mounting 80gal vertical air compressor

[mdnelson86]

I just pulled the trigger on a new 80 gallon Quincy air compressor for my farm shop. The compressor will go next door to the shop in a separate cold storage building.

The big question I have now is how to secure the compressor when it arrives. The shed just has a dirt fill floor (has been there longer than I've been alive so it's well packed at least). I'm thinking of making a concrete pad to secure the compressor down on, but I'm not sure how to make it so the weight of the compressor doesn't just pull the pad out of the ground. I don't want there to be any chance of it tipping over at all.

I'm thinking maybe a decent sized pad, then putting a strap around the compressor attached to the wall that will keep it upright if it ever does decide it wants to move- not the best in the world, but would be cheap insurance.

Any better ideas?

is any type of concrete anchor any better for a vibrating compressor?

 

[Gary S]

Just leave it on the pallet it was shipped on, or build a better place with concrete floor to put it.

 

[sublimate]

I've got a Quincy 80gal upright. It just rests on my floor - no straps or anchors - and has never shown any inclination of moving. You'd have to really try hard to tip it over. If you can put it in the corner then there be no chance of it getting bumped over by a vehicle.

 

[pop pop]

If your concrete is over say 500#, then it won't tip it over. Let the concrete extend out 18" or so from the footprint.

 

[pattenp]

Get some of the 12"X12"x8" concrete pier blocks, sink them in the ground and level them up. Drill them, mount the compressor and call it a day.

 

[Gary Anderson]

Drill a 1/2" hole in the center of 3 hockey pucks, (or not!).
Put the compressor on the pucks, eliminates vibration.
We have our compressor on 3 pucks, NOT bolted to floor,
over ten years and ABSOLUTELY no sign of moving or tipping.

If your compressor shows signs of tipping or moving, you have MAJOR problems!!!



Your Pal, Gary

 

[Bob C]

Just leave it on the pallet it was shipped on, or build a better place with concrete floor to put it.

^^ This is the simplest answer and with a dirt floor, the pallet is best. No need to spend alot of cash for crete unless you choose to. Quincy's are well balanced and will not vibrate around. No need for wall straps or guardrails.

 

[EddieSantor]

You'd have to really try hard to tip it over.

 

[mdnelson86]

thanks for the replies. It makes me feel a lot better that you all say there's very little chance of it tipping. I had heard a couple people say they were pretty top heavy (that was dealing with the 60 gallon model though) so I was a little concerned.

I think if I took a little time to make sure I had the dirt level and just left the compressor on the pallet I'll be fine. If, down the road, I decide I'm too uncomfortable with that I'll consider pouring a small concrete pad then.

 

[Rodhotz]

Most manufactures say to leave them on the shipping pallet and not to bolt them down. something about the vibrations cracking the welds on the legs. Mine has been on the pallet for the past 20 plus years and no problems at all, and it is used at least 6-8 hrs a day.

 

[hark85]

Rodhotz is correct. never secure a reciprocating compressor directly to the floor. The vibration will eventually crack the tank, usually where the feet attach. you can put it on a concrete pad and use vibration pads under the feet. Grainger sells them.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

If you're really concerned about tipping the compressor over, then you could use earthquake strapping used to retain hot water tanks. It's simple, comes as a kit, and cheap. It's designed exactly for holding large cylinders vertical. Hot water tank have a lot more mass to them when full and that strapping does the job perfectly.

I'd not want to snug it against a wall too much- or if you do, put some padding between the tank and wall, but it will do what you're asking quite well.

 

[Jason280]

Here's how I mounted mine:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148101

 

[70redbee]

Here's how I mounted mine:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148101

Still no pics of the wife? WTF

 

[Jason280]

Still no pics of the wife? WTF

Sure, the pic's in the avatar...

 

[rodm1]

You will find out it's not that big of a deal. They really don't wont to move around.

 

[coolreed]

I would pour a concrete pad for the compressor as it is easy, cheap and functional.

My Kobalt 80 gal compressors three feet are bolted with lag screws to three shellaced 2x6x6 boards. Could have used hockey pucks but the 2x6 pine was available.
It absorbs the vibration and makes the compressor more stable.

 

[Falcon67]

I used some pieces cut from a stall pad and some lag bolts that are only loosely run through the mounting holes. This compressor sat unsecured on those pads on a epoxy floor for years and never moved. It's only fixed to the skid so I can scoop the whole assembly up with a two wheeler.

>Drill a 1/2" hole in the center of 3 hockey pucks,

LOL - nobody down hee-ya sells hockey pucks.