Kaeser or Atlas Copco compressor

[JackB]

I am looking for a new compressor to replace my 7,5hp piston-type.
I am looking for a 10hp screw compressor with dryer.

The ones I have gotten a price on is Kaeser SM10 Aircenter and an Atlas Copco GA-7.
I have no idea which one is better so give me your input.

 

[Finky198]

i've use kaeser and Atlas tow behinds on job site in the past and the Altas was significantly more Refined and seem to be a little more well though out as the design goes

I have some altas tool and I have been nothing but IMPRESSED go for It you will be happy you did they build a phenomenal product...

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Pick the one with the best/nearest dealer.

Kaeser uses belt drive, which has its pros/cons.

Copco tends to run its airends very fast.

Both are solid machines. I slightly prefer Kaeser, due to familiarity with the brand. They screwed their distributors over bigtime in Canada a few years ago though. Many switched to selling other brands. Boge, also from Germany, seemed to be the big winner there.

Does the Copco include a dryer?

 

[stonesfan68]

What's the application? Is this for a home shop or a business?

 

[JackB]

Both include a dryer, but I am not sure if the copco includes an air tank.
It is for a 1 man business: All sorts or air tools + maybe a CNC lathe sooner or later.

 

[becker_atc]

Kaeser uses belt drive, which has its pros/cons.

I'm not sure on how common it is among the models but we have one at work here that uses alovejoy coupling. Our other one is belt driven.

 

[bsaint]

At 10hp it'll be belt driven. The higher horsepower with the model number ending in "D" are direct drive IE. AS is belt, ASD is direct.

Kaeser are junk imo. I've never heard of so many people replacing air ends with less than 30k hours. And they wont warranty anything if you don't use their crappy filters. I would go with Atlas.

 

[becker_atc]

I hear you on the not lasting. Our air end lost a bearing with less than 30k on it. Ended up fixing it though with another factory reman. Not sure on model but I know it's early 90s and has 50 horse motor

We also installed a new ingersoll since our old 40's vintage t-40 recip scattered. It was our backup for starting air. All of these are for instrument and starting air in a gas plant.


Sent via message in a bottle

 

[Packard V8]

A one-man shop can't have the volume demands of a big shop, but service is still important. Get a very clear understanding of what is covered and by whom and when. I've heard Kaeser has changed their warranty and service policies and the customers aren't happy.

jack vines

 

[JackB]

Got a Kaeser SM12 Aircenter. Very silent compared to the piston I have. Can definitely talk to someone while standing beside it.
The menues of the Sigma Control 2 are crazy advanced for the use I have though.