Ingersoll Rand vs. BelAire compressor

[chub chub]

I'm looking for a new compressor. I need at least 12 cfm. I'm open to 1 or 2 stage, 60 or 80 gallon. My budget is about $1000. Right now here are my 2 leading contenders...

Ingersoll Rand on sale...
http://www.everyaircompressor.com/Ingersoll-Rand-2340L5-IRC3694.html
My concern is that I have been reading quite a bit of negative feedback about the quality of NEW IR products and customer service. Also, this is over my budget and would require me waiting awhile before I could afford to get it wired.

BelAire...
http://www.tooltopia.com/belaire-216v.aspx
My concern is that I don't know a lot about the company. Also I'm not sure if it has cast iron sleeves or if it's solid cast iron. I've read both.

I'm also open to other suggestions. I want the most bang for the buck. Eaton, Quincy and Saylor Beall are all out of my range. I want new because I want the warranty.
Thanks for any help,
scott

 

[chub chub]

I just read on the BelAire website that they have "solid cast iron cylinders"
I am also considering the smaller BelAire 6061v...

http://www.tooltopia.com/belaire-6061v.aspx
How does BelAire rate for quality and longevity? Is there a quality difference between the 2 BelAires I've posted, or simply the 2 stage psi, and cfm difference?

I'm not really considering the smaller IR ss5L5 because of bad reviews.
-scott

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Or you can pay too much and advertise it for more, with a horribly misspelled name, like this Craig's List ***** did.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/tls/1532945358.html

Hardly used Bel Fire air comperessor. *80 gallons *7.5 horse power *Mint condition *If you have any questions, please call (404) 769-4148.

Whats a Bel Fire air?

Charles

 

[DHS]

I believe the same company that make US General for Harbor Frieght makes Belaire Compressors.

 

[chub chub]

Whats a Bel Fire air?

Charles

Ah, the lesser known secret Bel Fire air!
That compressor is actually higher hp and bigger tank and goes for about $1900 new.
-

 

[bmwpower]

I believe the same company that make US General for Harbor Frieght makes Belaire Compressors.

You may be right. ABAC was the manufacturer. I find no mention of that company anymore on the BelAire site - they totally redesigned it. It's mysteriously not listed on their tanks anymore.

I wonder if they switched the manufacturer or something.

Someone on here used to haul their stuff too, maybe krooser, I cannot remember, so it used to be made in the USA. No mention of made in the USA on their site.

http://www.abac.co.uk/links.htm

US website listed in above link is dead.

I used to hear good things about BelAire, but I don't know anyone who has one on here anymore...

 

[bmwpower]

How does BelAire rate for quality and longevity? Is there a quality difference between the 2 BelAires I've posted, or simply the 2 stage psi, and cfm difference?

1 yr vs. 2 yr warranty
3.5 HP vs. 5 HP
135 psi vs. 165 psi
more expensive model also allows for plug n' play accessories like the aftercooler.

plus the stuff you mentioned...

 

[Mickey_D]

For a little bit more you can get an entry level Quincy with a Baldor motor. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200350475_200350475 . After having one Ingersoll and having almost everything but the tank replaced, there is no way I would buy another.

 

[chub chub]

1 yr vs. 2 yr warranty
3.5 HP vs. 5 HP
135 psi vs. 165 psi
more expensive model also allows for plug n' play accessories like the aftercooler.

plus the stuff you mentioned...

Yeah, the smaller one is probably just enough for me to get by on. I plan on spending a lot of time using a 6" da sander. However, if there is a substantial upgrade in quality and longevity in one of the larger compressors, I may **** it up and spend the extra money.

Finding a good compressor is really frustrating! Every time I pick one out, I come across somthing bad about the model or company. I thought I would be able to find a really good one for around $800. Now it looks like quality compressors start around $1,200.

 

[chub chub]

For a little bit more you can get an entry level Quincy with a Baldor motor. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200350475_200350475 . After having one Ingersoll and having almost everything but the tank replaced, there is no way I would buy another.

Problem is... my budget is really about $1000. Quincy starts about $1300, then I still need starter kit (for extra waranty), water trap, hose, da sander and 220volt wired into my garage. I'm willing to go a little over budget, but I can't go that far.

 

[chub chub]

I started considering a Quincy. This is the only model I could afford if I find it on sale...
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200350475_200350475
Is this worth the extra money? It is their bottom of the line.

Also, I discovered that Quincy has been SOLD to a company in Sweden!...

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/atlas-copco-buying-quincy-compressor-for-190-mln-2009-12-18

How will this affect things?

 

[bmwpower]

I started considering a Quincy. This is the only model I could afford if I find it on sale...
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200350475_200350475
Is this worth the extra money? It is their bottom of the line.

Also, I discovered that Quincy has been SOLD to a company in Sweden!...

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/atlas-copco-buying-quincy-compressor-for-190-mln-2009-12-18

How will this affect things?

Wow. Didn't know that. Did some reading and looks like Atlas Copco buys up...everything!

Atlas Copco has been around for years and is another high quality compressor manufacturer. I'm not sure what their business plans are for Quincy. Let's hope they keep it as is.

I thought they bought another compressor company as well recently, but I may be thinking of something else...

 

[Matt M PA]

While I can;t comment on the BeAire, I can comment on a friend's IR compressors.

He does film to video transfers and requires compressed, cooled air for machine operation. (Quad tape video heads spin on air, telecines need air) I should also note that his compressor lives in a heated building.

Anyhow, he decides to upgrade from his Speedaire that's been running for years and replace it with on of the new "quiet" IR models. (Memory fails me somewhat, but it was a new very expensive design. I want to say rotary screw) The IR breaks down on a regular basis and after dealing with bad service, and no real fix....he has them take this unit out an put in a standard compressor. Well, that unit developed a problem last week between the cooling unit and the compressor and he is back running on the old Speedaire.

I have some IR air tools that have worked great with no issues.....but after my friend's issues with his IR compressors...I'd avoid them.

 

[Mickey_D]

Gardner Denver bought Champion in 1998 primarily for their sales channel. GD has their own line that is very well made, but they only sold into the industrial market. I have a 1957 Gardner Denver pump on the shelf (awaiting a rebuild) that is a work of art and has some of the prettiest castings that I have seen.

Back on the OP's question, I was in his shoes recently and I bought a rebuilt Champion R15 from a compressor shop that was about a third the cost of a new one. Runs great, makes lots of air and I am happy with it. It would have easily fit in your budget.

 

[logical]

I really like my Eaton. I had one done in a horizontal design to fit under a wall cabinet...and their 5HP single stage, 3 cyl is currently under a grand.
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172983.htm

 

[mikeatrpi]

Wow that looks really nice! Great job on the install! Any other information you can share about the compressor or your setup would be appreciated. I'm in the same decision crisis as the OP.

 

[930dreamer]

Gardner Denver bought Champion in 1998 primarily for their sales channel. GD has their own line that is very well made, but they only sold into the industrial market. I have a 1957 Gardner Denver pump on the shelf (awaiting a rebuild) that is a work of art and has some of the prettiest castings that I have seen.

Back on the OP's question, I was in his shoes recently and I bought a rebuilt Champion R15 from a compressor shop that was about a third the cost of a new one. Runs great, makes lots of air and I am happy with it. It would have easily fit in your budget.

I have two GD ADL 1010's this one is from the 1950's. 930

 

[caper150]

I always thought IR was a good name when t came to comperssors, but recently I am starting to wonder about that, I have a 80 gal, 5Hp. The motor fried up on it once already and after some online research found out this is a common problem, so bad they actually have caught on fire.I changed it out, now I am chasing an air leak on the pipe that goes from the pump to the tank and no matter how I do it, it still leaks at the tank end. I am nervous about it running now, if I had the money I would get rid of it and probably replace it with a Quincy.

 

[chub chub]

I really like my Eaton. I had one done in a horizontal design to fit under a wall cabinet...and their 5HP single stage, 3 cyl is currently under a grand.
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172983.htm

I've been strongly considering that one as well. Then I think about how I can get the BelAire 2 stage for the same price, or the Eaton 2 stage for a couple hundred more, then I'm pretty much at the price of a Quincy. Where do you draw the line?

Am I better off with a higher end 2 stage model of a lower brand like BelAire? Or am I better off with a bottom of the line single stage Eaton?

 

[benjamming]

As was brought up earlier, I would price out a Champion to see where they stand. I would also look at Curtis.
That BelAire pump used to be made in Italy during ABAC mfg days.

 

[benniewi]

I just purchased a 4 y.o. Model 2475 I-R 80 vertical 7.5 hp dual stage single phase compressor. It's not set up yet--any tips/tricks to the set up I should be aware of, like what to put under the feet, the drain on the bottom, etc.?

I got a killer deal--I don't need anything this big but the price was right.

 

[chub chub]

As was brought up earlier, I would price out a Champion to see where they stand. I would also look at Curtis.
That BelAire pump used to be made in Italy during ABAC mfg days.

I'v looked into Curtis, Champion, Kellog, Jenny and other quality lines. They all seem to start around $1300 which is out of my budget unless I want to wait until my wife finds a job, which could be a LONG time.

$1000 is about all I can do for the actual compressor and shipping. There are other things I will have to buy, as well as having to have 220 wired into my garage.

That's why I really want to know about the BelAire and if anyone has had good or bad experience with them. I contacted the company with my questions and here are their responses...

1. Who makes the product? Is it still ABAC? If not, who? We were purchased in 2007 by Atlas Copco Compressors
2. Where is it made (assembled)? In Rock Hill, SC
3. Who makes the pump and what model # is it? The pump is still an ABAC pump (owned by Atlas Copco)
- is it cast iron or aluminum It is a hybrid design using both cast iron and aluminum
- solid cast iron cylinders or aluminum with cast iron sleeves? Solid cast iron cylinder (not sleeved)
- steel or aluminum piston? High pressure is cast iron and low pressure is aluminum (so they weigh the same)
- what RPM does pump run at? 1400
4. Who makes the motor and what model # is it? A.O. Smith / 3450
- what is the RPM
5.I know it is rated at 5HP, but how many amps? 22 amps

What do you guys think?

 

[1Fast2G]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93274

Once you add the 20% off coupon that they always have it would be a very good deal and leave you a decent amount of money to install it.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Buy It.

Charles

 

[Mickey_D]

If the money is burning in your pocket and you are afraid that you are going to spend it on something else, I would call Eaton and talk to them before you buy the Belaire. The 1400 rpm pump on the Belaire is going to be LOUD (I had an old Porter Cable that turned about that fast and it would chase me out of the garage), no motor contactor, and the 3400 rpm motor. If the Eaton has a USA made motor (I have 3 Mexican motors **** out in the last couple of years) I would go that route. If the motor is not US, ask if they will upgrade because there really is a difference.

 

[evintho]

I just purchased a 4 y.o. Model 2475 I-R 80 vertical 7.5 hp dual stage single phase compressor. It's not set up yet--any tips/tricks to the set up I should be aware of, like what to put under the feet, the drain on the bottom, etc.?

I got a killer deal--I don't need anything this big but the price was right.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8495

 

[benniewi]

thanks for the link! could you describe what you used for the bottom drain leg out to the front? I have a 1/4" NPT elbow and haven't been able to find a long enough piece of 1/4" brass or even galvanized pipe to make it out far enough. Is it cruicial for the drain leg to be of a material that won't corrode?

 

[benjamming]

chub chub,

I have to agree with Charles in GA to buy that Bel-Aire. There is nothing wrong with Bel-Aire. I would stay away from Eaton as they are pretty sneaky. Eaton Expose

 

[chub chub]

I go back and forth like a ping pong ball. With the 1400 RPM pump and 3450 RPM motor, the BelAire 216v is going to be one loud machine. I already have tennitis and early symptoms of hearing loss from work related noise and live music.

I also found out through my research and on this board, that it is the same pump and motor used on the U.S. General brand sold at Harbor Freight. I found the BelAire on sale for the same price as the HF, but the 20% off coupons you can get for HF make it much cheaper for essentially the same compressor.

I think I am going to hold out for a good used compressor, or wait until I can afford something that is better/more quiet.

I was disappointed to learn that the entry level Quincy 2 stage runs RPMs at 1310 pump and 3450 motor.
http://www.toolzone.com/acatalog/info_QUIN2V41C60VC.html

I really can't find anything that makes me happy for under $1200.