Buying a Used Industrial Air Compressor: Your Complete Guide

Fuelled

Published On June 11, 2023

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Are you in need of a new industrial air compressor? Have you been scouring the market to find one that works for your needs?

Well, before you start looking, you need to ensure that you know what you are looking for. In the case of compressor systems, there are a lot of things you need to take into account. This is even more true when you are looking for used air compressors as they may have wear and tear from the past that you don't know about or can't see.

If you're ready to start looking, here are the things you need to keep in mind when looking at industrial air compressors for sale!

Check the Overall Condition Before You Purchase

Before you buy a used industrial air compressor, you should always check the overall condition of the compressor, its usage by the previous owner, and manufacturing details.

This is a crucial component of the process because you want to ensure that the used compressor is of good quality. if it's not, you could be looking at some costly repairs since compressors can be expensive to fix.

When checking, be sure to look for obvious signs of damage or wear and tear on the system. If you see this, it is best to keep looking for one that doesn't have this as it could cost you more down the road.

Understand What Type of Compressor Systems You Are Looking At

There are two types of compressor systems that are used in an industrial air compressor.

There is a gas-powered compressor as well as an electric compressor.

When looking at the differences between the two, there are a few things to keep in mind.

For electric air compressors, you want to make sure you are looking at how it was used in the industrial unit. Depending on how it was used, this could be a red flag or green flag to ensure that it wasn't damaged or used improperly in the past.

If you are looking at gas-powered compressors, this may be something that is better for you. This is a more flexible choice for most outdoor applications.

That is because gas-powered compressors have a much more powerful engine and come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. They also have great ventilation systems to prevent overheating from occurring.

Consider the Noise Factor

Compressors are not a quiet device. You should expect to hear a lot of noise when they are running.

If this is not something that you want to deal with, then you are going to need to look at a very specific compressor. You should be looking at oil-lubricated compressors if you want the quietest type out there on the market.

Consider a Test Run

Before going through with the purchase of used air compressors, you should get a better feel for how they work as a unit.

Although you may take a look at it and feel that it would do great when it is up and running, this is not always the case.

This is why a test run can come in handy! You are able to check it out for yourself for peace of mind to see how it is running.

When you run the test run, be sure to pay attention to unusual noises, vibrations, leaks, or any other operational irregularities that may indicate potential problems that the compressor has.

Look at the Seller's Reputation

As important as looking at the compressor itself is, you also want to take a step back and look at the seller's reputation. This is especially important to do if you are purchasing from an individual or a smaller non-specialized source. Although important everywhere, it is less important to do when you are working with a large manufacturer.

You can check for reviews and ratings online to see how previous customers rate the service and the overall experience. This will help you figure out if this is the route you want to go or if you should go down another one.

Know the Application

If you are looking to buy an air compressor, you most likely know what you are going to use it for. However, if you don't know, then it is important to figure that out before you look.

Why?

Because the application of air compressors is important. You need to make sure you get the right kind - whether portable or fixed.

If you are going to need to move it around often, you are going to want to get a portable and lightweight compressor for your needs. If you don't need to move it, it is better to get a fixed compressor.

Additionally, you are also going to have to be aware of where you are going to put the air compressor to ensure that you have enough space for it to ventilate.

Buying a Used Industrial Air Compressor

When it comes to buying a used industrial air compressor, it is important to make sure that you consider the above. If you don't, you may end up with an industrial air compressor that doesn't work, is damaged, or needs to be replaced.

As frustrating as that is on its own, you are also going to be out a lot of money if this happens!

If you want to make sure that you are getting the best deals, you can check out industrial air compressors for sale online at Fuelled. Look at our listings here.