U.S. General air compressors

[Bkpigs]

Looking at air compressors. Can"t afford (don"t want to drop that kinda cash) a Quincy or such. HF has a sale going and they have an air compressor that would be about the right size. 3.5 hp, 60 gallon compressor for $450. It is lot no. 3848. What is your guys" opinion? It will be for general small farm shop use.

 

[Fred Martin]

I believe before I went to HF, I'd go to Tractor Supply...I think they have a similar rated compressor. They used to be made by Sanborn but, I think Coleman bought them out. I think they are better to deal with and circulates some bucks locally. I got one that has run for 3 or 4 years and it's pretty quick to recover and I've not done anything to it but drain the condensation out of it. HF does have a lube, water filter and regulator combination that is pretty cheap (around 25-30 bucks) I bought one, haven't installed it though. ohfred

 

[Goose]

Several years ago, I bought one of the higher priced two stage compressors from our local HF. After I'd owned it about six months, it would partially leak down over night. I mentioned it to HF, and they simply said, "Bring it back with your sales slip and we'll give you another one".

Then I found out it was my own ball valve I'd put on it that was leaking.

Other than that, no problems. I would look for a compressor with a cast iron cylinder block and heads. I had a Sanborn once with an aluminum block and heads, and I couldn't keep reed valves in it. They wore into the block and kept cracking from distortion.

 

[Kevin2]

I've had the bigger 80 gallon one for a year now. No problems to date, but not much use either.

 

[Russ from MN]

I thought Coleman went out of that kind of business a few years ago, I don't think they sell generators anymore, I have one, and it isn't much!