Harbor Freight/US General air compressors??

[Jason280]

Need help with an air compressor. Local shop has a Harbor Freight/US General 60gal 240v air compressor, in pretty good shape. Model is US660V, and doesn't look like its been used much. How do these compressors compare with the Chinese stuff at Lowe's, Tractor Supply, and Home Depot? Would it be worth $350?

 

[sberry]

Price a new one, if its 150 or 200 less than go for it.

 

[Jason280]

How reliable are the pumps on these compressors?

 

[redmondjp]

How reliable are the pumps on these compressors?

It's Italian-made, imported by Belaire/American IMC. I've got one on my 1990 Ingersoll Rand compressor that is still working fine. It's consumer-grade, so is not rated for 100% duty cycle.

For $350 you can't go wrong if the tank has no oil/rust in it and the pump has a good oil level with non-cloudy oil.

 

[Jason280]

Looks like it might be a decent deal then. I've been trying to find a 2-stage, but haven't been able to find one under $700...this might be a decent alternative until I can find one.

 

[bastage]

I think thats actually the same compressor as the Belaire 6061v but with a black paint job. For 350 its definitely not a bad buy.

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/BelAire-6061V-Air-Compressor/p4745.html

If you have your heart set on a 2 stage though then I would pass on this. And remember that a larger air compressor is not a hot ticket item. If the listing has been live for a while then offer 350 or 400 & someone may bite just because they want it gone.

 

[Jason280]

Only reason I even considered a 2-stage is it would be nice to have a compressor that maxes out around 165psi. I have a Ford F550 and GMC 70 medium duty, both of which have tires running 110psi. While the Ford isn't as bad to get to 110psi, the GMC can be rather time consuming. That being said, it isn't a make or break kind of deal (and its not like I'm having to pump up tires weekly).

This would actually be my 2nd large compressor, my other is an 80gal IR that offers a a little more CFM (but also maxes out at 135psi). I have a 2nd shop, and I've wired it up for a 240v compressor. I'd initially planned on using a smaller 30gal horizontal Craftsman 240v unit, but this one offers a little more CFM.

 

[redmondjp]

I hear you on the higher pressures being nice, especially when you use portable air tanks. You can fill a lot more tires with one of those tanks at 165psi vs. 115psi (that my single stage goes up to).

Sounds perfect for your situation, especially at that price.

 

[raffaelli]

Get it. Mine is totally worth the 800 I paid for it.

 

[Jason280]

Hmmm, guess I will see about picking it up in the morning.

 

[Jason280]

Finally had a chance to get the compressor home this afternoon, still loaded on the trailer. First thing I am going to do is change the compressor pump oil, and suggestions on an oil to use? Would IR branded all season select be overkill, or should I stick with any generic branded compressor oil?