Air compressors come in a variety of types and sizes, with different levels of portability and power. Depending on the type of air compressor you buy, you can expect the weight to vary dramatically.
Stationary air compressors are designed to provide a stable, reliable source of compressed air for industrial applications. Compared to their portable counterparts, these stationary units are significantly heavier, ranging from 500 to 1,000 lbs or more depending on model and size.
Portable air compressors are the smallest of the bunch and often come with a carrying handle or wheels for portability. These are ideal for inflating car tires, sports balls, rafts, and other small items. Most run on electricity and have an electric cord that you will need to plug into an outlet or power strip. Portable air compressors can weigh anywhere from 30-50 pounds; it all depends on their tank size.
When shopping for a portable air compressor you should consider the PSI — pounds per square inch — rating of the machine. This number represents how much pressure its tank can produce when full. Generally speaking, higher PSI ratings are better as they increase how quickly your item will inflate. Most light-duty portable air compressors range from 70-135 PSI (some offer as high as 150 PSI).
You should also note:
- The CFM rating: this tells you how fast your item will fill with compressed air
- The DBA rating: indicates how loud the unit is while running
- Tank capacity: tells you how large of an item will easily fit in the tank
- Horsepower rating: which affects the CFM and PSI ratings
Finally, always check your product manual before purchasing any accessories or attachments for your compressor to make sure they’re compatible with your model.
Factors Affecting Air Compressor Weight
Air compressors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and weights, depending on the type of air compressor you’re looking for. The air compressor’s weight can be affected by several factors, including the size and type of air compressor, the capacity of the air compressor, and the type of materials used in its construction.
Tank Capacity
The tank capacity of an air compressor is a major factor that affects its weight. Air compressors are designed to store pressurized air in a receiver tank, which must be strong enough to withstand the pressure without deformation.
This is determined by the construction material used and its dimensions. Therefore, the weight of a compressor is roughly proportionate to its tank size — larger tanks are heavier while smaller tanks are lighter.
To determine tank capacity, there are two main factors to consider: volume and pressure rating. This will depend on the type of compressor design used and what applications you need it for.
In summary, the weight of an air compressor varies according to its tank size, type of design, and pressure rating to meet your specific requirements for industrial applications or home use. By taking into account these factors during selection.
Horsepower Rating
The horsepower rating of an air compressor directly affects its weight. Air compressors are available in a range of powers, from small 1-hp models to more powerful 3-hp models. The weight of air compressors also varies by brand and model. Generally, 1-2 horsepower models weigh less than 50 lbs., while 3-hp units can weigh up to 120 lbs.
For example, a 1 hp portable oil-free aluminum tank compressor suitable for trades such as carpentry and trim work could have a net weight of approximately 34 lb. A 3 hp unit suitable for all your industrial air tool requirements will likely cost more (approximately $765) but it can move 25% more air at 150 psi than the smaller 1 hp unit (400 vs 320 liters/min).
This means it can handle heavier job loads that require higher volumes of compressed air while still being man enough to tackle any lighter tasks with ease. It has an approximate net weight between 75 and 89 lb depending on the model you choose and is therefore not portable like its smaller cousin.
Type of Motor
The type of motor used in an air compressor can have a major effect on its weight and size. Smaller, more compact motors are usually lighter than their more powerful counterparts. These types of motors include rotary slip, brushless DC, and universal motors.
- Rotary slip motors are designed to run efficiently without the need for external power electronics, however, they tend to be heavier than other electric motor designs due to the construction materials used. Brushless DC electric motors use rare-earth magnets instead of coils to increase efficiency and reduce energy loss, making them relatively lightweight compared to rotary slip or universal motors.
- Universal or induction motors, on the other hand, generally have a heavier weight due to the heavy components needed for power generation such as windings and rotor bars which comprise their stator section.
Average Weights of Air Compressors
Air compressors come in a variety of sizes and weights. Portable air compressors are typically lighter than stationary versions since they can be moved around more easily. The average weight of an air compressor depends on its size, type, and purpose.
Stationary Air Compressors
Stationary air compressors are generally used in industrial and commercial settings to provide long-term, continuous compressed air supply. These larger, heavier machines feature a range of tank sizes, power sources, outlet PSIs and horsepower ratings.
The range of possible construction materials for stationary tanks varies from steel to composite plastics offering air compressor operators varying levels of durability and performance options. Higher capacity stationary models may approach 1400 or even 1500 pounds making them more difficult to move without specialized installation equipment.
Portable Air Compressors
Portable air compressors are commonly used in automotive repair shops, industrial settings, and in private applications such as home improvement projects. An essential part of many machinery operations, these units can vary significantly in size, weight, and capacity. Knowing the average weights of different types of portable air compressors can help you determine the best model for your needs.
Tips for Choosing an Air Compressor
If you’re in the market for an air compressor, there are many options to consider. Air compressors come in a variety of sizes, weights, and power levels. It’s important to consider how much an air compressor weighs in order to make sure you purchase the one that’s right for you. In this article, we’ll look at some tips for choosing the right air compressor for your needs.
Consider Your Needs
When purchasing an air compressor, the most important thing is to consider the type of tools you will be running and how often you plan to use it. If you only plan to run a few small pneumatic tools occasionally, then a small portable air compressor may be your best bet. It will have fewer features but at a lower cost.
If you are going to be using larger tools every day, then look for an electric-powered twin-stack compressor as it will provide higher pressure with more airflow for essentially all types of compressed air products.
Determine the Right Tank Capacity
An air compressor is an essential tool for a variety of home and auto care tasks. You must consider several factors when choosing one, including tank capacity.
The size of an air compressor’s tank should depend on when and how often it will be used. Smaller tanks can store enough air to power certain tools through the majority of their job, but if you are using them frequently (like for painting projects or small construction projects) then large tanks can provide more power and volume.
When it comes to tank capacity, the shortest rule of thumb is that most contractors prefer air compressors between 10-90 gallons—that range gives them enough portability while still providing enough cumulative storage pressure to be useful and reliable on most job sites as well as in most households or workshops/garages.
Consider the Weight of the Air Compressor
The weight of the air compressor can be an important factor when choosing the right model. Naturally, you ideally want one that’s going to be light enough to carry, but you also have to consider the load it can handle. Different types of air compressors may weigh different amounts
For instance, electric air compressors are usually much lighter than gas-powered ones—particularly in reciprocating models—so if portability is a priority, it may make more sense to opt for an electric model over a gas-powered one.