10 · Air Tools & Compressors

Air Compressor

Also called Tow-behind compressor · Wheelbarrow compressor · AIRMAN compressor

Towable and wheelbarrow compressors that supply compressed air for breakers, nailers, sprayers and air tools.

Diesel machine

Sizes & models we rent

2 HP single tank — 4 cfmHand-carry, for a nailer2 HP dual tank — 5 cfmHand-carry, steadier supply5.5 HP dual tank — 11 cfmPortable, for two light tools14 cfm single tankPortable, for a small breakerTowable diesel — 185 cfmAIRMAN — runs two 90 lb breakers, or several smaller tools
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Overview

A compressor fills a tank with air under pressure and feeds it to a tool through a hose. What decides which one a customer needs is not the motor size but the cfm — the volume of air it can keep supplying — because an air tool draws air continuously and stops working the moment supply falls behind.

We rent five. A 2 HP single-tank at 4 cfm and a 2 HP dual-tank at 5 cfm, both hand-carry, for a nailer. A 5.5 HP dual-tank at 11 cfm for two light tools. A 14 cfm single-tank for a small breaker. And a towable AIRMAN diesel at 185 cfm, which will run two 90 lb breakers or several smaller tools at once.

Air jack hammers and breakers, nailers, hopper spray guns, drills, sanders, ratchets, grinders and impact wrenches, spray painting, sandblasting and tyre inflation all run off these.

Ask which tool, and how many at once. “What this will run” further down this page matches our compressors against the air tools we rent.

Catalogue specifications

  • DIESEL

Best uses

  • Powering air tools — drills, sanders, ratchets, grinders and impact wrenches
  • Air jack hammers and breakers
  • Nailers and hopper spray guns
  • Spray painting large items such as vehicles
  • Sandblasting
  • Inflating tyres, air beds and bouncy castles

Troubleshooting

Won't build pressure

Checks to try, in order

  1. Close any open service valves and check hoses for leaks.
  2. Give a towable compressor a minute or two to warm up — it starts unloaded.
  3. Check the intake air filter isn't clogged.
  4. Check the regulator setting.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Tools run weak

Checks to try, in order

  1. Too many tools on one compressor — add up the CFM.
  2. Use a larger-diameter or shorter hose.
  3. Listen for leaks at couplers.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Water spitting from tools

Checks to try, in order

  1. Drain the tank or moisture separator.
  2. Fit an inline water trap for spraying.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Engine shuts down

Checks to try, in order

  1. Check fuel.
  2. Check for a high-temperature shutdown — clean dust from the cooler and let it cool.
  3. Check the oil level with the engine off.

Repeated shutdowns need the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Never blow compressed air at skin or clothing, or at anyone.
  • Fit whip checks on large hose connections, and release pressure before disconnecting.
  • Engine-driven units produce carbon monoxide — run them outdoors only.

For diesel machine

  • Only trained, authorised operators should drive or operate this machine.
  • Walk around the machine before starting: leaks, damage, tyres or tracks, and people nearby.
  • Wear the seat belt, use three points of contact getting on and off, and use a spotter in tight areas.
  • Check for overhead power lines and underground services before digging or lifting.

Videos & links

Related equipment

All Air Tools & Compressors →

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