I R Air Compressor review

[Dodge]

I want to replace my old Puma compressor. I like the IR SS5L5 single stage 60 gallon tank. I like the higher cfm. The problem is the reviews. There are quite a few that suggest the motors don't last. Any members have this compressor and have any comments to make? I also like the Puma PK 560VS. My old Puma is 20 years old. Been a good one.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I bought mine in Nov 2011 and like it. If you look at the reviews on compressors direct you can see mine since they used a video I made measuring sound levels for a thread on this forum.

My shop is a hobby shop, so my compressor only really runs on weekends, so I don't know how it will hold up in a commercial or busy environment. One of the guys at work bought his right before I bought mine and hasn't had any problems either.

Chris

 

[thecj3man]

I bought the smaller SS3L around 2008 from Tractor Supply for 499$. The Emerson motor lasted till 2013 before it let the magic smoke out. I wish I had an hour meter on it, but I was the typical weekender, so it didn't have a ton of hours on it. I replaced the motor with a Leeson unit and it has been running fine since then. If I had known then what I know now, I wouldn't have bought it, but I guess I got my money's worth out of it. Since I got a SB707, the smaller unit is used mainly for filling tires and blowing off the lawnmower.

 

[stratman977]

I got the ss5n5 which is the same compressor on an 80 gal tank. Ive had it for at least 7 years. I'm just a weekend warrior doing body work as a hobby.

The motor smoked the day before the warranty was up and IR sent a new one no questions asked. The second motor has 4 or 5 years on it now and hasn't had any issues. I moved just after the motor was replaced and ran a new circuit so maybe the first motor failure was due to crappy wiring in the old house.


The pump right now sounds like its going to grenade. It sounds like it has a rod knock when the pump is cold. If you use it a little and then let the pump cool off, the pump is really tight when it kicks back on almost to the point where it almost stops turning and then once it warms up a little it runs ok. I'm not repairing it I was going to run it like this until it quits but its hasn't broken and this **** started 2 years ago.

It says 9500 hour life on it and if I had to guess I have 2000 hours on it. I used to change the oil regularly but don't bother anymore.

The other weakness on them is the copper tube from the compressor to the tank. I replaced mine due to cracking twice and it needs changed again. The one time I needed one they were backordered so I'm guessing its a common problem.

It would last you a lifetime of running an impact gun and occasional use but if youre going to use it for bodywork like running da sanders or a siphon blaster buy something a little better. I got it for $600 out the door at tractor supply at a grand opening sale by opening a credit line with them. I got my moneys worth out of it but I woudn't go buy another one to replace it.

 

[fred d]

I work for Lowes in Toolworld.

We sold a bunch of the 60 & 80 Gal versions
A large amount of them were returned. IR sold them to Lowes at a good price, but no warranty. That went lowes would(and did) stand behind them.

I personally bought 2-80's and 2-60's. (Still have 1 of each I need to sell)
The main problem was the pumps would over heat due to reduced sized cooling fins on the pumps. And in most every case the compressor was used in a environment that was a business that ran it all day.

Guys that bought to use in hobby shops did not seem to have problems.

Lowes now sells the Quincys, and the price on the 80 gal is $1900 where
the IR was $1000

Not sure if the same IR comp sold else where (Northern tool & tractor supply) had the same issues,

This is the 80 gal I have

 

[Davefr]

I would never buy an IR consumer grade compressor!! The only decent IR compressors are the high end industrial units.

You'll do far better getting the HF 60 gallon units which is made in the USA by Bel Aire and get's very positive reviews.

 

[Dodge]

Thanks for the comments on the IR compressor, much like the reviews that I have read. I don't think I will consider the IR. Thanks for helping me decide. I really do the like the Puma.

 

[BLACK DEATH]

So what is a good compressor from IR that's worth he money for home use and longevity that you can buy from tractor supply as I don't think any local store sells them any more like lowes used to. Looking at a dual stage, not single as a single is a waste of money to me price to price

 

[Shadowdog500]

So what is a good compressor from IR that's worth he money for home use and longevity that you can buy from tractor supply as I don't think any local store sells them any more like lowes used to. Looking at a dual stage, not single as a single is a waste of money to me price to price

This one is on sale for $999 and has good reviews.http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/ingersoll-randreg;-5hp-air-compressor-80-gal

Out of curiosity what are you going to be doing in your home garage that needs a big 2 stage compressor?


Chris

 

[BLACK DEATH]

I've learned when I had my first single stage that I needed more when using air tools.
Like body work or saws.

 

[Dodge]

I've learned when I had my first single stage that I needed more when using air tools.
Like body work or saws.

Did you need more PSI or CFM? Probably CFM, which some single stage for less money will give you. Two stage will give you 175 PSI, most air tools don't need that much air.

 

[bacr619]

Go to aircompressorsdirect.com and look at the 60 gallon two stage. I will never own a single stage. Two stage runs cooler and at a lower rpm. It will last you a life time. I have installed Curtis, quincy, and bel aire in light commercial applications have over 15 years in the field with no major problems. Keep up on the routine maintenance oil changes, belts and air filter. Will it to your kids when you are gone.

 

[BLACK DEATH]

Cfm but those single stage high cfm ones don't seem to appeal to me.

 

[bacr619]

They have two stage in the 3 brands I listed. Not bad pricing for the most part same price or a little cheaper then my wholesalers here. I think they have free shipping right now.

 

[C96]

I would never buy an IR consumer grade compressor!! The only decent IR compressors are the high end industrial units.

↑↑↑ Totally agree with this ↑↑↑

 

[bsaint]

Yea this is the only unit worth buying if you're filling up tires or rotating your tires!

/sarcasm

 

[bacr619]

I will take four one for each tire. LOL

 

[Dodge]

I think I am going to wait and see what is available on Black Friday, online of course. I am not going out in that madness!