I decided to buy a new one so I have 2 in mind.One is a puma pk6060v and the other is Ingersoll ss3l3.It will just be used in my Garage for genral use to power my air tools and bike lift. If there are any that have suggestions I am open to them.Or if any of you have the ones listed I would love to hear about them.Thanks
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Compressor suggestions
- Thread starter ChrisH20
- Start date
kartracer55
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2005
- Messages
- 5,317
How about a price limit? You in the US or Canada?
brianpgriset
Well-known member
What kind of air tools are you planning to run? Major factor in compressor sizing.
dwm
Well-known member
I've had my SS3L3 for almost 10 months and have used it fairly heavily including several multi-hour periods at near 100% duty cycle (most recently when stripping a Lista cabinet and drawers for repaint). I'm very happy with it so far. It's not of the same grade as their Type30 compressors, but it's done all I've asked of it without complaint. Part of my decision was the ease in procuring parts if I should ever need them. IR's support network in the U.S. has very good coverage.
TXSTGLIDE
Member
I just went through this myself earlier this month. I went with the Puma PK6060V. It's USA made, puts out more air than the IR, and lower in price. I bought mine from northern tool. The store was out of the IR when I made the purchase, but this did not influence my decision.
I did notice this at the store, they had the IR and the Puma upright portable sitting back to back. Other than stickers and paint, I believe they were identical compressors. I know that's not the case with the two you are mentioning, but it makes me wonder if they are not sourced through another company.
So far so good. Good luck in your decision.
I did notice this at the store, they had the IR and the Puma upright portable sitting back to back. Other than stickers and paint, I believe they were identical compressors. I know that's not the case with the two you are mentioning, but it makes me wonder if they are not sourced through another company.
So far so good. Good luck in your decision.
dwm
Well-known member
TXSTGLIDE, did you happen to get a real manual for the PUMA? I don't see one except for a generic one on Northern's site. No parts list. The Q&A section of the Northern site says it's only rated for 50% duty cycle. I can't find any information on pumaair.com about any vertical models.
I've got a friend that lives near a Northern store that's looking for a new compressor. Hard to recommend the PUMA when I can't find any real information. For those of us that don't have Northern stores in our state or no way to move one, the SS3L3 is less expensive due to free shipping.
I've got a friend that lives near a Northern store that's looking for a new compressor. Hard to recommend the PUMA when I can't find any real information. For those of us that don't have Northern stores in our state or no way to move one, the SS3L3 is less expensive due to free shipping.
diy570
Well-known member
my last compressor was a puma pk6560v (the 5hp, 3 cylinder version of the one you mentioned) and i pushed it very hard for 2 years doing everything from running da sanders, grinding, painting entire vehicles, to sandblasting. it was in use everyday running a one man shop and never let me down. puma builds a decent compressor in my opinion. the only reason i got rid of it is because i finally had the money to buy the compressor i originally wanted.
Last edited:
TXSTGLIDE
Member
TXSTGLIDE, did you happen to get a real manual for the PUMA? I don't see one except for a generic one on Northern's site. No parts list. The Q&A section of the Northern site says it's only rated for 50% duty cycle. I can't find any information on pumaair.com about any vertical models.
I've got a friend that lives near a Northern store that's looking for a new compressor. Hard to recommend the PUMA when I can't find any real information. For those of us that don't have Northern stores in our state or no way to move one, the SS3L3 is less expensive due to free shipping.
Yes, I got a manual or atleast photo copies of a manual along with a parts list. I guess as far as duty cycle is concerned, you would need to determine what you will be doing with it. Unless you plan on running a blast cab, sand blaster, or some serious sanding, I don't think it would matter. And if you are, then you would probably be looking for a larger compressor anyway. I'm not certain how duty cycle is rated on a compressor. On a welder, it is rated in 10 min. increments. Therefore, a 60% duty cycle can weld for 6 continuos minutes and would then need to shut down for 4 minutes.
I'm not saying this is the compressor for everyone. What I am saying is for my money, it was the best bang for the buck. I wasn't impressed with the IR atleast from visual inspection. I did not like the fact that it had a what appeared to be a toy single cyclinder pump on it. I also did not like the fact that it only had a 3/8 outlet that came out of the front of the compressor at the guage.
Who knows which one would prevail in a head to head test.
Good luck.
dwm
Well-known member
Just to make sure no one reads Eric's comment wrong; the IR is a 2-cylinder pump and the receiver outlet 1/2" NPT. It's plainly obvious if you look at it in person.
I think these 2 are very much in the same class of compressor. I went with the IR because it's very easy for me to get parts nearby and their support is responsive (and in my case, it was less expensive... $599 with free shipping).
I think these 2 are very much in the same class of compressor. I went with the IR because it's very easy for me to get parts nearby and their support is responsive (and in my case, it was less expensive... $599 with free shipping).
I believe the IR pumps are now made in India (mine may be, for that matter). I know nothing about Puma brand compressors so I can't comment there. I can comment on the SS3L in general as I own one.
While it is now much less compressor than I need, it was more compressor than I had when I bought it used 8 years ago from a tire shop. If I was to guess, I'd say it has around 2,000 hours on it now. It has served me well, although it is getting ready to blow a head gasket. Shortly, I plan to remove the pump, check the head and pump for flatness, machine as-necessary and install a new gasket.
Other than the head gasket issue, it has been a good machine and I have had no issues with it. It is, however, a light-duty compressor and I suppose things like blown head gaskets are to be expected when they're run hard. Once I get my Quincy 5120 installed and plumbed the SS3L will become my backup unit.
All-in-all, I've made a lot of money with it and it has lasted many times longer than the oil-free unit I had before. With a little TLC I see no reason why it won't last another 15-20 years in backup duty before it needs a mechanical rebuild.
While it is now much less compressor than I need, it was more compressor than I had when I bought it used 8 years ago from a tire shop. If I was to guess, I'd say it has around 2,000 hours on it now. It has served me well, although it is getting ready to blow a head gasket. Shortly, I plan to remove the pump, check the head and pump for flatness, machine as-necessary and install a new gasket.
Other than the head gasket issue, it has been a good machine and I have had no issues with it. It is, however, a light-duty compressor and I suppose things like blown head gaskets are to be expected when they're run hard. Once I get my Quincy 5120 installed and plumbed the SS3L will become my backup unit.
All-in-all, I've made a lot of money with it and it has lasted many times longer than the oil-free unit I had before. With a little TLC I see no reason why it won't last another 15-20 years in backup duty before it needs a mechanical rebuild.
jhanson172
New member
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2011
- Messages
- 1
My father recently purchased for our shop a Bel-Aire 278-338V, 80 gallons, we've been pretty happy with it. Not sure about their 60 gal model but the 278-338V is built in the US with the exception of the cylinder casting which is Italian. Their whole line seems to be well put together.