Sale of new and used diesel air compressors (2023)

FAQs

What is a used air compressor worth? ›

If you purchased or have a reliable back up compressor then sell the old compressor on any social or online auctions like craigslist for local listings or ebay for online auctions. A good rule of thumb would be $100 per 1 hp for good condition or $125 per 1 hp for great condition.

Air compressors have a motor, pump, tank, and other accessories. Take the tank to a private scrap metal recycler listed below. Call ahead to make sure they can accept it. All other components can go in the garbage.

Air compressors are good stellar pieces of used machinery because many can function for years. Plus, purchasing used equipment means money. Many used machines that have been properly cared for by the previous owners can make a good temporary fix until you can buy a new one.

SGS Engineers states that reciprocating air compressors can have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years (Source). However, our field experience at VMAC suggests that reciprocating air compressors rarely last this length of time, and 5-10 years is a more realistic estimate with appropriate maintenance.

You'll get the most value from a new unit, thanks to its longer life span and quality components. A new air compressor is cost-effective because it will have better energy efficiency, and you likely won't need to replace or repair components right away.

Pawn shops buy, sell, and loan against tools, air tools, power tools, hand tools, old tools in good working order, pneumatic tools, cordless tools, and larger items like air compressors.

There are several options to sell air compressor equipment, and you can choose the one that provides you with the best price. You can either auction it, sell it online, go for a private sale, or take the help of a broker or an equipment dealer. You must review each of these before finalizing the option.

Salvage the Parts.

Salvage the old compressor for scrap. Many clients will separate the metals for better scrap value; steel, copper (electric motor), iron (pump), etc. Reuse the receiver/tank as additional air storage.

A single-stage compressor will cost anywhere between $250 and $1,200, while a two-stage compressor price range is between $1,000 and $2,000. If you need to replace a variable speed compressor, expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,800.

A rotary screw compressor runs 100% of the time, so you can get your job done without interruption. Rotary screw air compressors last longer than reciprocating air compressors.

Is second hand compressor good? ›

Second-hand models will cost you up to 4 times more for a less durable or safe alternative. The same goes for refurbished compressors. Not only are replacement parts often more difficult to find for older models, chances are you'll have to resort to off-brand parts, which are never the same high quality.

When your compressor is overworked, it can cause power surges that could trip your circuit breaker. You should notice this as soon as the compressor begins operating.

The short answer is yes, it is perfectly safe to leave an air compressor full. However, this assumes that it has been properly maintained, with regular draining to remove accumulated moisture from inside the tank.

If your operation needs it, they can run 24/7, but like a piston unit they run when a pressure signal turns them on. Unlike most piston compressors, most rotary compressors idle before they shut down completely.

A two-stage double-acting reciprocating compressor is the most energy-efficient air compressor.

Some scrap metal recyclers accept air compressors.

CRITERIA. There are three key aspects to consider when it comes to choosing an air compressor: air pressure, air flow (measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM), and the amount of air that can be stored in the tank.

Now, you are in need of some quick cash and are wondering if you can pawn that same laptop at the same pawn shop again. Will the shop be interested in something that they already bought from you once? Yes, they will. In fact, there are many benefits to a pawn shop when a person brings in the same item again.

All models of covered commercial and industrial air compressors must be certified in MAEDbS to be sold or offered for sale in California.

What size air compressor do I need for a body shop? ›

Vehicle service, repair and auto body shops typically rely on 5 to 30 HP air compressors with 80 to 240 gallon air receivers that power an automotive shop's pneumatic tools and equipment.

Date Coding

The serial number stamped or printed on the compressor nameplate consists of eight or nine characters. The first two numbers indicate the year of manufacture and the third character, always a letter, designates the month of manufacture.

On average, the lifespan of a compressor ranges from 10 to 15 years.

A 20-gallon air compressor is usually sufficient to run any tool with an airflow requirement of 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI or less. This includes most pneumatic nail guns, hobby painters, staplers, wrenches, and bolters that are intended as light- to medium-duty tools and equipment.

The Vintage Compressor is an emulation of a feedback compressor with a detection filter in the feedback loop. The Vintage Compressor includes a versatile detection filter in the feedback loop that filters the signal passed into the level detector to change which components of the signal are triggering the compressor.

Why is a compressor so expensive to replace? Replacing a compressor is costly for two reasons: The part itself is expensive. The job is time-consuming (requires 4+ hours)

The cost to fix the AC compressor in your car usually runs between $800 and $1,500 for this repair. $1,150 is about the average price to have a car's AC compressor replaced.

CFM is cubic feet per minute, which indicates the compressor's flow rate - or the amount of air that a compressor can produce at a given pressure level. Typically, compressors that have higher CFM ratings are able to provide more air, which makes them ideal for larger applications.

Pistons have a lower initial cost than screws, but screws cost much less to operate over time. Energy Efficiency. If both a piston and a screw were running the same amount of hours, the screw compressor will be much more efficient and have lower operating costs than the piston over the lifetime of the compressor.

The rotary vane mechanism is simpler, more durable, and more efficient than reciprocating compressors (also called “piston compressors”), and the result is a better machine — one with more uptime, better energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, higher air quality, and a longer lifespan.

What is the most common cause of air compressor failure? ›

Air Leaks. Leaks along a system are often the cause of air compressor failure. These leaks can form as parts wear down with age.

Overheating is one of the main reasons why compressors fail, and it is usually caused by not enough refrigerant in the system.

Rotary compressors are the preferred option when operating noise is a factor. They are quiet, have a modest footprint, and do not suffer from vibration as much as other compressors. In the unit, a bladed shaft rotates within a graduated cylinder to push and compress refrigerant at the same time.

If you have an older AC (10+ years), buying a new air conditioner is probably best. The average compressor costs $1,300 to $2,500 to replace if it's not under warranty. If you have a new AC unit (0-5 years), it makes sense to replace the compressor, especially if it's still under warranty.

What's the general rule of thumb? In general, professionals suggest that you should have your air compressor serviced every 3,000 work hours. Depending on how much you use your compressor, that could see you getting your compressor into the shop every six to nine months.

For the health of the air compressor, the temperature at the discharge line should never exceed 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything hotter at the discharge line would put the discharge port dangerously above the 300 degrees Fahrenheit level.

It's not uncommon for an air compressor to turn on daily. However, the more often your compressor is running, the less likely your system is operating optimally. If your compressor is running multiple times per hour to keep sufficient air in the system, you should consider your options to improve system performance.

Slugging is a short-term return of a mass of liquid, consisting of refrigerant or oil, or as a mixture of both. The slug enters the cylinders of the compressor instead of super-heated vapor. Slugging almost always occurs on startup, but a very rapid change in system operating conditions can also cause slugging.

It is recommended that you drain your tank daily, whether it is manually or automatically. Water build up in your tank can cause the bottom of your tank to rust forcing you to invest in a new tank. If you find yourself forget about draining your tank, you should look into purchasing an electronic drain valve.

The removal of condensation helps prevent the formation of corrosion that will eventually damage the compressor and shorten its lifespan. By eliminating water from the compressed air system, the drain valve also reduces wear on tools and equipment powered by the compressor unit.

Is it OK to keep air compressor in garage? ›

You should almost always opt to store your compressor indoors, unless you can guarantee your compressor is stored in an outdoor area with a stable, regulated temperature and proper insulation.

If you purchased or have a reliable back up compressor then sell the old compressor on any social or online auctions like craigslist for local listings or ebay for online auctions. A good rule of thumb would be $100 per 1 hp for good condition or $125 per 1 hp for great condition.

Generally speaking, any temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is a major red flag when it comes to operating an industrial air compressor. This is largely because if it gets any colder, condensate freeze and component freezing can occur, which can impact the workings of the entire system.

75% Duty Cycle

In other words, if a compressor has a 60-second cycle time, it will run pressurized air for 45 seconds of each minute. For various applications, 75% would be considered a sufficient duty cycle, such as in shops where tools are run for brief intervals.

A single-stage compressor will cost anywhere between $250 and $1,200, while a two-stage compressor price range is between $1,000 and $2,000. If you need to replace a variable speed compressor, expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,800.

Prices can vary depending on HVAC type, on average compressors cost $200 - $3,000. For repairs most technicians charge between $100 - $150 per hour. In compressor replacement labor can cost between $400 - $1,200.

Salvage the Parts. Salvage the old compressor for scrap. Many clients will separate the metals for better scrap value; steel, copper (electric motor), iron (pump), etc. Reuse the receiver/tank as additional air storage.

Average Industrial Air Compressor Prices

5HP Reciprocating Air Compressor: $1,000 to $2,500. 5HP Rotary Air Compressor: $2,5000 to $5,000. 10HP Air Compressor: $3,5000 to $7,000. 25HP Reciprocating Industrial Air Compressor: $8,000 to $12,000.

Date Coding

The serial number stamped or printed on the compressor nameplate consists of eight or nine characters. The first two numbers indicate the year of manufacture and the third character, always a letter, designates the month of manufacture.

Buying a used air conditioning compressor could lead to more problems. You could easily end up having to do the job twice and a new compressor is not so expensive that I would take that chance.

Can a air compressor be rebuilt? ›

When rebuilding a compressor, the air conditioning and refrigeration compressor parts are cleaned, repaired, or partially rebuilt to meet the initial mechanical tolerances. If a component cannot be repaired or rebuilt because it is too worn, the rebuilder will use a similar part from another used compressor.

If the compressor is not still under warranty, you may still choose to replace it. However, you should probably opt to replace the entire outdoor unit at the same time. In most cases, this will cost only marginally more than replacing an out-of-warranty compressor alone.

Preventing unnecessary wear: Compressor motors activate automatically when the system senses a need for air. If you are running a system without a tank, your motor will work overtime to keep up with demand.

The short answer is yes, it is perfectly safe to leave an air compressor full. However, this assumes that it has been properly maintained, with regular draining to remove accumulated moisture from inside the tank.

By draining your tank completely on a daily basis, you will be actively preventing the effects of corrosion and prolonging the life of your air compressor.