Air Compressors

[Beni C]

Had a bit of a hunt around but couldn’t find any one decent thread that had a comparison on what people are using and their general experience with different makes and models etc so perhaps mods we could get a sticky on this one and use is as a good reference guide for anyone in the market for an air compressor?

So my trusty old Blue Tongue MKIII had a catastrophic case failure on Sunday, she was getting that old that the aluminium case split from becoming brittle and she literally blew apart!! I loved this compressor, ultra reliable up until she died, continuous duty, fan cooled, so she would pump all day but unfortunately the budget doesn’t allow $499.00 for a new MKIV unit.

http://www.oppositelock.com.au/catalogue/compressors/Blue-Tongue-Compressor-Kit

So I am weighing up my options, first point of call I found a half decent comparison carried out by 4wd Action, which you can access from the following link.

http://www.4wdaction.com.au/articles/2011/issue-169-air-compressor-comparo-corrections

This has lead me to look at few units in the sub $250 range that include;
Tigerz11 Little Thumper
http://www.tigerz11.com.au/product-category/compressors/thumper-air-compressor-1.html
TJM
http://www.tjm.com.au/en-oceania/product/tjm-portable-compressor

And as I have had good experiences using their products in the past;
ABR Sidewinder MK4
http://www.sidewinder.com.au/page219a.html

There is also a good comparison carried out by Overlander 4wd at the bottom of the ABR Sidewinder MK4 page.

My general preference is reliability over speed, no coil hose and a carry bag rather than a solid moulded case so I can put additional items in there.

So the questions are;
What have you used?
What are you currently using?
Rate it or slate it?

[Winnie]

I've got the Dr. Air one. Have only been using it for about 6 months and had no dramas so far, so can't really comment on reliability. But it is quick enough.

[threedogs]

I use one called the big black pump , It can pump 37" tyres it's the same as cuppas.
Why not a double ended Thomas great pump made in the USA, Maxair get pretty good feedback as well.
Do you run air to a tank??

[Beni C]

No air tank TD, just require it for airing up.

Would love a double ended Thomas as thats the same as my old Blue Tongue!! If you can point me in the direction of one for under $250 I would gladly buy it!

[threedogs]

Other than that any of the 150lt/min are all that bad and reasonably priced.
I have a Thomas bullet that will go till the day I die, but soooo slow by todays standars.

[Beni C]

Yeah thinking I might just give the Tigerz11 one a crack.

[Dales300exc]

Just ordered a tigerz one. Hate the plastic coil hoses most come with so will see how it goes.

[dads tractor]

Just a quick question as my arb comp is getting tired those with coiled hoses can you put a female connect into the comp or are they cast with the hose clamped on ? Havent started looking yet.

[megatexture]

Mines got the female fitting on the pump, so the hose can be replaced easily.

[sooty_10]

Just a quick question as my arb comp is getting tired those with coiled hoses can you put a female connect into the comp or are they cast with the hose clamped on ? Havent started looking yet.

Why not refresh your arb comp? They can be rebuilt.

[dads tractor]

Why not refresh your arb comp? They can be rebuilt OK didn't know that thanks

[Beni C]

Just pinged that I am going to get a bonus from work in March, so in the mean time have pinched the old boys ARB one te he he and will be investing back in another Blue Tongue when the time comes.