Dewalt Versus Kolbalt Air Compressor

[Rich M.]

Well, it looks like I narrowed down my compressor choice to the Dewalt 30 gallon that Tractor Supply will have on sale for Black Friday and the Lowes’ Kobalt 30 gallon two stage compressor, which is built by Campbell Hausfeld. Was waiting until black Friday to see what compressors might be discountered.

I have been looking at a number of compressors that fell within my budget. Since my compressor will get light use, a medium grade compressor will work just fine.

Several things I like the Kobalt over the Dewalt is it is two stage, which 1 probably really do not need, 175 psi, which again probably do not need, and a ball valve trank drain. Plus being it is a Campbell Hausfeld, parts should be no problem. Lastly, the reviews and in some posts here, it is said to be somewhat quiet.

The Kobalt will cost a little bit more, but the 10% code that a forum member supplied me will narrow down the difference.

The Dewalt compressor is a total unknown to me.

Now I need forum members to give me their thoughts on these two compressors. I think either of them will work, so we are starting the post off as a win/win.

 

[MartinFan6]

So its been almost a year and I find myself looking at the same 2. Which did you go with and what is your opinion on it?

 

[kythri]

Do you have links, or model numbers, for quick reference on the Googles?

 

[vanapplebomb]

Most the newer Kobalt compressors are made by Campbell Hausfeld, and the Dewalt are made by Sanborn MFG. I tend to prefer the Sanborn units. In my experience, the pumps are better. Motors and pressure switches are about the same consumer grade quality you get on any air compressor in a similar price bracket. So, if I were to choose between the two, I would have the dewalt.

 

[vavet]

Are you comparing this
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-KOB...e-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000528965
To this?
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...n-air-compressor-155-psi-dxcm301?cm_vc=-10005

FWIW, I have what I believe is the Dewalt as a Husky 302h at work. I also have the 2 stage Kobalt unit at work.
I love that husky unit. It is so quiet! You can literally stand on one side of it and have a conversation at normal volume with a person on the other side of it while it’s running. The kobalt unit is very loud. The cfm output is similar, but it seems the kobalt would cycle on less frequently (but run longer) than the dewalt because of the higher pressure setting.
The kobalt had a couple quality issues: it leaked oil from day 1. Not a lot of oil, but it leaked. The safety release valve was not appropriate for the compressor. It released at 150, but the pump was set to continue to pump until 175. Kobalt sent me a new valve (and offered a service call, but I told them to just send me the valve). That tells me they never ran it to test it for such a thing or it would’ve been very obvious.
Ive has no issues at all with the Husky unit.

 

[vanapplebomb]

Yup, the Husky is the same unit. Husky, Masterforce, Porter Cable, Dewalt, etc. All Sanborn MFG units.

 

[jhelrey]

I have the older Kobalt one that does 155 PSI, two stage, and it's quiet. I've had it for at least 6 years and the only thing it's needed is the switch cleaned on the back of the motor. Otherwise, it's been great.

 

[vanapplebomb]

Jhelrey, 155 psi sounds more like a single stage unit to me. You may be confusing two cylinder with two stage. Any reasonable two stage should run 175psi, and some of the crappy ones 165. But 155 is hardly worth having a two stage pump for, because at that pressure, a single stage is still reasonably efficient. What model is it?

 

[cashishift]

I would consider Makita

 

[vanapplebomb]

Does Makita even offer a 30 gallon compressor? I don’t see one on their web page. All looks like little stuff for running nailers, etc.

 

[Citation]

For what it's worth, the nose levels are highly dependent on the air intake. If the pump has a screw on filter housing you can generally change it out for something quieter. Net result is the difference in nose level likely would be small in the end if you can change to a custom filter. About $20 made a significant difference in my compressor (similar to these)

 

[Leadfoot]

I have the Dewalt DXCM301 from tractor supply and have had a few issues with it. I added the largest Solberg intake filter/silencers on it which lowered the tone of the noise (I wouldnt call it quiet but its acceptable). The original regulator is extremely restrictive and there is no larger output on the tank. I run it at about 100% duty cycle and it consumes very little oil. The main issues that I had were a cracked cast fitting on the head and a split transfer tube between the heads. Parts arent easy to find but are available. The pump has some vibration and doesnt seem that well balanced.

For a $300 black Friday special I like it. I put it through its paces on a regular basis. If I were to do it over I think I would have bought a Ingersol Rand 20 gallon. It looks similar but the fit and finish seems much better.

 

[toddmorr]

Does Makita even offer a 30 gallon compressor? I don’t see one on their web page. All looks like little stuff for running nailers, etc.

they don't, or I would buy it. I've got their 2400 and it works OK for impact wrenches, air hammer, nailers, etc but not for a grinder or stuff like that.

 

[Bluejoe]

Hey I’ve been looking at getting a 30 gallon 2 horsepower with the highest CFM rating. One that works on 120 outlet. Husky, Kobalt, IR, and Harbor Freights. One of these should suffice. I also looked into Quincy , Cambell Hausfeld , Eastwood, Belaire. Some have better performance and parts. It just amazes me how many different pump models and brands that they use. The Harbor Freight one seems to run very quite with slightly higher CFM rating. It’s cheap too. One of Cambell Hausfelds 30 gallon 2 horsepower models indicate contractor grade. Quincy and Belaire brand indicates heavy duty with higher CFM. Like 6/7 @ 90 psi. We’ll psi I would like 150-175. Not sure why you can’t get one without the other sometimes. Yes I know wire up my garage for 240 and get one of those 60 gallon 3-5 horsepower models. I like to know which one you settle on.

 

[Citation]

Hey I’ve been looking at getting a 30 gallon 2 horsepower with the highest CFM rating. One that works on 120 outlet. Husky, Kobalt, IR, and Harbor Freights. One of these should suffice. I also looked into Quincy , Cambell Hausfeld , Eastwood, Belaire. Some have better performance and parts. It just amazes me how many different pump models and brands that they use. The Harbor Freight one seems to run very quite with slightly higher CFM rating. It’s cheap too. One of Cambell Hausfelds 30 gallon 2 horsepower models indicate contractor grade. Quincy and Belaire brand indicates heavy duty with higher CFM. Like 6/7 @ 90 psi. We’ll psi I would like 150-175. Not sure why you can’t get one without the other sometimes. Yes I know wire up my garage for 240 and get one of those 60 gallon 3-5 horsepower models. I like to know which one you settle on.

Those small differences in CFM are likely something you wouldn't notice. Higher pressure pumps sacrifice some flow rate for that peak number. It makes for a small trade off.