IR air compressor

[Bockscar]

I know I am probably going to beat a dead horse.....looking at the IR compressor's at TSC....does anyone have any experience with them and would you recommend?....thanks for any feed back

 

[donhd04]

2 stage and 60 gallon under $1000. our store had them for $799 or $749 can't remember but its a heck of a price for what it is. Sounds like a good deal to me, Id say jump on it.

 

[Bockscar]

2 stage and 60 gallon under $1000. our store had them for $799 or $749 can't remember but its a heck of a price for what it is. Sounds like a good deal to me, Id say jump on it.

The two stage 60 gal is about 1500.....single stage two piston pump is 799

 

[vanapplebomb]

Do not get the compressors with the SS3 or SS5 pumps. They are poor quality. Those inline twin cylinder single stage pumps are hit and miss. The pressure switches are poor as well. Basically they are a cheap 60-80 gallon compressor that IR puts a ridiculous markup on, because it has an IR badge on it… similar to something like the Quincy qt5. You pay for the name.

if you want a good IR compressor that isn’t over priced for what it is, you have to step up to something that has a T30 style pump, which will run you 2100ish, but is actually worth it, and is a solid compressor.

If you are buying from TSC, this is the compressor. I should warn you though, at a true 7.5hp compressor, it is more than most people need.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...-gallon-two-stage-air-compressor?cm_vc=-10005


Long story short, there are a lot of 3-5hp compressors I would prefer to anything from IR and Quincy in that size range.

 

[Xcursion88]

I know I am probably going to beat a dead horse.....looking at the IR compressor's at TSC....does anyone have any experience with them and would you recommend?....thanks for any feed back

I have one that runs an extremely busy 4 bay garage. We're open 14 hours daily!!!

My question is...why arw you suggesting that you're beating a dead horse?

I've covered this whole topic a few weeks ago.
The perception is nothing more than sour grape ********.

It's the best deal going for an Air Compressor. Period!!!

 

[Xcursion88]

Do not get the compressors with the SS3 or SS5 pumps. They are poor quality. Those inline twin cylinder single stage pumps are hit and miss. The pressure switches are poor as well. Basically they are a cheap 60-80 galling compressor that IR puts a ridiculous markup on, because it has an IR badge on it… similar to something like the Quincy qt5. You pay for the name.

if you want a good IR compressor that isn’t over priced for what it is, you have to step up to something that has a T30 style pump, which will run you 2100ish, but is actually worth it, and is a solid compressor.

If you are buying from TSC, this is the compressor. I should warn you though, at a true 7.5hp compressor, it is more than most people need.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...-gallon-two-stage-air-compressor?cm_vc=-10005


Long story short, there are a lot of 3-5hp compressors I would prefer to anything from IR and Quincy in that size range.

This is bad information and ignorant to actual facts!!

 

[vanapplebomb]

I see way to many failures of the IR SS3 and SS5 pumps, and cheap pressure switches. IR makes some really great products, but their entry level compressors are not one of them, and are pretty poor value. There are better compressors for less money out there.

Same goes for the entry level Quincy stuff. I see lots of quality control issues with those. As of late, they seem to have trouble properly tightening fittings. Loose NPT fittings causing leaks. Over tightening compression fittings causing the transfer tube to crush and leak. Unfortunately, over tightened compression fittings often require replacing the gooseneck transfer tube between the pump and tank.

I have delt with these compressors enough to know what’s hot and what’s not. That isn’t to say they are all bad… but there certainly are more failures than there should be for how they are priced relative to other brands.

 

[DeeKay]

I see way to many failures of the IR SS3 and SS5 pumps, and cheap pressure switches. IR makes some really great products, but their entry level compressors are not one of them, and are pretty poor value. There are better compressors for less money out there.

Same goes for the entry level Quincy stuff. I see lots of quality control issues with those. As of late, they seem to have trouble properly tightening fittings. Loose NPT fittings causing leaks. Over tightening compression fittings causing the transfer tube to crush and leak. Unfortunately, over tightened compression fittings often require replacing the gooseneck transfer tube between the pump and tank.

I have delt with these compressors enough to know what’s hot and what’s not. That isn’t to say they are all bad… but there certainly are more failures than there should be for how they are priced relative to other brands.

Unfortunately it's not just the entry level stuff anymore, we have problems with the UP6S's and have a 400hp centrifugal that's had major issues since day one. I can't speak to IR's higher grade recips, but their quality seems to be falling across the line, at least from what I've seen. I for one won't buy any newer IR compression product for myself, they burned that bridge.

 

[bob15]

This is bad information and ignorant to actual facts!!

Such as what?

 

[Xcursion88]

I see way to many failures of the IR SS3 and SS5 pumps, and cheap pressure switches. IR makes some really great products, but their entry level compressors are not one of them, and are pretty poor value. There are better compressors for less money out there.

Same goes for the entry level Quincy stuff. I see lots of quality control issues with those. As of late, they seem to have trouble properly tightening fittings. Loose NPT fittings causing leaks. Over tightening compression fittings causing the transfer tube to crush and leak. Unfortunately, over tightened compression fittings often require replacing the gooseneck transfer tube between the pump and tank.

I have delt with these compressors enough to know what’s hot and what’s not. That isn’t to say they are all bad… but there certainly are more failures than there should be for how they are priced relative to other brands.

You must in a special place and special land....or another poster that "thinks" they know because they "heard" something.
Or just being dishonest.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that compressor and honestly it's the best deal going for compressor to $$ value.

I say this again...
When IR used that from India instead of USA...the compressor using world went ape ****.
How dare they!!!!!
Look no further than the prestigious Milwaukee grinder.
When they started making them in China oh my dear lord...how can they. They **** now. Can't buy a Milwaukee grinder now.

Problem is we have both grinders here that are used professionally very hard. Imported Milwaukee and not. Can i say the Chinese version isnt as good? Nope. Sadly i can't say that. I want to say that but I can't.
It works just as good with no failures like it's original counterpart.

I'm not celebrating the fact that either are using a component(s) imported but if it's to their specs and quality and performance is satisfactory...that's everything right there.
In action reputation says it all.

The tool world is chock full o'proud patriots and they go livid if something is changed from USA to imported.

Look...everyone today is a busy body. Meaning these cretins buy stuff then immediately need to feel important writing reviews. They love to bash a product even if the slightest issue. Hell they will even negative review something and it was their fault all along. (User error). Don't matter. They want justice and blood.

All that said...and with people just itching to bring down the man....
That compressor has 866 reviews on tractor supply.
The average score of 4.5 of 5.0
866 reviews and
4.5 average out of 5

That's even factoring in reviews with user error, neglect, set up wrong...etc. and people will still give a bad review because you know...nothing can be their fault. Even with that and people always excited to bash a product...
4.5 out of 5 on 866 reviews...

That's all you need to know if it's good or not.

 

[vanapplebomb]

1) This “special place and special land” I live in is called Michigan.

2) I’m glad you haven’t had anything wrong with yours, but that doesn’t mean they are all that way.

The biggest nuisance is the pressure switches on the consumer grade IR stuff. Most times when they fail, they simply won’t kick on when pressure drops below the limit. A couple times I have also seen the contractors weld themselves shut, and the pump won’t shut off unless you flip the breaker, or the TPOS on the motor trips.

the pumps are also have a couple quality issues. The two most frequent failures I see are valve plate gasket failures, and seized pistons. I suspect that these both are due to heat. Even though it only pumps up to 135psi, they still run very hot. Looking at the design of the casting, it isn’t too surprising because there isn’t much cooling fin area on the cylinders relative to other pump designs. I think IR was a bit optimistic with their 100% duty cycle.

3) “It's the best deal going for compressor to $$ value.” What about the 60 gallon SS3 is worth $800+? The switch is cheap and less than reliable, the pump isn’t great, tank is ASME rated just like any other 60 gallon take out there. The motor isn’t bad, to be honest. The Emerson TOPS motors seem to be on par if not a little better than the common Century motors on other consumer grade compressors… but it’s still no Baldor motor… I just don’t see $800 anywhere there.

4) I mentioned nothing about county of origin, nor did it lead me to give it a sour review.

5) 5 star reviews don’t carry much weight with me. Most reviews are posted relatively soon after purchase. It isn’t until you have a couple thousand hours on a compressor that you start to separate the men from the boys.

 

[Nthill93]

1) This “special place and special land” I live in is called Michigan.

2) I’m glad you haven’t had anything wrong with yours, but that doesn’t mean they are all that way.

The biggest nuisance is the pressure switches on the consumer grade IR stuff. Most times when they fail, they simply won’t kick on when pressure drops below the limit. A couple times I have also seen the contractors weld themselves shut, and the pump won’t shut off unless you flip the breaker, of the TPOS on the motor trips.

the pumps are also have a couple quality issues. The two most frequent failures I see are valve plate gasket failures, and seized pistons. I suspect that these both are due to heat. Even though it only pumps up to 135psi, they still run very hot. Looking at the design of the casting, it isn’t too surprising because there isn’t much cooling fin area on the cylinders relative to other pump designs. I think IR was a bit optimistic with their 100% duty cycle.

3) “It's the best deal going for compressor to $$ value.” What about the 60 gallon SS3 is worth $800+? The switch is cheap and less than reliable, the pump isn’t great, tank is ASME rated just like any other 60 gallon take out there. The motor isn’t bad, to be honest. The Emerson TOPS motors seem to be on par if not a little better than the common Century motors on other consumer grade compressors… but it’s still no Baldor motor… I just don’t see $800 anywhere there.

4) I mentioned nothing about county of origin, nor did it lead me to give it a sour review.

5) 5 star reviews don’t carry much weight with me. Most reviews are posted relatively soon after purchase. It isn’t until you have a couple thousand hours on a compressor that you start to separate the men from the boys.

what 60 gallon compressor would you recommend for under 1k?

 

[vanapplebomb]

Honestly, for about the same price as the IR, the Harbor Freight / Belaire 60 gallon two stage is a heck of a deal. It’s got the ABAC pump on it, which is a nice unit. Been around for ages with a great track record. Atlas Copco acquired ABAC a while back, and has supported their products well. They also own Belaire, who assembles the compressors. Good stuff for the money.

 

[sabinoerc]

5) 5 star reviews don’t carry much weight with me. Most reviews are posted relatively soon after purchase. It isn’t until you have a couple thousand hours on a compressor that you start to separate the men from the boys.

I agree. I’m an engineer and spent my life designing products shipped to the field. Long term reliability/design robustness is not the same thing as early life failures. Generally early life failures are a function of mfg quality control and long term reliability relates to cost of components. Both can be compromised in pursuit of squeezing out costs to be competitive but mfg quality control has more immediate feedback as it shows up in mfg yield, early life failures/returns. So it generally gets sorted out. As long the unit gets past the warranty period, long term reliability only shows up indirectly in the business as a customer sat. thing which is hard to measure and easy to debate internally as to cause.

I only look at the negative ratings to see if there is a common thread in the type of complaints which may indicate weaknesses in product. For example, it seems a common thread in negative reviews on the TS4N5 IR is the motor failing out of warranty. You mention the motor on that unit isn’t a bad motor so that caught my eye as not what I was expecting from the reviews.

I’ve read ( that is urban legend on forums) that on lower priced models they run the pump and motor at higher RPMs to increase specs at expense of reliability. What I don’t know is what is high or if the urban legend has any validity. I see that IR 5hp all seem to have motor rpm @ 3450 and pump rpm around 1500. In 5hp range- Quincy, other than the qt54, have motor rpm @ 1750 and pump rpms around 900. Ditto on Eaton and other very expensive brands.

Do you think the lower Rpm designs are worth the extra cost from a reliability point of view?
I’ve been considering them just for the noise level and wondering if they are really any better from a reliability POV.
thanks for the advice

 

[Xcursion88]

1) This “special place and special land” I live in is called Michigan.

2) I’m glad you haven’t had anything wrong with yours, but that doesn’t mean they are all that way.

The biggest nuisance is the pressure switches on the consumer grade IR stuff. Most times when they fail, they simply won’t kick on when pressure drops below the limit. A couple times I have also seen the contractors weld themselves shut, and the pump won’t shut off unless you flip the breaker, or the TPOS on the motor trips.

the pumps are also have a couple quality issues. The two most frequent failures I see are valve plate gasket failures, and seized pistons. I suspect that these both are due to heat. Even though it only pumps up to 135psi, they still run very hot. Looking at the design of the casting, it isn’t too surprising because there isn’t much cooling fin area on the cylinders relative to other pump designs. I think IR was a bit optimistic with their 100% duty cycle.

3) “It's the best deal going for compressor to $$ value.” What about the 60 gallon SS3 is worth $800+? The switch is cheap and less than reliable, the pump isn’t great, tank is ASME rated just like any other 60 gallon take out there. The motor isn’t bad, to be honest. The Emerson TOPS motors seem to be on par if not a little better than the common Century motors on other consumer grade compressors… but it’s still no Baldor motor… I just don’t see $800 anywhere there.

4) I mentioned nothing about county of origin, nor did it lead me to give it a sour review.

5) 5 star reviews don’t carry much weight with me. Most reviews are posted relatively soon after purchase. It isn’t until you have a couple thousand hours on a compressor that you start to separate the men from the boys.

I agree. I’m an engineer and spent my life designing products shipped to the field. Long term reliability/design robustness is not the same thing as early life failures. Generally early life failures are a function of mfg quality control and long term reliability relates to cost of components. Both can be compromised in pursuit of squeezing out costs to be competitive but mfg quality control has more immediate feedback as it shows up in mfg yield, early life failures/returns. So it generally gets sorted out. As long the unit gets past the warranty period, long term reliability only shows up indirectly in the business as a customer sat. thing which is hard to measure and easy to debate internally as to cause.

I only look at the negative ratings to see if there is a common thread in the type of complaints which may indicate weaknesses in product. For example, it seems a common thread in negative reviews on the TS4N5 IR is the motor failing out of warranty. You mention the motor on that unit isn’t a bad motor so that caught my eye as not what I was expecting from the reviews.

I’ve read ( that is urban legend on forums) that on lower priced models they run the pump and motor at higher RPMs to increase specs at expense of reliability. What I don’t know is what is high or if the urban legend has any validity. I see that IR 5hp all seem to have motor rpm @ 3450 and pump rpm around 1500. In 5hp range- Quincy, other than the qt54, have motor rpm @ 1750 and pump rpms around 900. Ditto on Eaton and other very expensive brands.

Do you think the lower Rpm designs are worth the extra cost from a reliability point of view?
I’ve been considering them just for the noise level and wondering if they are really any better from a reliability POV.
thanks for the advice

I've mentioned nothing to YOU about mine. Matter of fact I've discussed 866 other people not named me.

As I've mentioned three times reviews...meh...i don't do them.

That said if this had 20 reviews ok...even 50..again that's not very much in the grand scope of things.

866 reviews is in fact something.

Moreover...you bounce around changing your tune about things. At first it was the compressor. Then you change to the switch and stress that.

Lastly and back to the reviews...
Sure someone might be excited early on with a positive review...
That said again you must be in fairytale land because they will just as equally jump back on there and say sonething like "update" or the like because ******** it they'll be heard!!!

I don't care where the OP buys the Air Compressor as I've no interest in this other to shoot them straight from an unbiased perspective and not ********.

866 reviews of 4.5 of 5 is something.

Meanwhile your suggestion of Harbor Freight....
That's all you needed to say.

 

[DeeKay]

I've mentioned nothing to YOU about mine. Matter of fact I've discussed 866 other people not named me.

As I've mentioned three times reviews...meh...i don't do them.

That said if this had 20 reviews ok...even 50..again that's not very much in the grand scope of things.

866 reviews is in fact something.

Moreover...you bounce around changing your tune about things. At first it was the compressor. Then you change to the switch and stress that.

Lastly and back to the reviews...
Sure someone might be excited early on with a positive review...
That said again you must be in fairytale land because they will just as equally jump back on there and say sonething like "update" or the like because ******** it they'll be heard!!!

I don't care where the OP buys the Air Compressor as I've no interest in this other to shoot them straight from an unbiased perspective and not ********.

866 reviews of 4.5 of 5 is something.

Meanwhile your suggestion is Harbor Freight junk!!
That's all you needed to say.

Why are you so defensive about this? It's great that you and 866 other people haven't had any problems but that doesn't mean they're non-existent. OP asked for feedback and experience, not for everyone to tell him that it's the best compressor in the world, sounds like you might be the biased one .

 

[Xcursion88]

Why are you so defensive about this? It's great that you and 866 other people haven't had any problems but that doesn't mean they're non-existent. OP asked for feedback and experience, not for everyone to tell him that it's the best compressor in the world, sounds like you might be the biased one .

When people speak from the angle of sour grapes instead of reality...

Then it's not a very fair assessment.

Moreover it wasn't suggested that "nobody" had an issue with them...
For christ sake every new vehicle sold has a service department and guess what..it's not there for just doing L,O and F.

It's more sour grapes ******** and sinply put people today must be heard. They must jump on and say their two cents about something they just purchaed.
They jist itch to bring down the man. It doesn't what the subject is...people love burning at the stake.

866 reviews is a lot.
With a 4.5 out of 5 average it definitely says something.

 

[sabinoerc]

@Xcursion88 - I'm sorry, I should have been more clear I was asking @vanapplebomb for his opinion.

That said,

866 reviews of 4.5 of 5 is something.

Meanwhile your suggestion is Harbor Freight junk!!

That wasn't my suggestion but I guess you are on fire about your opinion and want to be sure it's expressed.
It is interesting however on the topic of how important reviews are and what they mean.

Harbor Freight compressor has a 4.8 out of 5, 98% people recommend it.

21 Gallon, 175 PSI Oil-Free Vertical Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 21Gal 175Psi Vertical Air Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Which is it? - your opinion of Harbor Freight being junk is wrong or your opinion that ratings mean something is wrong?

I know I shouldn't have done that but too fun not to point it out. Sorry If I offend.
I'm not looking for emotional fight or debate - just interested in rational opinions.

 

[Xcursion88]

@Xcursion88 - I'm sorry, I should have been more clear I was asking @vanapplebomb for his opinion.

That said,

That wasn't my suggestion but I guess you are on fire about your opinion and want to be sure it's expressed.
It is interesting however on the topic of how important reviews are and what they mean.

Harbor Freight compressor has a 4.8 out of 5, 98% people recommend it.

21 Gallon, 175 PSI Oil-Free Vertical Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 21Gal 175Psi Vertical Air Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Which is it? - your opinion of Harbor Freight being junk is wrong or your opinion that ratings mean something is wrong?

I know I shouldn't have done that but too fun not to point it out. Sorry If I offend.
I'm not looking for emotional fight or debate - just interested in rational opinions.

Aahhh..
But the OP asked about an IR compressor from Tractor Supply.
In lieu of my experience with them because I'm not "everyone" i simply pointed out that 866 reviews is a good amount...no?
If they were the "oh my dear lord be careful with ingersol rand today" you'd have a significant amount of people chiming in about that. They can't help themselves.

I'm in the auto business and for god sake i could say "I've seen" on a laundry list of ****.

I simply opined on the question at hand...(which was asking specifically about an IR compressor from TSC)
I have one (Don't remember exactly which one) that powers 4 bays and is working about 16 hours daily x 6.
It's maintained...it has a remote on off switch as it resides in it's own room to keep noise down from the unfortunate chap is working in the upper bay near that.

It's not heated in the winter. We run 15w50 full synthetic oil in it. It will throw the breaker in single digits if we throw it on in the morning without any warmth in there.
If we don't miss the weather from the night before we just leave it on all night long so it periodically kicks on and keeps the oil thinner so we have no morning issues if it's in single digits.

The tank gets drained every couple months and the oil changed twice a year.

Does this mean the OP will have trouble free operation? Nothing is guaranteed nor do we know his or her maintaining habits.

I simply offered my experience and also pointed to 866 reviews with an average score of 4.5 out of 5.

Given that people just itch to throw mud on the king in the world... 4.5 out 5 from a 866 review average is pretty solid.

 

[ItsNemo]

The more prevalent something is, the more reports of problems you hear, but often statistically it will have an even lower rate of failure than the less common brands that have no reports of problems.

I have an IR 60 gallon 2 stage 5hp, it's been perfectly fine for 5 years so far.

 

[Xcursion88]

@Xcursion88 - I'm sorry, I should have been more clear I was asking @vanapplebomb for his opinion.

That said,

That wasn't my suggestion but I guess you are on fire about your opinion and want to be sure it's expressed.
It is interesting however on the topic of how important reviews are and what they mean.

Harbor Freight compressor has a 4.8 out of 5, 98% people recommend it.

21 Gallon, 175 PSI Oil-Free Vertical Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 21Gal 175Psi Vertical Air Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Which is it? - your opinion of Harbor Freight being junk is wrong or your opinion that ratings mean something is wrong?

I know I shouldn't have done that but too fun not to point it out. Sorry If I offend.
I'm not looking for emotional fight or debate - just interested in rational opinions.

I wasn't quite following you...and after looking back i fixed my erred statement....either oversight by me or Auto correct...either way it's fixed.

Lastly if COO means anything to you the IR is made in USA.
Now to what extent and exactly how they claim that I'm not sure but they do in fact claim Made in USA.

 

[Packard V8]

Does anyone know at what size tank/hp rating IR actually manufactures the compressors on which they paste their name? There are many lower end box store compressors with IR labels built by other manufacturers.

jack vines

 

[vanapplebomb]

Moreover...you bounce around changing your tune about things. At first it was the compressor. Then you change to the switch and stress that.

Xcursion88, I gave three (3) specific issues I see with these compressors. The pressure switch, the valve plate gasket, and seizures… Sorry you didn’t like what I had to say about the compressors pressure switch.

Meanwhile your suggestion of Harbor Freight....
That's all you needed to say.

Belaire/ABAC make a nice unit. Belaire has good assembly quality control, and ABAC supplies a real nice pump. I see a lot less failures with those Belaire units than I do with the consumer grade IR stuff.

 

[vanapplebomb]

Does anyone know at what size tank/hp rating IR actually manufactures the compressors on which they paste their name? There are many lower end box store compressors with IR labels built by other manufacturers.

jack vines

That’s a very good question. I have long suspected that the portable 115V compressors were someone else’s doing, but I have never been able to confirm or deny this suspicion. IR keeps their cards close to their chest with such things.

 

[Xcursion88]

Xcursion88, I gave three (3) specific issues I see with these compressors. The pressure switch, the valve plate gasket, and seizures… Sorry you didn’t like what I had to say about the compressors pressure switch.




Belaire/ABAC make a nice unit. Belaire has good assembly quality control, and ABAC supplies a real nice pump. I see a lot less failures with those Belaire units than I do with the consumer grade IR stuff.

Again...you must be in a special place in a special land.

These things are machines. They have moving parts. Things can and do go wrong with any piece of equipment especially given many variables with maintenance habits, neglect, setting conditions, and so on.
That said...I'll echo again...
There's 866 reviews with an average score of 4.5 out 5.
If what you say is true and or plagues more than 1 or 2 units "you've seen" there is no way that compressor would have a 4.5 of 5 average.
No way. Not in 2020/21 where everyone's voice must be heard and they just love sounding off in a vengeful manner. They literally are just chomping at the bit to burn the king at the stake for even the slightest of adversity.
If you think people only rate something immediately after purchase and that's why it's rating is so high.... that's just not accurate.
Yes some do that but will equally jump back on and post an update. Moreover if they faltered at the abundance and frequency you're implying it won't take long and they won't be selling many units. Pretty soon they'll die as their bottom line is ruined from all the warranty repairs on their dime.



It's the best deal going in compressors IMO and made in USA (so they claim) if that means anything to potential buyer.

Maintain it well and it will treat the OP witj garage journal love

 

[Kscardsfan]

The ******* contest in here is enough to make Facebook jealous

 

[Xcursion88]

The ******* contest in here is enough to make Facebook jealous

Actually I've never been on FB. My kids just got me doing snap thing not long ago.

 

[toddmorr]

kind of quaint the faith some have in reviews.

 

[vanapplebomb]

I only look at the negative ratings to see if there is a common thread in the type of complaints which may indicate weaknesses in product. For example, it seems a common thread in negative reviews on the TS4N5 IR is the motor failing out of warranty. You mention the motor on that unit isn’t a bad motor so that caught my eye as not what I was expecting from the reviews.

I’ve read ( that is urban legend on forums) that on lower priced models they run the pump and motor at higher RPMs to increase specs at expense of reliability. What I don’t know is what is high or if the urban legend has any validity. I see that IR 5hp all seem to have motor rpm @ 3450 and pump rpm around 1500. In 5hp range- Quincy, other than the qt54, have motor rpm @ 1750 and pump rpms around 900. Ditto on Eaton and other very expensive brands.

Do you think the lower Rpm designs are worth the extra cost from a reliability point of view?
I’ve been considering them just for the noise level and wondering if they are really any better from a reliability POV.
thanks for the advice

Yes, the Emerson TOPS motors IR uses are cheap motors, like the Century TOPS motors on other entry level compressors. They are pretty similar, 3540 RPM two pole motors. It seems like the Century motors either die soon, or last a long time. The Emerson motors seem to last a little longer before failing, but have a similar failure rate. At least that is my experience.

Inexpensive induction motors tend to be 2 pole, which naturally is 3540 RPM. 4 pole motors are generally more expensive to manufacture, and are generally more geared toward heavier use. 4 pole motors will run around 1720 RPM or so. An advantage to a 4 poles slower running is you can use a larger pulley, thus increasing the wrap angle of the belt to reduce slipping. It also is easier on the belt to not have to have such a tight bend radius, like you need with the high RPM two pole motors.

as for the pumps, Larger lower RPM pumps tend to outlast smaller higher RPM pumps. It comes down to simply going through less cycles over time. Also, larger slower turning pumps are generally more efficient at moving air that smaller fast turning pumps. I generally draw the line at 1000RPM. I would not consider a 1000RPM + pump a commercial quality item. Definitely puts it in the category of consumer grade stuff. that isn’t to say there are not good pumps that spin fast… they just generally are not as long for this life as a bigger unit run slower. In this respect, I do feel that a bigger slower pump is worth the cost.

 

[JOE.G]

I have the IR 80 5 HP Compressor from tractor supply, Purchased it back in 2012 I think and I change the oil once a year and drain the tank when ever I think of it, usually a few times a month. I have no issues with it, I do notice that after it shuts off the unloader or whatever it is call leaks air for longer then i think it should. I use it for all types of tools from low CFM to high. I would buy it again, At times I think I should have gone to the 7.5 but I really have no reason to except to satisfy the more is better thought.

 

[Packard V8]

That’s a very good question. I have long suspected that the portable 115V compressors were someone else’s doing, but I have never been able to confirm or deny this suspicion. IR keeps their cards close to their chest with such things.

Not just the little guys, but the medium sized 240-volt units also.

FWIW, I just was given an old ChargeAirPro made by IR "because it starts but won't run up to speed." Turns out, it's a 240-volt motor the guy was trying to make run on 120-volts by substituting a regular 3-prong 120-volt plug; "the plug that came on it was funny." When the original NEMA 6-30 plug was fed 240-volts, all was good. Running, it makes more noise than the anvil chorus, so it's going to a new home cheap and soon.

jack vines

 

[alex71]

fwiw i have an IR SS5N5 that I bought back in 2004. it saw heavy use in my home shop. eventually it got moved to the warehouse, where it got left on, and the compression fitting on the copper tube feeding the tank from the pump let go, letting it run over a long weekend. It was hot. Changed the oil then. It's still running OK. I make sure the switch is turned off unless it's needed now.

my only complaint about it is that it is LOUD.

So, this unit turned out to be reliable, but things have probably changed over he last 17 years.

 

[vanapplebomb]

Again...you must be in a special place in a special land.

…I’m still in Michigan.

Seriously, this is ridiculous.

If anyone else has questions or wants opinions, feel free to PM me, but I will no longer be contributing my experience to this thread.

Enjoy

 

[Xcursion88]

kind of quaint the faith some have in reviews.

Nothing unusual about it. Nor any different than a you tube channel showing X vs. Y vs. Z getting a half million views.

Merely pointing out that a compressor closing in on a 1,000 reviews should mean something.
An average score of 4.5 out of 5 is for anyone's determination.

There might be something specific someone may not like as in color or dimensions don't fit...
But from a positive or negative point of view 800 plus reviews can't be ignored.

I can sit here and pick apart an F-150 with "I've seen this" or "we fix a lot of xyz components" (we get them all the time) yet almost 800,000 people bought one last year.

Reviews don't mean everything but when participation becomes high it certainly should be factored.

The OP asked a question and I simply recommended looking at the reviews which is a far greater sampling of things than a few people on GJ.

 

[Xcursion88]

fwiw i have an IR SS5N5 that I bought back in 2004. it saw heavy use in my home shop. eventually it got moved to the warehouse, where it got left on, and the compression fitting on the copper tube feeding the tank from the pump let go, letting it run over a long weekend. It was hot. Changed the oil then. It's still running OK. I make sure the switch is turned off unless it's needed now.

my only complaint about it is that it is LOUD.

So, this unit turned out to be reliable, but things have probably changed over he last 17 years.

How could that possibly be?

 

[Xcursion88]

…I’m still in Michigan.

Seriously, this is ridiculous.

If anyone else has questions or wants opinions, feel free to PM me, but I will no longer be contributing my experience to this thread.

Enjoy

So as long as everyone agrees with your opinion then you'll stick around?

 

[tarbellb]

Xcursion should be Xhuasting


Vanapplebomb is informing us on specific issues he has personally witnessed on multiple units, giving insight how and why.

You, keep repeating the one unit you own works, zero actual info, and reviews...
and everybody knows those reviews are from the first day they plug it in, or the wife saying "my husband likes it". ha

The homegamer 5hp compressor market is full of cheap crappy clones, find the best one you can, or refer to the guys who actually work on them. Personally I like the Polar/Eaton units, or cheaper HF with plenty of reviews and detailed info.

 

[sabinoerc]

Seriously, this is ridiculous.

If anyone else has questions or wants opinions, feel free to PM me, but I will no longer be contributing my experience to this thread.

Enjoy

Agree - I hit the ignore button on him so hopefully won't see more of that.
Appreciate your advice/opinions.

 

[sabinoerc]

Personally I like the Polar/Eaton units, or cheaper HF with plenty of reviews and detailed info.

I really liked the Polar/Eaton also but the shipping costs are so high it makes them really expensive - $775 to ship to Az.
I'm kind of between popping for close to $2800 or just getting something for around $1000 and buying twice more if it fails.....

 

[toddmorr]

Reviews don't mean everything but when participation becomes high it certainly should be factored.

The OP asked a question and I simply recommended looking at the reviews which is a far greater sampling of things than a few people on GJ.

indeed they don't mean everything. High participation simply means a lot of people bought the item. If we knew the % of sales that were reviewed...now that would be far more helpful. Taking the F150 example, I'd expect far more reviews than for say, a Tundra. Yet many folks would consider a Tundra more reliable than an F150.

personally I use reviews as one data point only, and put a LOT more value on somebody who's repairing or selling a bunch of brands over a sustained period. Especially if that person isn't bought by a particular OEM.