Husky C301H 30 Gal Portable Air Compressor

[bull_duck]

This morning was a good morning to buy the Husky 30 Gal Portable Air Compressor - C301H at the local HomeDepot.

The Internet price is $439 shown in the attachment. The sticker at the store was $429. I had already done my research, considered my past, present and future realistic needs, and sold my 30 Gal Sears Craftsman noise maker. Buyer of my Craftsman was happy, and the seller (me) was happy. We both made a swap to better fit our respective needs.

The Craftsman db was 95 on my iPhone with UI SPL application. Same APP and iPhone dials the C301H to be 81 db during the break in routine with pump on, valves full open, same garage with garage doors closed.

 

[bull_duck]

Three strong guys at HomeDepot lifted the C301H Husky from street level to the bed of my 2013 F150 pickup truck. I had no need to call friends to help unload when back home. I had earlier installed a hoist on the ceiling of my 3-car garage. The main purpose of the hoist installation was to offload my 325 lb Rampage Motorcycle Lift from the truck bed to its dolly-creeper-sled that I had made for storage of the Rampage.

Attached is the connection to the garage ceiling which accepts the hook of the hoist, and the hoist which is normally not connected and normally stored with the Rampage.

 

[bull_duck]

The C301H on the bed of the pickup truck was to high for the garage door. I padded the Husky and the tailgate, and leaned the air compressor over so that it cleared the garage door.

 

[bull_duck]

With the air compressor in the garage, positioned under the hoist, using motorcycle tie downs, I tied the C301H to the hook of the hoist, lifted it off the truck bed, drove the truck out of the garage. The air compressor was left hanging.

 

[bull_duck]

... and then gently lowered to the garage floor. The C301H is now in its new home.

 

[bull_duck]

first set of specifications of the C301H

 

[bull_duck]

second set of specifications of the Husky 30 gal portable air compressor.

 

[bull_duck]

Breaking in.

The instruction manual reads to let it run for 20 min with full valves open. Forum members - not the manual - say to change the oil after the break-in. I followed the form members recommendation. BIG THANKS forum members.

I drained the oil after the run, and it was dark and filled with iron filings. NOT something I want pumping through my pistons. The oil looked fine through the spy glass, but was nasty. So if you are buying a new compressor, change the oil after the break-in run.

I replenished with Husky air compressor oil from HomeDepot. Had a long funnel and SLOWLY poured ALL 16 oz in. Filled up to 1/2 the spy glass.

 

[bull_duck]

D.Re: Husky C301H 30 Gal Portable Air Compressor

i read somewhere on this forum a post regarding a similar air compressor to my Ce301H that extending the air intakes external to the filters that db will decrease. I tested my new air compressor with the iPhone app UI SPL which measures dbA. I then attached tigon tubing as shown in the attachment and retested. Result: NO Change in decibels. So that conjecture is proven false at least in this experiment. YMMD

 

[bull_duck]

But wait, I have an alternative hypothesis regarding the benefits of air intake extensions. Short woodwinds and short horns have higher pitch. Think piccolos versus flute, alto versus baritone saxophone, cornet versus trumpet and of course tuba.

The extensions as shown in my attachment did NOT change the total dbA. However, they noticeably changed the pitch to a lower cord. Like pipes on an organ. Do the extensions diminish HP? I have no idea. Does the lower tone sound better? Yes, absolutely.

 

[marshaul]

Breaking in.

The instruction manual reads to let it run for 20 min with full valves open. Forum members - not the manual - say to change the oil after the break-in. I followed the form members recommendation. BIG THANKS forum members.

I drained the oil after the run, and it was dark and filled with iron filings. NOT something I want pumping through my pistons. The oil looked fine through the spy glass, but was nasty. So if you are buying a new compressor, change the oil after the break-in run.

I replenished with Husky air compressor oil from HomeDepot. Had a long funnel and SLOWLY poured ALL 16 oz in. Filled up to 1/2 the spy glass.

Hmm. Wish I had thought of this, or heard this advice. I suppose late is better than never, though.

 

[BigGMC]

But wait, I have an alternative hypothesis regarding the benefits of air intake extensions. Short woodwinds and short horns have higher pitch. Think piccolos versus flute, alto versus baritone saxophone, cornet versus trumpet and of course tuba.

The extensions as shown in my attachment did NOT change the total dbA. However, they noticeably changed the pitch to a lower cord. Like pipes on an organ. Do the extensions diminish HP? I have no idea. Does the lower tone sound better? Yes, absolutely.

Briefly, what are the benefits of intake extensions?

Soon, I hope to upgrade from my oiless craftsman as well. It has been a trouble free compressor for over 12 years now.

 

[bull_duck]

Briefly, what are the benefits of intake extensions?

Soon, I hope to upgrade from my oiless craftsman as well. It has been a trouble free compressor for over 12 years now.

The only "benefit" is lowering the pitch. Depends on your hearing and preferences if that is a good, bad, indifferent thing.

Instead of a high musical note, the sound has a lower deeper tone. The dbA measured on my iPhone with UI SPL at the same location and conditions, yielded same dbA with and without the extensions. As on an organ, short pipe you get a high note; long pipe you get a low note. Same loudness.

My 30 gal Sears Crafts was trouble free. It did all that I needed. It was still "like new" when I sold it. Why did I sell and buy new? Tired of wearing ear plugs or going in the house from the garage when the air compressor switched on, and tired of lowering the garage door so not to piss off the neighbors. The net cost to me was about $320 and very much worth it. The small Husky C301H does all that I need - .... and more civil.

 

[DirtRoad]

Why did you not get this?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60...ompressor-C601H/203187350?N=c27p#.UZq1qspc1gg

Price is almost the same and you would have gotten almost twice.... everything.

Hmm. Wish I had thought of this, or heard this advice. I suppose late is better than never, though.

Its in the instructions. Whenever you buy anything read the instructions thoroughly.

 

[bull_duck]

Why did you not get this?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60...ompressor-C601H/203187350?N=c27p#.UZq1qspc1gg

Price is almost the same and you would have gotten almost twice.... everything.

i came close to buying the 60 gal. Very close.

I reflected on my uses and desires over the past fifteen or so years w.r.t. air compressors. The 30 gal. Craftsman served my needs - except for its dbA. I prioritized transportability, which the Craftsman had as well. I have used the AC sometimes at my rental properties; so portability is good. Just lift and load onto my truck bed using the hoist. Also, after purchase simply getting it home and off the truck bed was easy too.

I have learned a lot reading this forum. Just hope I don't begin to feel the need for a blast cabinet.

 

[bull_duck]

Why did you not get this?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60...ompressor-C601H/203187350?N=c27p#.UZq1qspc1gg
....

Its in the instructions. Whenever you buy anything read the instructions thoroughly.

I specifically looked in the instructions after purchase because so much was written on this forum about changing the oil after break-in. i did not see reference to it. The HD salesman was very courteous, and questioned why I wanted to buy AC oil when the oil was clearly filled to half the spy glass.

 

[All]

bullduck,

No fair starting a new thread... I was following your story in your other thread.

Have you tested your new compressor in the exact same location and ambient conditions that the old compressor occupied? If so, then that is a very clever use of your iPhone App. Even if the merits of the app were said to be suspect when compared among many other users, compressors, and environments, at least for your personal comparative purposes, the app provided some validation with what you were hearing between the old and the new.

When I brought my last compressor home, I had to hoist it in three pieces... the motor alone weighed 150 lbs with the capacitor bank and control box. The pump alone weighed another 150 lbs. Then the tank was 300 lbs. I had to disassemble everything and hoist the motor by itself, the pump by itself, and finally the tank. You picked a good size if you plan on taking it to your rental properties.

Dirstroad... I checked out the link where you said the Husky 60 gallon was "double of everything"... and noticed something very strange in the specifications page... no mention of CFM. The most important spec of an air compressor is AWOL from that spec page. I'm doubting that 60 gallon has "double" the CFM of the 30 gallon Bullduck bought. I'm thinking it doesn't, but find it even more dubious that the spec is not mentioned by HD. Is this marketing slight of hand, or do I need a pair of glasses and a bit less skepticism?

 

[bull_duck]

bullduck,

No fair starting a new thread... I was following your story in your other thread.

Have you tested your new compressor in the exact same location and ambient conditions that the old compressor occupied? If so, then that is a very clever use of your iPhone App. ...?

I did not want to go off topic with images of my little C301H being strung up from the ceiling.

Yes, same iPhone, same app, same location, two different compressors, very different measurements

I will summarize back at the dbA thread.

Thanks

 

[Givl Reggin]

That's a nice little unit - I like the oil lubed and 120volts gives the best flexibility in a portable unit - I'm just about ready to run out and get one myself, but that 135psi max is holding me back... that's a bit on the low side for my needs. I have a framing nailer that needs minimum150psi (prefers 175psi). I wonder if the upper cutoff limit can be adjusted up a bit? I could probably live with 135psi and just get a different nailer.

 

[TwoInch]

Dirstroad... I checked out the link where you said the Husky 60 gallon was "double of everything"... and noticed something very strange in the specifications page... no mention of CFM. The most important spec of an air compressor is AWOL from that spec page. I'm doubting that 60 gallon has "double" the CFM of the 30 gallon Bullduck bought. I'm thinking it doesn't, but find it even more dubious that the spec is not mentioned by HD. Is this marketing slight of hand, or do I need a pair of glasses and a bit less skepticism?

the larger compressor shows over double CFM 11.5 at 90psi.

i would hate to listen to a 5 SCFM pump filling a 30 gallon tank... ouch

 

[bull_duck]

That's a nice little unit - I like the oil lubed and 120volts gives the best flexibility in a portable unit - I'm just about ready to run out and get one myself, but that 135psi max is holding me back... that's a bit on the low side for my needs. I have a framing nailer that needs minimum150psi (prefers 175psi). I wonder if the upper cutoff limit can be adjusted up a bit? I could probably live with 135psi and just get a different nailer.

I should have mentioned the 120V as an asset. I do not have 240 in my garage. But can wire for it; just one more thing to do and I wanted a compressor now.

This morning I was working on my garage redo and needed to drill six holes into 20 gauge steel with my Kobalt pneumatic drill. See attachment. C301H was pumped up. I attached the drill. Set the AC output to 90 lbs per drill instructions.. Bliped it a few times and sound measured 91 dbA.

Drilled three holes and compressor came on. Not a problem 'cause C301H is so quiet. Because of the 91 db drill, I had the garage doors closed. Drilled three more holes.

I don't drill in steel every day. Indeed, seldom do. If this was a routine procedure, I would say the problem with the C301H would be the ability to sustain a continual 90 psi for minutes at a time. So it may not be good with a sander, and definitely not a blast cabinet. I used my Caraftsman with a nailer, no problem, so the C301H should easily handle the demands of most nailers. I do plan to add a pneumatic brad/stapler for some minor reupholstery projects.

 

[TwoInch]

if your tool asks for 90psi, you will need to set your compressor regulator higher, more like 100psi to 105psi to get a working pressure of 90psi. depends on what length and size lines you are using, and the fittings on those line.

 

[bull_duck]

if your tool asks for 90psi, you will need to set your compressor regulator higher, more like 100psi to 105psi to get a working pressure of 90psi. depends on what length and size lines you are using, and the fittings on those line.

Thank you for the advice. I set it at 100 with about 20' of hose. Instructions with my new air drill indicated to set pressure higher according to length of hose, but did not indicate how high.

The six holes through the steel i drilled was like cutting butter with a warm knife.

Nuts to battery tools. I want pneumatic!

 

[Givl Reggin]

I'm wondering if you saw or considered the this Kobalt unit... http://www.lowes.com/pd_221495-1498...0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&facetInfo=Kobalt

Looks like a very comparable unit, basically same specs, but a slightly higher working pressure (135psi vs. 155psi).

 

[bull_duck]

I'm wondering if you saw or considered the this Kobalt unit... http://www.lowes.com/pd_221495-1498...0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&facetInfo=Kobalt

Looks like a very comparable unit, basically same specs, but a slightly higher working pressure (135psi vs. 155psi).

It looks like the same unit. Others on this forum have said don't trust the stats provided by the vendors. The OEM of both are very likely the same.
Campbell Hausfeld 2 HP 30-Gallon 155 PSI Electric Air Compressor at $459.

After my Internet search, I went to closer Home Depot, and saved a few dollars. I am willing to spend more if I understand why the price differential.

 

[Givl Reggin]

I think I will buy the Kobalt unit simply for the higher psi... unfortunately none of the Lowes in my area have any in stock, but where my dad lives there are 8 of them within 20 minutes of him... I think I'll have him pick one up and send it to me next week.

I have a big 2-stage in the shop, and a small pancake that this new unit will replace as my portable. So this new unit won't see a lot of use, but it will be interesting to see how they hold up over time. I read somewhere that the Kobalt is made by Sanborn, the picture on their webpage shows that' it made in the USA, but then I found where someone said that was only the tank that was USA made.

 

[99raptor]

My wife just bought me this compressor from HD on Sunday,,,,I have set to break in motor,,,,,to many projects ongoing.

 

[68227837mtc]

It looks like the same unit. Others on this forum have said don't trust the stats provided by the vendors. The OEM of both are very likely the same.
Campbell Hausfeld 2 HP 30-Gallon 155 PSI Electric Air Compressor at $459.

After my Internet search, I went to closer Home Depot, and saved a few dollars. I am willing to spend more if I understand why the price differential.

Husky Compressors sold at Home Depot exclusively, are manufactured by Campbell Hausfeld

 

[68227837mtc]

Breaking in.

The instruction manual reads to let it run for 20 min with full valves open. Forum members - not the manual - say to change the oil after the break-in. I followed the form members recommendation. BIG THANKS forum members.

I drained the oil after the run, and it was dark and filled with iron filings. NOT something I want pumping through my pistons. The oil looked fine through the spy glass, but was nasty. So if you are buying a new compressor, change the oil after the break-in run.

I replenished with Husky air compressor oil from HomeDepot. Had a long funnel and SLOWLY poured ALL 16 oz in. Filled up to 1/2 the spy glass.

Does the instruction manual specify a certain grade and/or type of oil for the pump beside husky's? Could you use synthetic motor oil?

 

[mugsy]

Mobil 1 10/30 synthetic is recommended by most manufacturers.

 

[anndel]

I bought the exact same compressor which is being delivered on Monday 2/8/16. I was expecting $479 price as it was listed the night before but when I saw the tag on the box, it was $405. I'm going to do the same, run it for 20 min as per the owner's manual then drain and fill with compressor oil. the next thing is to extend the drain and put a ball valve.

 

[Fooj]

I bought the exact same compressor which is being delivered on Monday 2/8/16. I was expecting $479 price as it was listed the night before but when I saw the tag on the box, it was $405. I'm going to do the same, run it for 20 min as per the owner's manual then drain and fill with compressor oil. the next thing is to extend the drain and put a ball valve.

In Idaho, the C301H has been reduced to the liquidation price of $369. I purchased mine this weekend, ran it for 1/2 hr, and am looking forward to changing the oil soon. The owners manual now states that it should be run for 20 mins at 0 psi, and to change the oil after its first hour of use.

I'm coming off of 28 years of casual DIYer use of a 30 gal oilless Devillis from Costco. I love it how this Husky unit is so much quieter, and of course, enjoy the footprint of a vertical unit. Really looking forward to many hours of service from this compressor!

BTW, anyone know what I'm missing by not buying the replacement model C302H?

 

[anndel]

I bought the same compressor back in February. The website showed $479 and when I went to the local HD, the sticker price was $405 so I bought it. I also paid $80 to have them deliver it and the delivery says curbside delivery only. The guy brought it up to my garage and left. I did the break in as mentioned then changed the oil and replaced it with Husky synthetic blend compressor oil. Works like a charm with my impact wrenches, die grinders and air hammers. Used it with a brad nailer and it handled it very well.

 

[Beowulf]

I am thinking of getting the new version C302. Would there be any problem laying this on its side for a 3 mile transport from HD? When I get it to my garage, I'd let it sit overnight to let oil and stuff go back where it belongs before turning it on.

Thoughts?