2 stage compressor that delivers ~ 17.3 CFM @ 175 PSI for a home shop/hobbyist type usage. This is probably a little more than I need but I would rather have a unit that lasts for 30 years with proper maintenance. I've seen similar prices of around $2,300.

I have zeroed in on two brands (Saylor-Beall & Champion) that are well recommended and I was wondering if there were experiences positive or negative that would sway me one way or the other.

Looking at the websites it appears to me that the major differences are weight (SB weighs in @ 648 pounds shipping and the C @ 565 pounds) and pump RPM (SB @ 845rpm & C @ 734rpm).

The models that I'm looking at are VT-735-80 and CAASRSA03 (or something similar). The compressor will be installed in a new construction shop so electric voltage, etc. is not a concern.


Thank you in advance!

 

[IndyGarage]

I think they are both good brands. If I were buying new, I would throw Quincy and Ingersoll Rand in the mix to consider.

My 1971 model Champion still plugs away. It's relatively quiet too. .

 

[Trey T]

I would take Champion one (disc valve) over SB any day! I think champion is a proven workhorse and more people use it more than SB. Majority of trucks in my town carry Champion pumps.

Champion pump weights 100 lbs less and that's a huge plus in term of servicing.

 

[PT Doc]

And Quincy into the mix but not ir. Too many issues on forums reported.

 

[Todd.Brock]

It's funny you mention this dilemma. If I were to buy a new compressor , I would be posting this!! I have now bought 4 champions. They are pretty nice. One of which wa from 1971. It seemed to plug away just fine. I haven't seen a SB yet, so I'm curious if it lives up to its Cadillac status. Not that champion is anything to sneeze at!!

 

[strutaeng]

I too think that both are excellent choices. The Saylor-Beall you are looking at is splash lubricated. The pressure lubricated models have a "PL" on the model number. I'm not familiar with Champions, but they highly regarded and also have an "economy" line.

If it matters, most of the chinese pumps out there have copied SB designs (Eaton, Polar Air, etc.)

 

[b-body-bob]

The Saylor-Beall you are looking at is splash lubricated. The pressure lubricated models have a "PL" on the model number. I'm not familiar with Champions, but they highly regarded and also have an "economy" line.

Same is true for the Champions; they're splash lubed unless the pump is a PL series. http://www.championpneumatic.com/products/reciprocating_compressors/lubricated/pl_series/?n=490

 

[kams1973]

If COO matters, the SB unit is made in the USA. I'm not sure about the Champion.

The SB also has disc valves.

 

[C96]

I have the Saylor- Beall VT-735-80 same as you’re looking at. I am of course bias in this decision. The SB is a fantastic machine, built like a tank and virtually indestructible if maintained properly. As kams stated, USA made and yes definitely has the disc valves which are better and very easy to service. Not many companies can make a claim of 100% USA made. Also, this unit is all cast-iron unlike the others (aluminum) which explains the heavier weight. I personally don’t mind the extra weight, but I do prefer the cast- iron pump which means longevity to me. Mine included a mag-starter as well; most good quality machines incorporate them in the build package.

I am completely satisfied with mine and I’m sure you will be too should you choose the SB.

Either way, you can’t go wrong; both have proven to be tried and true.

 

[b-body-bob]

If COO matters, the SB unit is made in the USA. I'm not sure about the Champion.

From TP tools Champion page:

At Champion, air compressors are their only product - Made in the USA* for over 85 years!
...
*Made in the USA with both US and foreign parts.

 

[DekeT]

Saylor Beall is the top of the line. All others are in second place.

 

[ron in sc]

I have Saylor-Beal 735-80.

Only issue is sludge buildup on bottom. That is my fault as I do not use the compressor that much so there is a fair amount of moisture buildup. In other words I don't get it hot enough often enough.

The pump does have a huge easily removable inspection plate cover so it's very easy to clean. I've also started to change oil more often; when oil does not look like new thru the sight glass I change it.

 

[healing]

Saylor Beall is the top of the line. All others are in second place.

Agree

 

[BK13]

So S-B has an option of splash lube versus pressure lube. Outside of not sounding like a scene from a *****, is one better than the other?

 

[PT Doc]

How many hours a week will you use this? Do you need on site service?

 

[Durka]

I think they are both good brands. If I were buying new, I would throw Quincy and Ingersoll Rand in the mix to consider.

My 1971 model Champion still plugs away. It's relatively quiet too. .

Right! You can't leave IR out. Their 5hp 2 Stage has just about everything the OP want's except the IR's motor runs at higher rpms (not great) and generates 15.9 CFM vs 17.3. Same pressure rating 175 psi. If I was going economy, yea I 'd probably go with the Ingersoll, - it's a grand. You get your moneys worth and I haven't seen of heard of them breaking down until I came here, -just my 2 cents

Want something better, you'll be coughing up more than twice that price. But again, I have to say; - You get what you pay for in compressors.

The killer deals are on those older units guys find around here, then refurbish. There's quite a few steals out there if you keep your eyes peeled for one.

Champions are a definite a favorite too . :beers:

 

[Hip2u77]

I couldn't figure out which Champion that number goes to, but if you get a Champion, stick to the R, PL or Advantage lines. The value series is a rebadged Schulz compressor, made overseas. (Or at least it was as of 6 months ago.)

Something like the Champion VR5-8 will come with the R-15 pump, which is used on the 5HP and 7.5HP units, so later down the line you have the option of moving to a 7.5 motor and pulleys and you'll have 23.1 CFM with pump speed around 1000rpm.


Generally, the 3-5HP SB use a 705 pump, and the 7.5-10HP use the 707 pumps, so I'm not sure there's an option to upgrade to 7.5. (I'm not as familiar with SB as I am with Champion, though I know Polar Air / Eaton, and a few others use "Made in China" SB copies on their compressors.)


When I was researching all of this last year I went to buy a used Champion and found out it came out of a Tires Plus store. A few phone calls later I found out that all of the Tires Plus stores in Kansas City use a pair of Champion Advantage VR5-8's and not long ago they changed them out after 13 years, and the one that I looked looked great, still pumped up like it was new, but the guy wouldn't budge off his $1200 price, so I passed.

 

[Durka]

That would be hard to turn down @ 1200. Specially with all those goodies and what counts the most of course, - 23.1 CFM with pump speed around 1000rpm. If everything checked out (motor rpms as well), I couldn't resist at that price. No way.

 

[Hip2u77]

That would be hard to turn down @ 1200. Specially with all those goodies and what counts the most of course, - 23.1 CFM with pump speed around 1000rpm. If everything checked out (motor rpms as well), I couldn't resist at that price. No way.

The one for $1200 was a VR5-8. 17.3 at 734 rpm.

They're $2400 new.

If he would've went to $800 I would've bought, but I figure the extra $1200 to have a new one vs a 13-year-old compressor, that was used 7 days a week in a tire shop, would be money well spent. Had it been a low hours backup then I would've bought, but the compressors were on an automatic switch so they both get used equally.

 

[Bordeauxman]

Thank you for all of the responses. Maybe SB is a little more favored so far? Hip2u77 mentioned increasing the motor size which should be an important factor for some. In my case, this compressor is most likely way more than needed to start with. PT Doc asked about usage. For me, it is strictly a hobbyist use on some weekends.

It might come down to who has a distributor more closely located to me for sales and service issues.

Thank you!

 

[Durka]

Curios, -How long those high dollar 80 gal two stage Comps take to fill up ? I know the same in the IR's take about 6 minutes. But the SB's and Champions are double duty's.. an then some. The better compressors run allot slower and make about 1/3 more CFM....Also quieter.

Yea, just curious.

 

[b-body-bob]

IIRC my VR5-8 takes about 6 minutes to fill, but it's a little down on CFM due to age and use history (95 model out of an oil change shop). But it was the opposite of high-dollar, it was free. Needed a motor though.

You can back into the time needed based on the billed CFM by using the calcs at http://aircompeq.com/formulas.htm

 

[Durka]

IIRC my VR5-8 takes about 6 minutes to fill, but it's a little down on CFM due to age and use history (95 model out of an oil change shop). But it was the opposite of high-dollar, it was free. Needed a motor though.

You can back into the time needed based on the billed CFM by using the calcs at http://aircompeq.com/formulas.htm

I really need to re-learn calculus over again, - probably from the basics.

The Quincy site made it a little easier when figuring SCFM pressure drop setting up the Black Iron system.

 

[rodm1]

Saylor Beall is the top of the line. All others are in second place.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I picked SB do to the all cast iron head and pump body. SB told me that the disc valves never need to be replaced just cleaned if they carbon up. They said there pumps have a 100% duty cycle and no brake in required.

A good air compressor is money well spent and a life time perches sow why go cheep.

 

[TK LP]

IIRC my VR5-8 takes about 6 minutes to fill, but it's a little down on CFM due to age and use history (95 model out of an oil change shop). But it was the opposite of high-dollar, it was free. Needed a motor though.

You can back into the time needed based on the billed CFM by using the calcs at http://aircompeq.com/formulas.htm

Using that calculator, an 80 gallon compressor delivering 17.3 CFM, would fill to 175 psi in 7 minutes 22 seconds. Filling the same tank in 6 minutes would be delivery of 21.27 CFM.

 

[Bordeauxman]

As a follow-up, I contacted both Saylor-Beall and Champion and oddly enough, only SB responded so I purchased the SB unit. It will hopefully be connected to electricity in the next week.

 

[DekeT]

As a follow-up, I contacted both Saylor-Beall and Champion and oddly enough, only SB responded so I purchased the SB unit. It will hopefully be connected to electricity in the next week.

Congrats on your new machine.

 

[kams1973]

As a follow-up, I contacted both Saylor-Beall and Champion and oddly enough, only SB responded so I purchased the SB unit. It will hopefully be connected to electricity in the next week.

You will not be disappointed!

 

[RGausman]

You will get great enjoyment in this compressor. Compressor has a proven track record, excellent workmanship, small company interested in quality with good customer service.

Purchased my Saylor-Beall 705-80 back in March for blasting. Started searching/researching for a compressor in Janurary. Looked at first IR, Quincy, Eaton, etc but finally narrow down to the Champion R15 and Saylor-Beall 705 compressor pumps with 5HP motor and 80 Gallon.

Before purchasing, did a Google Map of SB factory in St.John Michigan. Was surprise that the factory was just a single building with about hundred air receivers stack up outside.

Pressure lubrication was going to be overkill for my weekend use. Installed an hour meter with only 10 hours so far.

Since plan to do a lot of blasting dry air was critical for me. Purchased the SB factory installed after cooler option installed behind the electric motor for for additional $600 (inc different guard, fan/adapter and different plumbing). Installed water separator between aftercooler and the tank. So far collecting about one cup of water per one hour of runtime and getting not one drop at the blasting cabinet.

Bob G.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

You should be good with either brand. Both are quality machines. I imagine the SB would be more $$. Check the warranties. Champion only covers the valves for 1 year, even though they state 5 year warranty.

 

[RGausman]

Quick post while searching for milling machine. I now have about 70 hours on the SB compressor. Extremely happy with the compressor and still music to the ears chug-chug-chug.

I will note my SB is like 95% made in USA. The mag switch is Mexico and a few fittings stamped China.