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Compressor Comparison

Old Sep 5, 2008 | 12:48 PM
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Compressor Comparison

I am looking, well have no choice but to replace my air compressor, my 35 yr old IR, is not worth rebuilding. Anyways I have checked with several local companies with what I believe are to be reptuable units.


Champion or Curtis????

Both are 5HP single Phase 230V 80 gallon Vertical tanks 175 PSI.

Any of you have these units or discussion on either?

Any thoughts or leads would be great
 
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Old Sep 6, 2008 | 12:49 AM
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Both are good units. I've been in the business too many years (40) and I would go with Champion. Only because parts are more available. Are they truly 5 horsepower or are they 5 Peak horsepower. There is a big difference. A truly commercial machine will advertize their ratings in continuos full load amps. The big box store advertzes theirs @ "peak" horsepower. The commercial machine will deliver about 4.5 CFM per horsepower while the big box store will only deliver about 2 CFM per HP. In other words the commercial 5 HP unit will deliver about 22.5 CFM and the big box 5 HP unit will only deliver 10 CFM.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2008 | 11:44 PM
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fixnair,
Thanks for your summary. I am also now looking at a Quincy also, I won't go with anything from a big box store, I want quality, reliability, and low down time. I was told by a dealer that sells all 3 of the following that they would go with in the following order, QUincy, Curtis, and Champion. I was looking at a Champion unit from a reptuable business. What are your thoughts on the Quincy? are the champions worth the investment?
 
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Old Sep 7, 2008 | 12:46 AM
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Quincy is hands down the best under 7 1/2 Horsepower. I don't know what part of the country you live in and sometimes the popularity of these machines can vary. Curtis, while an estabilished manufacturer, is not very popular on the west coast and getting parts can be difficult. Thats why I advised the Champion over Curtis. Not a quality issue. I myself have a model 325 Quincy, pressure lubricated and engine driven and I routinely go up to 300 PSIG for testing purposes. Normally I use it @ 150 PSIG.

Be aware that Quincy makes a splash lubricated model that is not quite as heavy duty as the pressure lubricated model. But it is still a good machine as long as it is not loaded too heavily. Pressure lube is 100% duty cycle and splash lube is not 100%.
 
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Old Sep 7, 2008 | 10:53 AM
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not sure about the others, but I can tell you quincy is made in IL
 
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Old Sep 7, 2008 | 11:53 AM
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Keep an eye out at school auctions- I picked up a PALLET of Quincy compressor heads for $10. Kept a smaller one to retrofit my home compressor, and sold the rest for a nice little profit.
 
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Old Sep 7, 2008 | 12:51 PM
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Another HUGE vote for Quincy! Besides having one of the best compressors, they are almost sure to have parts for as long as they are in business. They pride themselves on carrying parts for even the earlier. When I went to rebuild my 1964 Model 230, I had no problems whatsoever...even getting valve parts, pistons, etc. All i had to do was make a few phone calls to Quincy and I had the full parts book and owners manual on .pdf. Then it was a matter of calling a dealer with part#s, which most were in stock.
 
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Old Sep 7, 2008 | 04:07 PM
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Another vote for quincy. OK. I heard or read that Quincy had alumnium heads, is this an issue? I am looking at a Quincy 5 HP, its a splash lubricated unit. My main use will be in auto repair operations, and body work. Like I said, the Champion unit is sold by a very reputable dealer, and the Quincy also. Just trying to find pros and cons on each. Lots of votes on Quincy
 
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Old Sep 7, 2008 | 07:16 PM
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Havent heard of them using aluminum heads, but I havent been looking either. I do, however, recommend looking for a pressure lubed model. As mentioned, its a more heavy duty unit. If you do any sandblasting at all you need the 100% duty cyle.
If you can find one or dont want to shell out the extra cash, get a pressure lubed Champion.
 
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Old Sep 7, 2008 | 10:14 PM
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pressure lubed or splash lubed champion? I am just trying to make sense of what I am investing in. I want to make sure I get the correct unit. I have thought about service and all 3 models have dealers around within 100 miles or less lol.
Thanks to everyone so far.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 04:19 AM
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Originally Posted by aj197816134
pressure lubed or splash lubed champion?
Pressure lubed.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2008 | 09:14 AM
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Thanks guys, please feel free to add any input, my purchase is still about a week or 2 away, Waiting for good old cash. Lots of units to choose from, just want to make sure I get the right one.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2008 | 12:12 AM
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Originally Posted by aj197816134
Another vote for quincy. OK. I heard or read that Quincy had alumnium heads, is this an issue? I am looking at a Quincy 5 HP, its a splash lubricated unit. My main use will be in auto repair operations, and body work. Like I said, the Champion unit is sold by a very reputable dealer, and the Quincy also. Just trying to find pros and cons on each. Lots of votes on Quincy
Quincy uses aluminum heads on their splash lube models(QT line). pressure lube compressors(QR line) all have iron heads and valves. The QT line is a good line,not as expensive and not quite as durable as the QR line but still a good unit. And they are manufactured in IL,as the name says,Quincy to be exact
 
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 08:42 AM
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ill vote for quincy allso. mine's been around for 20 years and is still a jam up compresser. id be lost with out it. just one thing about buying a compresser tho get one thats bigger then you "think" you need you wont be sorry
 
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Old Sep 17, 2008 | 10:19 AM
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Nobody mentioned Saylor Beal. Don't we like those?

Toyman
 
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