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Seeking the right air compressor for your project? Look no further! At iseekplant, we connect you with a diverse range of air compressors from verified local suppliers positioned all over Australia, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your job site. Whether you’re working on construction, mining or a DIY home project, our range spans from small, portable units to large, industrial-grade compressors. With iseekplant, finding the right air compressor is just a few clicks away!
Air compressors come in a wide variety of sizes and weights, ranging from handheld models with one-gallon air tanks to mobile behemoths with 80-gallon tanks that may weigh up to 90 kilograms. Smaller airbrushes and finish nailers can be used on the smaller units, while larger units can be used to power pneumatic cutoff wheels and even automobile lifts. The air pressure generated inside the compressor's tank is measured in psi.
What's more, with lots of available products on the market, it can be challenging to know which air compressor to choose. When comparing tanks, take note of the wide variety of pressures and airflows available, and the wide range of air compressor prices. To help you choose from the wide range of options, we've identified different types of compressors, their primary functions and costs.
The cost of hiring an air compressor can vary widely based on the type, power and size. Below is a sample cost of air compressors:
Compressor Type | Hire Rate | For How Long? |
---|---|---|
Sandblaster | $360.00 | 1 day |
Air Compressor 6-12 (PETROL) | $92.00 | 4 hours |
Air Compressor 2.1 CFM 12V | $50.00 | 1 week |
Air Breaker (28-30KG) Medium | $63.00 | 4 hours |
Air Compressor 1000 | $590.00 | 4 hours |
Air Scabbler 3 HEAD | $89.00 | 4 hours |
Nail Gun | $123.00 | 4 hours |
Air Compressor 75-100 CFM | $225.00 | 1 day |
Air Compressor 130 CFM | $225.00 | 1 day |
Air Compressor 160-190 CFM | $255.00 | 4 hours |
Air Compressor 250-275 CFM | $293.00 | 4 hours |
Air Compressor 350-400 CFM | $378.00 | 4 hours |
Note: All prices listed on this page are estimates, exclude GST and are in AUD. Price estimates can vary based on location, model and additional requirements.
Air compressors can be divided into two categories: the ones ideal for home usage and those better suited for commercial use.
If you're searching for a compressor for your house, you're probably not seeking the most expensive option. You'll be okay with a smaller air tank, approximately 5 gallons or even less. Your compressor will not get as much use as a professional's and hence you will benefit more from a less powerful one. The average cost of a simple compressor is anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on your demands and budget. Consider spending extra money if you'll be using pneumatic tools and other high-tech equipment frequently.
Compressors for your garage or workshop need a larger storage tank and greater airflow to operate the heavier tools you'll be using regularly. However, mobility and portability aren't as critical, as this equipment will most likely remain anchored to its current location.
A compressor designed to deliver highly pressurised air for commercial use will be equipped with different features than one intended just for residential use. All of these machines must be dependable in the long run, with sufficient power to run numerous tools at once or perhaps only bigger, more demanding equipment in the short term.
However, each industry has its unique requirements, so there won't be a one-size-fits-all solution. Compressors for commercial use often cost much more than those for residential use, with prices ranging from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars. For other jobs, you'll need a more powerful machine, as well as a machine and tank that are considerably larger in scale. In addition, you'll need a long-term strategy, which might be pricey.
Pneumatic tools are indispensable to mechanics, who use them for a broad range of tasks. If you're working in a workshop, it's possible that the compressor you're using is being used by someone else as well. You'll need strong compressor motors and a large tank size to meet your needs, which means you'll need to budget between $500 and $2,500 per unit.
Hiring an air compressor involves more than just the base hire rate. These extra expenses can range from fuel consumption to insurance, each crucial in the final cost:
Additional Cost | Average Rate | Description |
---|---|---|
Delivery and Pickup | $50 - $150 | Cost varies based on distance and location |
Fuel | $20 - $60 per day | Depends on usage and current fuel prices and whether your compressor runs on diesel or petrol (or electricity). |
Power | ~$161 per day for 100h/p | To run a 100 hp air compressor all day. |
Maintenance | 1-5%% of Hire Rate | Regular upkeep during hire period |
Insurance | $10 - $30 per day | Protects against damage or theft |
On-site Support | $50 - $200 per day | Assistance with setup and troubleshooting |
Remember that these prices are estimates and can vary based on specific project requirements and market trends. For a comprehensive and up-to-date quote, connect with our suppliers using our Get a Quote tool. This tool offers a convenient way to get accurate pricing tailored to your project's unique needs.
Air compressors come in various types to suit a wide range of applications, each with unique features and capabilities. From multi-stage to oil-free designs, explore the diverse options available on iseekplant to meet any project need.
A sequence of cylinders, each with a different diameter, make up a multi-stage air compressor. Heat exchangers are used to cool the air between compression stages. Pre-compression cooling minimises the work required to further compress the air. When using a two-stage compressor, the air is compressed further in a second chamber. These two-stage compressors have two pistons.
In a three-stage compressor, there is an extra compression and cooling cycle before this. Based on its power, a two-stage air compressor's price might vary greatly. Residential two-stage compressors may be purchased for between $500 and $1,500. Professional versions may cost as little as $1,500 and go all the way up to $50,000 for ones with 200HP.
As the name suggests, the rotary screw air compressor is a type of air compressor that uses two rotors to pump air up into a casing where it is more pressurised. Rotary screw air compressors are small, powerful, and smoother to use than reciprocating compressors. When spray painting, an oil-free rotary screw air compressor is preferable to those air compressors that use air.
Additionally, centrifugal air compressors make use of rotating blades similar to a turbine engine to create highly pressurised air. The centrifugal compressors are usually very powerful with higher output capability. They can also deliver pressurised air continuously for an extended period. Thus, centrifugal air compressors are costly. They are best suited for large-scale operations that need constant airflow.
Generally, oil-free air compressors either have no mechanical contact inside the compression chamber or employ other materials to protect the mechanism without lubrication. A Teflon coating, water, or other non-oil-based materials are commonly used in oil-free compressors.
As a result, some oil-free designs have even eliminated the requirement for oil-based and synthetic lubrication entirely within the compression chamber. You may be able to save money in other ways by taking advantage of these environmental and purity benefits. This industrial air compressor costs $104 per day.
A natural gas compressor enhances the pressure of a gas by lowering its volume. Compression and discharge valves drive the natural gas out of the cylinder through the intake valves. There are many industrial uses for gas air compressors, and they may be found in both high-pressure and low-volume gas systems. Depending on the type, this industrial air compressor costs between $41 and $97 to rent one.
An electric air compressor can either be plugged into an electrical socket or powered by a rechargeable battery. Compressors driven by electricity are more compact and easier to move, but they require a free electricity supply, such as a generator. The power output of electric air compressors is lower than that of gas-powered air compressors, but they are quieter.
With the right model, proper amount of power, and settings, most home air compressors can deliver the HP, PSI, and CFM needed for simple jobs like nailing trim to doors and windows or installing trim with a finish nailer. Depending on the type, you may rent an electric air compressor for anywhere from $63 to $216 per day.
Different projects require different air compressors. This table breaks down the popular types and their specs:
Type | Popular Model | Quick Specs | Capacity | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Portable | Atlas Copco XAS 185 | Diesel, 185 CFM | 5.2 m³/min | Easy to transport, versatile usage | Limited capacity, higher fuel usage |
Stationary | Sullair 375H | Diesel, 375 CFM | 10.6 m³/min | High power, suitable for industrial use | Requires permanent installation space |
Industrial | Ingersoll Rand 900/1150 | Diesel, 900 CFM | 25.5 m³/min | Extremely powerful, high capacity | Not easily movable, high investment |
Air compressors are versatile tools used across various industries, from construction to manufacturing. They power pneumatic tools, facilitate processes, and even control HVAC systems. Understanding the right application ensures the optimal use and efficiency of these machines.
This table compares different applications of air compressors:
Application | Typical Use | Best Compressor Type | Benefits |
---|---|---|---|
Construction | Powering pneumatic drills, jackhammers | Portable | Mobility, ease of use in various locations |
Manufacturing | Running conveyor systems, machinery | Industrial | High power, continuous operation |
Automotive | Spray painting, tyre inflation | Stationary | Precision control, reliable performance |
Healthcare | Dental tools, oxygen generators | Oil-free | Hygienic, contamination-free air |
Agriculture | Crop spraying, dairy machines | Portable | Easy to move around large areas |
Entertainment | Movie special effects, inflatable structures | Portable | Flexibility in various settings |
This should give you a better idea of how air compressors are employed in different situations, helping you identify the type that best suits your project's needs.
When it comes to powering your tools or machinery, air compressors are a game changer. At iseekplant, we make it easy for you to connect with Australia's premier suppliers of air compressors, ensuring you find the perfect match for your project's specific needs.
Whether you're working on construction, manufacturing or DIY projects, our network of air compressor suppliers provides the reliable power you need. For any questions or extra assistance, don't hesitate to reach out at projects@iseekplant.com.au or call 1300 691 912. To jumpstart your project with the ideal air compressor, click 'Get a Quote' to begin.
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