Compressor Shopping

[air cooled]

I decided to get myself an air compressor for my new garage and decided to post my findings here hoping that it will help others.

After some research here on GJ and on other sites, I narrowed my options to the Champion and Quincy brands. Both have very good reputations here and on other sites.

Some specifications I wanted were:
2-stage pump
Magnetic starter
ASME certified tank
80 gallon tank
7.5 hp motor
Not an oil-less machine
240V

 

[air cooled]

Champion / Gardner Denver compressors are made in Princeton, IL
They have the following lines:
Advantage
Centurion II
Value Plus

They also have a PL (pressure lubrication) series but those are more suited for
heavy industrial use, like supplying air to a media blaster eight hours a day.

You may see a reference to R-Series but that references the pump on the Advantage
compressors.

 

[air cooled]

The Advantage line is their top of the line of compressor.

They use the R-series pump made in the USA that uses disk valves in the motor and is splash lubricated.

Their literature says the R-series pump does not have a head gasket which lowers maintenance costs.

They also claim the R-Series pump uses disk valves that can be replaced individually (individual concentric ring valves) which also lowers maintenance costs when compared to what is required when a reed valve plate requires replacement.

 

[air cooled]

The Centurion II is their middle line of compressors.
They use a Mexican made pump that uses reed valves in the motor and is splash lubricated.

The Value Plus is their low end line of compressors.
They use a Chinese made pump that uses reed valves in the motor and is splash lubricated.

 

[air cooled]

The Advantage VR7F-8 is what I was looking at.

The ‘F’ stands for ‘full speed’ pump.
They also make a VR7-8 that uses an oversized pump which allows this compressor to operate slower and more quietly.
However, for my hobby use I would seldom use this compressor long enough to bring it up to temperature and keep the moisture out of the oil.

I also looked into the Centurion II VRV7F-8 which has identical specifications to the Advantage VR7F-8 I mentioned above but without using the R-series pump.
They also make an oversized pump model of this compressor, the VRV7-8.

However, the Advantage series VR7F-8 compressor comes with some extras that I wanted.
By the time they added those extras onto the Centurion II VRV7F-8 model, it costs more that the Advantage VR7F-8.

The extras were a magnetic starter, auto tank drain, low oil shutoff switch, after cooler and anti-vibration pads.

 

[air cooled]

Quincy compressors has three models:
QR
QP
QT

The QR is their top of the line compressor.
They use reed valves and are pressure lubricated.
Overkill ($$) for my needs.

The QP is their middle line of compressors.
They use reed valves and are pressure lubricated.
QP Max and QP Pro indicate level of extras desired.

The QT is their entry line of compressors.
They use reed valves and are splash lubricated.
QT Max and QT Pro indicate level of extras desired.

 

[air cooled]

It took a while to decipher the part numbers on the Quincy compressors.
371CS80VCAM for example:

3 = pressure lubricated (2 = splash lubricated)
7 = 7.5 hp motor
1 = single phase
C = (no idea)
S = Mag Starter (The ‘Max’ level of extras includes a starter and this ‘S’ is
removed)
80 = 80 gallon tank
CA = (no idea)
M = MAX configuration features automatic tank drain, low oil shutdown and heavy-
duty after-cooler included

 

[air cooled]

The Champion Advantage VR7F-8 (23.1 cfm at 175 psi) costs $3,025
The Quincy QT 271C80VCBM (22.6 cfm at 175 psi) costs $ 3,299
The Quincy QP 371C80VCAM (22.6 cfm at 175 psi) costs $ 4,199 (pressure lubricated)

As far as I can tell, for a very similar compressor, the Quincy QT is $250 more than the Champion.
A good sale could erase this difference.
It may come down to who has a local dealer.
The Quincy QP looks very nice but it's not worth $1,000 just for pressure lubrication for me.

As far as I could tell the warranties of both companies are very similar.
I would feel a little better if I purchased this from a local dealer, that way any problems would be easier to handle (probably).



Note: It takes some digging to get correct cfm ratings because companies can measure cfm in different ways.
A better way to choose a compressor would be to determine what the biggest cfm
requirement of your tools would be (likely a paint sprayer or media blasting cabinet) and pick a compressor that would meet those needs.

Note: When shopping online, some sellers had a higher posted price but ended up being a better deal because they didn't charge tax and/or had free shipping and/or didn't charge a lift-gate delivery fee for a residential delivery. One dealer even threw in a hose reel.

Note: Any of this information may be incorrect, I am a *****.

 

[air cooled]

I ended up buying the VR7F-8 from ShopCompressor.com for $3,025 + $75 for lift gate delivery.
I called them directly and they took $100 off the lowest price they had advertised.
They also said the sale price over Christmas or Fathers Day won't be lower.

They also have an e-bay store that was giving away a free hose reel or rapid air kit if you buy a compressor but that was $150 more so I was basically paying for the 'free' gift.
I'm also not organized enough to know what rapid air kit I would use.

The "Quincy VS. Champion Air Compressors" thread from here on GJ also helped me make up my mind.

Ill update this thread when I get the compressor and set it up.

 

[air cooled]

reserved

 

[PT Doc]

What are you going to be doing with this new compressor?

 

[air cooled]

Good question........

Blow dust of my pants mainly....

 

[air cooled]

Actually I have always wanted to try my hand at restoring some older vehicles, just for fun.

I am not actually sure what parts of the restoration process I will do my self and what parts I will farm out to others more capable than I.
I may want a blast cabinet but I doubt I will want to median blast an entire vehicle myself.

I ended up buying the compressor I did mainly so I wouldn't be under-powered for whatever I wanted to do in the future. I figured the often repeated mantra on this site "go as big as you can afford" held true to compressors as well as to garages.

Champion's Advantage series compressors put out 17.3 cfm with the 5 hp motor and 23.1 cfm with the 7.5 hp motor.

The 5 hp HR5-8 costs $ 3,025
The 7.5 hp HR7F-8 costs $ 3,125

So, for another $100 I could get another 2.5 hp and 5.8 cfm

 

[air cooled]

The 5 hp Quincy QT 251CS80VCBM puts out 17.2 cfm and costs $ 2,999
The 7.5 hp Quincy QT 271C80VCBM puts out 22.6 cfm and costs & 3,299

Note: These two Quincys both have the Max package (mag starter, after-cooler, etc.)

So for another $ 300 you could get another 2.5 hp and 5.4 cfm.

 

[air cooled]

The only downside to the bigger motor is electrical demand and perhaps noise.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Nice purchAse! I like the sound of my champion. It’s good and quiet. It is only a 3 hp pump in the r-15 with disk valves. You are on the opposite end of probably the same pump.

Unfortunately I found a leak in my tank last week. So either I find a new tank, a new champion or a Saylor Beall...

 

[CJ2A]

Thanks for the great information!

I've been considering getting a new compressor and I appreciate all the research you put into it. For those interested in the same compressor, it looks like Compressor World has a pretty good deal on it, $2,729 + free shipping. https://www.compressorworld.com/vr7...or-80-gallon-vertical-air-tank-23-1-acfm.html

Saylor Beall 5 HP $2,259: https://www.compressorworld.com/5-h...-air-compressor-single-phase-vt-735-80-1.html

Saylor Beal 7.5 HP $4,369 : https://www.compressorworld.com/7-5...air-compressor-230v-1-phase-vt-745-120-1.html

Wow, didn't know Saylor Beal's were that much.

 

[engineer2]

You'll be happy with the Champion.
Junked two Magnaforce compressors because of head gasket issues.

Just be sure to extend that short auto drain line with some 1/4" tubing. Otherwise it'll spray rusty water everywhere.

Champions use Baldor motors which are good quality and more tolerant of low voltages.

 

[EOC_Jason]

The Quincy is on sale right at now Air Compressors Direct for $2,800...

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-271C80VCBM-Air-Compressor/p3347.html

My dream would be to own a Saylor Beall with a 707 pump just because I think they look cool. Though if I buy a new compressor it will probably be a Quincy because there is a local dealer here in town that are super great to deal with. I have a little Quincy 210 pressure lube and it's a great little compressor.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I think that the champion or Quincy would be a great compressor. Saylor Beall would just be the cats meow. I didn’t know they were 4K for the 7.5 hp either !!

 

[air cooled]

CJ2A says...
I've been considering getting a new compressor and I appreciate all the research you put into it. For those interested in the same compressor, it looks like Compressor World has a pretty good deal on it, $2,729 + free shipping. https://www.compressorworld.com/vr7f...23-1-acfm.html

CJ2A, that is the same base compressor that I purchased and it does appear to have the R-series motor ,but I don't think it is the Advantage package that has the magnetic starter, after-cooler, ect. that I purchased.

The one like I purchased is here https://www.compressorworld.com/adv...age-w-acac-80-gallon-230v-1-phase-vr7f-8.html
for $3,107.
$ 377.33 more for the extras in the Advantage package.

 

[air cooled]

engineer2, thanks for the info.
I actually put a floor drain in a small utility room in my barn just for the compressor.
That is one of the many good ideas I found here on GJ.

Unfortunately I think my utility room is too small.
It is plenty big for my water heater, electrical panel, etc but if I shove this compressor in there it will be mighty tight.
I'm still trying to decide if I care, I wont be going in the utility room much.

 

[machine_punk]

So, how are you going to wire this?
- What gauge wire?
- What size circuit breaker?
- Does it need a starter?

I know that 7.5 HP motors will run on a 50-amp circuit breaker, but I'm not sure they will start on one, without tripping it. I'd love to install a 7.5 HP compressor...just checking to see what others use for wiring.

Kev

 

[EOC_Jason]

#6 or #8 depending on type of wire...
50 amp
Heck Yes!

So, how are you going to wire this?
- What gauge wire?
- What size circuit breaker?
- Does it need a starter?

I know that 7.5 HP motors will run on a 50-amp circuit breaker, but I'm not sure they will start on one, without tripping it. I'd love to install a 7.5 HP compressor...just checking to see what others use for wiring.

Kev

 

[HalfLit]

I have been searching for a couple of months for a 5 hp 80 gal for my new almost finished garage. After hours upon hours of reading reviews and forum threads I narrowed my list of compressors down to the Quincy QT-5, Champion VR5-8,and Saylor Beall VT-735-80. I got to see the Champion run in person at a local garage and I was very impressed. It is a well built machine with a Baldor Motor and a 5 year prorated warranty. If you have the coin, you can’t go wrong with this one. I also got a look at the Quincy QT-5 at a nearby Rural King store. The price was well within my budget but there were a couple of things that I didn’t like. The belt guard was bird cage type material and seemed flimsy. The compressor and motor sheaves were set screw type not taper lock. The pump rpms were a little on the high side @ 942. Lastly, you have to buy their expensive start-up kit to get their questionable warranty. Now on to the Saylor Beall VT-735-80. Like the Champion it has tapered roller main bearings, long life disc valves that are easily serviced, and a centrifugal unloaded for no-load starts. But unlike Quincy and Champion, the SB only has a 1 year warranty. I haven’t yet got to see one in person but the Saylor Beall has a legacy of being top of the line,long lasting, and the last true American aircompressor manufacturer. Now pricing! I’m not even going to try to start pricing with different options, so I will try my best to equip them comparably with a mag starter and automatic drain, two must-have options in my opinion.
Quincy QT-5 base: 1,800.00 + tax. Rural King
https://www.ruralking.com/air-compressor-5-hp-80-gal-2-
W/ starter: 1,949.99 no tax free shipping. Northern Tool
https://m.northerntool.com/products/shop~tools~product_20035047

Champion VR5-8 w/starter and drain: 2,664.53 no tax free shipping. Compressor World
https://www.compressorworld.com/r-series-5-hp-air-compressor-two-stage-80-gallon-230

Saylor Beall VT-735-80 w/ starter and drain: 2,468.00 no tax free shipping Smittys automotive shop equipment http://automotiveshopequipment.net/pages/Saylor/

My head is still spinning from price crunching and weighing options. Any advice is welcome and appreciated. Thx in advance.

 

[PT Doc]

I have been searching for a couple of months for a 5 hp 80 gal for my new almost finished garage. After hours upon hours of reading reviews and forum threads I narrowed my list of compressors down to the Quincy QT-5, Champion VR5-8,and Saylor Beall VT-735-80. I got to see the Champion run in person at a local garage and I was very impressed. It is a well built machine with a Baldor Motor and a 5 year prorated warranty. If you have the coin, you can’t go wrong with this one. I also got a look at the Quincy QT-5 at a nearby Rural King store. The price was well within my budget but there were a couple of things that I didn’t like. The belt guard was bird cage type material and seemed flimsy. The compressor and motor sheaves were set screw type not taper lock. The pump rpms were a little on the high side @ 942. Lastly, you have to buy their expensive start-up kit to get their questionable warranty. Now on to the Saylor Beall VT-735-80. Like the Champion it has tapered roller main bearings, long life disc valves that are easily serviced, and a centrifugal unloaded for no-load starts. But unlike Quincy and Champion, the SB only has a 1 year warranty. I haven’t yet got to see one in person but the Saylor Beall has a legacy of being top of the line,long lasting, and the last true American aircompressor manufacturer. Now pricing! I’m not even going to try to start pricing with different options, so I will try my best to equip them comparably with a mag starter and automatic drain, two must-have options in my opinion.
Quincy QT-5 base: 1,800.00 + tax. Rural King
https://www.ruralking.com/air-compressor-5-hp-80-gal-2-
W/ starter: 1,949.99 no tax free shipping. Northern Tool
https://m.northerntool.com/products/shop~tools~product_20035047

Champion VR5-8 w/starter and drain: 2,664.53 no tax free shipping. Compressor World
https://www.compressorworld.com/r-series-5-hp-air-compressor-two-stage-80-gallon-230

Saylor Beall VT-735-80 w/ starter and drain: 2,468.00 no tax free shipping Smittys automotive shop equipment http://automotiveshopequipment.net/pages/Saylor/

My head is still spinning from price crunching and weighing options. Any advice is welcome and appreciated. Thx in advance.

I have a qt5. I put a 240v hour meter. I bought a few of the oil change kits to cover the 5 year warranty. I had Quincy service come out to check on the unit since it seemed to be running loud. Local company came out, evaluated and said all was ok. Covered by Quincy. I would buy again in a heart beat. I think lowes sells them now. Can't see spending more. The qt5 is 50000 hour life. I won't get even to 1000 hours in my lifetime.

 

[HalfLit]

I’ve read that the QT-5 is a little louder due to the slightly faster pump rpm. This could be a slight problem for me due to my garage being attached. But I’ve built on a small tool/ compressor room to the back. I hope with some insulation between, it won’t be too loud in the garage. The QT-5 is a great price. Is the Price of the maintenance kits worth the warranty? It will probably take years for me to put 1k hrs on a compressor. I’m going to buy something this week if I can make up my mind. Gotta have the garage inside finished by Christmas. The wife has family Christmas dinner planned. IN THE GARAGE!!!!!

 

[MacMcMacmac]

When we were looking for a house brand we considered SB, but the prices were just not competitive. We went with Champion and never regretted it.