New compressor advice needed

[repairguy]

Hi Everyone. I have been browsing for years, but I'm new to the forum, and I must admit... I joined with a question in mind.

I am looking for a new shop compressor. I have a small full service ATV repair shop. Just a couple techs to supply so I don't need a crazy compressor, but with tire machine, press, plasma cutter, and all the standard tools on hand, I don't want to cheap out either. I'm looking at CH due to their 3 year warranty. If the pump or motor goes in that time it is really just bad luck imho and if a manufacturer won't stand behind their equipment for more than a year, it doesn't instill confidence.

Anyway. The two I am looking at are 80 gallon 5HP models. One single stage 4 piston CE4104 ($1400), the other 2 stage 2 piston XC802100 ($1700).

Price difference isn't an issue as it will not matter over the life of the compressor. Sound doesn't matter, it will be out of the work space. I have a 60 gallon reserve tank and I plan to put an after cooler in place too. I just don't know what makes more sense, as they both have the same CFM, power requirements, and tank size. I don't need the 175 psi, but I wonder how everyone will weigh in on the pros and cons. Only real benefit of the 2 stage I can see is never dropping into tool consumption psi ranges and waiting for the compressor to catch up. Any advice is appreciated, including brand choice. It is warranty, CFM, and price range that lead to the choice between the 2. Thanks!

I'm too new, can't post links. Sorry. I tried.

 

[cory52000]

I have a similar need and just purchased the Quincy qt5. It pretty awesome

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[repairguy]

Thanks for the reply. The QT5 is pretty similar to the two I'm looking at.. A little heavier duty I would imagine, more industrial class, and likely more compressor than I would need. The two I am looking at are too, to be honest, but the price tag of them doesn't deter my interest.

I'm asking as much out of curiosity as reason to buy, what the pros and cons would be between the two similar compressors. Same cfm and tank size, just single and 2 stage pumps. I just honestly don't know, and can't find anything definitive online.

 

[cory52000]

In general tank size is not as important as cfm and duty cycle. I would stay away from the single stage. The 2 stage pumps run slower and are generally quieter. If you don't want to ever buy another one try to get as close to 100 percent duty cycle as you can afford. I went with Quincy because of the prospective pump life. I read 8 hrs a day 5 days a week in a small shop the compressor should last 30 years. Or 50000 hours. I did not look at the compressors you are looking at but review the oiling system. There is a ton of reviews on YouTube as well. Thats how I finally pulled the trigger. You don't mention a blast cab but if thats in your future duty cycle is even more important. Did you look at the qt 54. It's less money than the big one but still has all the features. It is rated one of the best bang for the buck

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