Published: 14/08/2020
Everything You Need to Know When Buying a Used Air Compressor
With the vast majority of industrial organisations replacing their machines at least once a year, balancing the cost and reliability of your equipment is vital. For those who use air compressors for industrial purposes, this is where a used air compressor can come in handy!
Second hand air compressors have many benefits, including being less expensive and reducing downtime when necessary. They’re a great alternative to buying brand new or hiring.
We’ve created a guide to help you understand what you need to know when buying a used air compressor. Read on to find out more!
Why invest in a second hand air compressor?
By reducing overheads via second hand air compressors, you can protect yourself from downtime and reduce the cost of new equipment. Buying second hand machines is a cost-effective way to maintain production levels without investing in expensive equipment.
You also won’t have to worry about initial depreciation as the machine will already have lost some of its value.
Used equipment can still be reliable. If the machines are serviced and maintained often and correctly, there is no reason why they wouldn’t function as well as a new machine.
It’s rare for a compressor supplier to not have a record of a machine’s history. This means that you will be able to see the compressor records, including how it was used in the past and what maintenance it had.
Used compressors have a range of significant benefits that make investing in them a cost-effective and valuable choice.
What do you need to know when buying a used air compressor?
Like buying any expensive piece of equipment, it’s crucial to make sure your investment will be worthwhile. There is little worse than spending a significant amount of money, only for the equipment not to work in a matter of days or weeks. Similarly, it can be frustrating for growing businesses to purchase machinery and then find out that it does not have the correct capacity or operation for the required use.
With that in mind, there are some key questions you should ask yourself when purchasing a used air compressor.
How much air do you need your second hand air compressor to supply?
If your business uses an air compressor, one of the biggest challenges that you might face is ensuring that you have the correct size air compressor for your needs. Different sizes and types of air compressors will supply different loads of compressed air. You’ll need to have an accurate understanding of what level of pressure and flow you will need for the tools or air tanks you are filling with compressed air.
Air pressure is measured in either ‘pounds per square inch’ (PSI) or bar and denotes the amount of force required to perform the task at hand. Depending on the tools you are filling with compressed air and the type of jobs you are working on, you’ll need to ensure that you have enough pressure to complete the job at hand.
Airflow, on the other hand, is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) as well as litres per second (L/S) and cubic meters per hour (M3/H). This separate measurement helps you to define how quickly your compressor can perform a given task. The tank or tool you are filling with compressed air will have a tank or reservoir which will hold a certain amount of air. These two measurements will help you to identify what pressure the air needs to be at and how long it will take. It’s important for you to understand accurately what your requirements are, so always do plenty of research on the tools and tanks you need to fill and what air compressors will complete the job for you. This will make sure that you invest in a compressor that meets the correct requirements.
What kind of air compressor do you need?
Rotary Screw Compressor
Rotary screw air compressors are a popular type of air compressor. These positive displacement compressors are easy to maintain and last for a long time. This type of air compressor operates by internal rotors which turn in opposite directions, pressurising the air by trapping it between the two rotors. These are often large and used in an industrial setting. If you require continual use from your compressor, the cooling system in this equipment is perfectly suited for it.
Reciprocating Air Compressor
A reciprocating air compressor is a smaller type of compressor than a rotary screw. These are often found in local car garages and are not designed to be used consistently. There are many more moving parts in this type of compressor so the system must be lubricated, unlike the previous type of compressor. Instead of using a rotary screw, the reciprocating compressor instead uses a piston to compress and displace the air.
Axial Compressor
If you’re looking for something even bigger, an axial compressor might be your best bet. These compressors are far larger than rotary screw compressors and are often found in ships, planes and other large vehicles. Instead of compressing air to be used for construction, tools and tanks, this type of compressor generates horsepower by storing the compressed air once it’s been brought in using rotary blades.
Centrifugal Compressor
Centrifugal compressors can create huge amounts of energy in just a small machine. These are often found in manufacturing plants and feature a compression process which takes place across multiple stages. These compressors don’t always need oil and are often used when more power is required. You’d typically find a centrifugal compressor in a steel manufacturing facility.
Please read our blog to find out more about the Different Types of Air Compressors.
Would air compressor hire be more suitable?
Used air compressors will always be less costly than a new one, however, compressor hire can be even more cost-effective.
If you only require the use of an air compressor for a limited time or an individual project, hiring an air compressor could be far more suitable. With this option, you’ll be able to discuss your requirements with the air compressor supplier to ascertain which type of air compressor you will need and for how long.
If you are interested in compressor hire, find out more here [link new hire page when live].
How do I know the second hand compressor is fit for purpose?
Before purchasing an air compressor – or any used equipment – it’s critical to ensure that it is in a fit state for use. Check over the equipment to see if there are any missing parts, whether the compressor is clean and if there is any sludge. Ask to run the unit and see it in action before purchasing. You’ll be able to tell a lot by running it and listening out for any irregular sounds, if it gets hot too quickly, and what level of power it’s running at.
Here are 9 Things to Check When Buying a Used Air Compressor.
Looking for a Used Air Compressor in York? Get in touch with Air Supply today for more information!
Air Supply stocks the largest range of used air compressors in the UK and Ireland. With decades of experience selling, servicing, and repairing a huge range of air compressors and compressed air equipment, our experts have extensive experience providing the highest quality products and professional services.
Regardless of whether you need air dryers, air compressors, or air receivers, get in touch with us today. When looking for an ‘air compressor for sale near me’, look no further.
To find out more about our services, please feel free to contact us today. Call us on 01904 607050 or email us at info@airsupply.co.uk.