My compressor arrived today. Despite the box looking to be in good shape, I found a broken piece laying the the bottom of the box. After a bit of research I found it was part of the mounting bracket the holds the compressor to the frame. There are three of them, one steel, and two cast (pot?) metal formed with the casing. The piece that was broke goes over the rubber under it that helps with vibration.

I went to the web site to see about getting a replacement and noticed that the item was no longer available so they only gave me the option of a refund, not a replacement. I was very disappointed as I thought this was the ideal compressor for the price, especially the cheaper, refurbed (in Mexico) unit.

I thought I would take a flyer, and rather than accept a refund and return it, to instead see if Amazon would be willing to give me a partial refund to offset the damage. Since the damage probably won’t affect the operation of the unit, I was willing to keep it if reimbursed something for the damage. I suspect such negotiation isn’t conventional for most businesses, but what did I have to lose to ask.

These units retail for around $600-700, are sold new by Amazon for $350, but the refurbs were a more modest $254 with free shipping. Amazon offered me a 40% refund if I didn’t return it. I thought that was very gracious. I was also amazed to get a reply literally within minutes of asking for a partial refund, assuming I would get rejected. I think the resulting $153 price delivered to my door was awesome I almost bought a $150 compressor from Northern Tool (located locally) but like other cheaper units, it just didn’t have the higher volume needed for the better air tools.

Having just gotten the unit today, I only did the 15-minute break-in and then pumped up the tank to be sure it would hold air. It passed that test with flying colors. Four hours later the tank still has full pressure so it seems to be holding the pressure well too.

I don’t know why, but they ask you to operate the compressor horizontally, and only have it vertical for hauling and storage. Based on how I think it works, I wouldn’t think running it vertically would matter, but I won’t take that chance.

WARNING: As someone else noted, this is a higher pressure unit than most comparable units. As a result, the 250psi air hose most people are buying is NOT adequate. The owner’s manual clearly says you should buy a 300psi hose instead. I am guessing the 250psi hose would work as the operating pressure is only 200psi, but for the price, why not do as asked? The hose most people are buying is the yellow Goodyear hose for around $20, but the Goodyear 300psi hose is $43, so being frugal I looked around. I see Amazon offers several choices, from no name to known names. But rather than buying the $43 Goodyear hose, I bought the $27 Gates hose, another fine brand. I called the local auto parts store and they stocked the same Gates hose for $68. It is red instead of “safety” yellow, but who cares, not me.

It would be great if Amazon would put something in the description about the need for a 300psi hose as it seems people (like another reviewer) are ordering the 250psi hose and then having to return it after reading the manual.
Rating: 5 / 5

Pros: For a non-oil type unit, it is actually quieter than expected. Builds tank pressure quickly to 200+ psi and regulated pressure easily goes to 160+ psi. Runs my Ingersol Rand impact and ratchet easily. Unit is easy to move around with the extension handle. Small tank will empty quickly if using it in high volume, but the compressor keeps up nicely. Tank bleeder is easy to use.

For a savings of approx. $130 over a new unit, I’d go this route everytime!
Rating: 5 / 5