5 Advantages to Diesel-Fueled Air Compressors

There are several options when buying an air compressor. But there is a reason why pros pick diesel-powered air compressors.

Many consider gas and electric for a couple of good points. But none compare to the top five reasons diesel-fueled air compressors win out.

Find out what advantage diesel air compressors make the buying decision clear.

1. Mobility and Portability

Diesel-powered air compressors can be helpful for contractors. It’s perfect for those who need an air supply in remote locations. Diesel air compressors are portable so you can move them to where they’re needed.

Diesel works when you’re at a remote site before electrical lines get installed. During construction when the electricity goes down, again the diesel-fueled air compressor works.

Diesel portable air compressors are efficient and not as heavy and bulky as gas models. They’re also easier to store when not in use. Diesel fuel is more powerful, more efficient, and less costly than gas compressors.

This makes them ideal to move from site to site as needed.

You can take one to the middle of a desert or to the frozen tundra in the mountains. If you’re in such a remote location, the diesel-fueled air compressor won’t need an outlet. The compressor is its own built-in generator.

2. Reduction in Downtime

The diesel air compressor is powerful and can run a variety of tools. They’re often chosen by contractors because they offer more air pressure. This is true based on similar-sized gasoline-powered air compressors.

This means that you are less likely to have downtime.

Diesel engines can handle the stress of constant work. This means the diesel air compressor will need less service or maintenance. The result is less downtime for your business.

The same isn’t true for gas or electric compressors.

The air compressor is also less noisy and smells better. Diesel air compressors are cleaner, easier to maintain, and last longer than gas models. Plus, you’ll never need to worry about running out of fuel because they’re powered by diesel.

Competitive Productivity

In a competitive market, productivity can be a major differentiator between competing companies. One of the major causes of poor productivity is high machine downtime. Any tool or service that maintains how productivity is a game-changer.

Poorly maintained compressors put your company at risk. These conditions make the equipment prone to poor levels of production. This can also cause delayed production and annoying downtimes.

A simple diesel maintenance program gets rid of any hitches and unnecessary hold-ups.

Less downtime means that you can outpace your competitor. You’ll also find an increase in customer satisfaction ratings.

Diesel is the workhorse of the industry. It will keep you productive with a small bit of maintenance.

3. Extended Equipment Lifespan

There are three main reasons for a diesel-fueled air compressor’s long lifecycle:

• Durability
• Operational hardiness
• Reliability

Far outlasting its gas-powered competitors, diesel engines draw from over a hundred years of excellence. Most contractors know they even run better once they’re “broken-in.”

This is due in part to its engineering. The design of the engine and its heavy-duty components support a long lifespan.

Also, diesel engines don’t use spark plugs or distributor caps. This means fewer points of failure.

Diesel engines get about 10,000 operating hours while gas engines last half as long. This impacts your replacement schedules and amortization table. It also translates to reduced running costs for the equipment.

The extended life has birthed an aftermarket of secondhand diesel equipment. Reputable sellers perform rigorous tests and inspections on the used equipment. They confirm its quality and include a warranty or guarantee. 

Diesel air compressors also outlast electric compressors. There is also a significant difference in power levels between the two. But the diesel air compressor has more durable and long-lasting materials.

4. Consistent Power Output

When compared to gasoline, diesel appears to cost a few coins more per gallon. But diesel fuel is denser and produces more energy. This translates to the increased fuel efficiency of 25 to 30%.

Diesel fuel is the smarter financial choice for two reasons. First, it lasts 30% longer. Second, it produces more energy.

Diesel also produces fast combustion. It uses longer piston strokes and produces more consistent power. This means that diesel produces almost double the power of a similar-sized gas engine.

A smaller diesel engine can produce the same amount of power as a large gas engine.

Efficient Output

According to the U.S. Department of Energy diesel engines are 30 – 35% more efficient than gasoline. This translates to cost savings from longer runtimes.

Or, you can use a smaller diesel engine to produce the same power as a larger gas engine.

Electric air compressors are not able to keep up with high-powered tasks. But diesel-powered air compressors deliver a large volume of compressed air in a short period of time.

This is not to say electric compressors are inefficient. Electric technology is not capable of delivering the same results. It falls shy of maintaining the immense power generated by a diesel air compressor.

5. Purchase Cost

The old saying about getting what you pay for is true when it comes to diesel air compressors. The good news is that diesel will give you a strong return on investment. These results come in the following forms:

• Longevity
• Durability
• Power output
• Performance
• Productivity
• Consistency
• And, much more

The benefits are great enough that you can even offset the cost of buying a used diesel air compressor. In other words, the return on investment is high.

There are other costs that don’t always make their way onto the spreadsheet. The new fuel injection systems are more quiet and precise.

They also meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission standards. Making diesel air compressors more eco-friendly.

Succeed with Diesel Air Compressors

Diesel air compressors have an extended lifespan. This empowers you with a great return on investment. Diesel’s consistent power output and reduced downtime will keep you profitable.

Also, the equipment is portable so you can get the job done anywhere.

Consider learning more about what air compressor is right for you. Contact us so we can help you find the right fit for your business. Also, feel free to read our white papers on similar topics.