Are you thinking of buying an air compressor for your workshop, but you aren’t sure which one to choose? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will give you some advice on which diesel engine for an air compressor not only can do a good job for you but also be a worthwhile investment.
The truth is, a good air compressor is essential for a myriad of tasks in many different industries, so it is important to find one that is right for you. But what should you look for in an air compressor, and how can you get the most bang for your buck?
Well, if you want that answer, then read on!
Table of Contents
Cost of Diesel Engine For an Air Compressor
Diesel engine air compressors cost varies on the power of the compressor you need. You can expect to pay as little as $750 and as much as over $30,000. Here is a basic breakdown of the diesel engine air compressor’s cost according to its power.
- 6 horsepower diesel engine air compressor: costs $750to $1,250, and produces 18.6 CFM at 125 PSI
- 13 HPT two-stage motor diesel engine air compressor: costs $2,000 to $2,500 and produces 25.25 CFM at 100 PSI
- 10 HP two-stage motor diesel engine compressor: costs $5,000 to $5,000 and produces 18.9 CFM at 250 PSI
- 10 HP rotary screw diesel engine air compressor: costs $7,000 to $8,000 and produces 34 CFM at 150 PSI
- Portable/towable rotary screw diesel engine air compressor: costs $14,000 to $20,000 and can produce 180 to 260 CFM
- Heavy-duty turbocharged diesel compressor: costs $25,000 to $30,000 and is designed for heavy-duty construction
Furthermore, many people are seeking used diesel engine air compressors. The price for a used diesel engine air compressor can vary as well depending on the condition of the compressor as well as the size. Expect to pay between $500 and $50,000 for a used compressor.
Benefits of Diesel Air Compressor
Diesel air compressors offer many benefits over their gas-powered counterparts. Here are a few basic benefits you can enjoy if you have a diesel-powered engine.
Convenience
Diesel has a longer shelf life than gas. As a result, you can find it more readily available at construction and other work sites. You will have fuel more readily available when you choose a diesel engine compressor versus a gas-powered compressor.
Safety
Diesel is less flammable than gas. Gasoline can not only catch fire but can cause massive explosions. Thus, diesel is a safer fuel to use, especially in work sites where there are more hazards compared to a domestic environment.
Less Maintenance
As a whole, diesel engines have a longer running life than gas-powered engines. Their fuel is less corrosive, and the engines thus require less maintenance. You will find yourself with a reliable compressor if you purchase a diesel-powered compressor.
Flexibility
While you should primarily use diesel in your diesel engine air compressor, diesel engines will run on a variety of renewable bio-diesel fuels as well. This means you can use non-petroleum products like vegetable oil if it has the right viscosity.
Fuel Efficiency
Diesel burns more slowly than gas. This means you will need less fuel for the same output. You save money and fuel if you use a diesel engine for an air compressor versus a gasoline engine.
See related: Why people are turning to pre-owned industrial equipment.
Finding the Right Size
Air compressors come in all sizes. How do you know which one you’ll need for your particular job site? First, you need to understand CFM and PSI.
CFM refers to cubic feet per meter. This is the way you calculate air pressure.
PSI refers to pounds per square inch, and this is how you calculate airflow.
Look at the equipment that will require the air compressor. Examine what the necessary CFM and PSI are to run off your compressor.
Your tool manufacturer should supply a requirement like “5 CFM at 100 PSI.”
Thus, to estimate what you need, add the required CFM for your pneumatic tools that you’ll use all at once. Then, to make sure you have enough air pressure, multiply that number by 1.5.
Then, look at the highest PSI you will need for any single tool you have. Give yourself some wiggle room by increasing the PSI needed slightly. So if you have a tool that requires 90 PSI, calculate that as 100 PSI.
Now you can shop for your compressor. Look for a compressor that has the CFM number and the PSI requirement you need.
How Much Fuel Do You Need?
Now that you’ve found the compressor that works for you, you’ll need to calculate how much fuel you will need and how much your compressor will use.
The fuel consumption and power load determine the amount of fuel your compressor uses. General customers do not know much about fuel consumption before they buy a diesel engine air compressor. But you can figure this out with a basic formula, no matter how big your compressor is.
Each compressor will have a different fuel consumption rate. But the general fuel consumption rate is approximately 7 ounces of fuel for each kilowatt-hour used.
Thus, to determine the amount of fuel you will need, you need to figure out how many kilowatts you will use.
To calculate power consumption, look at the wattage rating marked on your generator. Then multiply the wattage rating by the estimated running time of your compressor. Divide this number by 1,000 to estimate the kilowatt-hours.
Once you know your kilowatt-hours, you can figure out exactly how many ounces of fuel your generator will consume.
Consider Diesel For Better Performance
When you use a diesel engine for an air compressor compared to a gas engine, you end up with a much better performing compressor. Diesel is safer and more readily available as well. You also will spend less time maintaining the compressor since diesel is easier on the engine than gasoline.
Are you looking for a new or used diesel engine air compressor? If so, we can help. Contact us today.
Our staff is ready to help you find the compressor, engine, or generator that you need.
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