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Equipment Tests > 12-Volt Air Compressor Comparison
12-Volt Air Compressor Comparison
Issue: January 2009
Words and photos by Mark Allen
No, nothing to do with the price of living - but testing 21, 12-volt air compressors to find the right one for your 4WD.
There are many products that are either 'must have' or 'should have' or 'better have' in the world or 4WDing, camping and general life in the great outdoors. An air compressor is definitely one that fits into every category as it can have so many handy and convenient uses - aside from tyre inflation.
Depending on your uses, there are a few things to look out for when purchasing an air compressor - maximum pressure, air flow rate, duty cycle, portability, accessories and of course price.
Let's expand on a few of these points: maximum achievable pressure - no point purchasing a compressor that can only inflate low pressure toys like soccer balls, air beds and kids' toys if you're wanting to pump up tyres to 40 or 50psi. For low pressure pumping that requires a large volume of air, all you need is a lower pressure pump that has as high a flow rate as possible. Remember all those soccer balls, air beds and toys may have different openings, so be sure to look for varied fitments on the hose outlet.
Without knowing a compressor's internal technical specifications (or as we have lab tested on a Dyno), there is no way of guessing the flow rates. That will depend on the bore, stroke, RPM, internal design as well as other restricting factors like chuck type, air filter material, wiring gauge and length, as well as temperatures reached while running. Just because one compressor 'seems' to look identical to another, it may be very different inside - just like all car engines are NOT created equal, although many are rated at the same size.
Duty cycle; many people either forget, don't worry or have no idea what it is or why it's important to have a good duty cycle in a compressor.
Roughly, the duty cycle of a pump can be thought of as the amount of time the pump is actually working when it's turned on, compared to the amount of time it's not working when it's turned off - 2 minutes on followed by 2 minutes off is often (incorrectly) thought of as a 50 percent duty cycle, not very good when you're hanging around trying to pump something up quickly!
But then again, a (claimed) 50 percent duty cycle pump may run for 30-minutes, followed by a long 30-minute wait. Perhaps that's okay to re-inflate your four tyres after leaving the beach - but will that pump actually do the job within 30-minutes - I'd hate to be waiting another 30-minutes, while the motor cools down, to finish that last tyre!
Officially, Duty Cycle should be measured with the compressor pumping at 100psi at an ambient temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. The duty cycle is expressed in a percentage and is calculated by run time divided by the addition of the run time plus the off time, then multiplied by 100.
As an example: if a compressor is rated at a 25 percent duty cycle, it can only (theoretically) run for 10-minutes followed by 30-minutes turned off.
So, 10 / (10 + 30) multiplied by 100 = 25 percent duty cycle...not 33 percent as most would presume (10/30 multiplied by 100 = 33 percent).
Here are a few ratings so you don't have to hit the calculator, but do keep in mind that these technical figures are at 100psi and 22 degrees Celsius. Pumping at less pressure and varying temperatures will change the whole show:
An internal thermal cut out switch is primarily designed to protect the air compressor's motor from burning out or over heating. You'll have no control over this thermal cut off; when the unit heats to a preset temperature, it (theoretically at least) stops, leaving you twiddling your thumbs waiting for it to switch itself back on.
Price - that's the tough one. We all want to spend as little as possible, but want the best out of our gear. We've managed to round up most compressors on the market that are (or are claimed to be) suitable for 4WD tyre inflation, as well as general use around the camp site. We've drawn a line at the units being portable; that is, they must be able to be carried and used from one vehicle to another - not engine mounted or engine driven. Of course, most of the compressors you see here can indeed be mounted in your engine bay, under your seats or in your cargo area, but they are all initially portable units.
TESTING TIMES
As we were keen to test all the air compressors both scientifically and in real life situations, we figured on hooking up with ARB's state of the art Air Compressor Dyno and their design engineers Daniel Bongard and Sam Steward to measure all the technical issues of each and every compressor - maximum achievable pump pressures, motor temperatures, currant draw, air flow rates (standardised to 20ºC at sea level) and whether or not the thermal cut offs worked. We ensured a constant 13.8-volts to simulate a vehicle's electrical system with the engine running.
To capture all these results, the test equipment automatically captures data while the compressors are pumping into a pressure vessel to a maximum of 130psi. The internal and external temperatures of the vessel are known, the time, current and every piece of data is recorded to ensure accuracy. Graphs are automatically derived from the captured results to provide a real overall picture of how each compressor operates at any given pressure. All you need to do is run your finger along the bottom of the graph to reach the pressure you're operating at and you'll see the currant draw and flow rates in litres per minute - brilliant!
After our two-day stint in the dyno room, we hit the real world part of the test. Having fairly standard sized tyres for a touring 4WD on our own vehicle (285/75R16 on an 8-inch alloy rim) we figured on deflating a tyre to 0psi and inflating it to 35psi - simulating pumping a tyre up after repairing a puncture. Then we deflated a tyre to 20psi and returned the tyres pressure to 35psi - simulating returning your tyres to road going pressures after sand driving.
SO WHO WINS OUTRIGHT HONOURS?
Its' a 'horse-for-courses' situation here. There is no one outright winner. If you're looking for the most compact unit on the block, you can't go past the tiny Terrain Taimer TTAC1 - it'd fit into most glove boxes, just don't expect to inflate a large tyre from 0psi in one go!
If all you want is maximum blow, the almighty Warn Air Power VTC is simply amazing; it'll out blow all and sundry and have a line of mates a mile long who'll want to be part of this amazing V twin compressor...perhaps you'll need a few mates to help carry the thing too, as it's damn heavy and you'll have to use all your mate's batteries as it draws more amps than most alternators can produce; so much in fact that we couldn't test it in the lab.
Both the Big Red and the Blue Tongue, as well known for durability as they are, have superior duty cycles to allow long periods of use, albeit at a slower rate. These units don't have all the fancy shiny bits hanging off them, but are worth their weight when it comes to purchasing for the long haul. I'd be putting an inline switch on the wiring of the Blue Tongue to make life easier, but the Big Red is better protected in a hard case and has a switch. Both need attention to the way their air lines are attached to the brass fittings - an easy job.
Being a Thomas-built unit, the TJM Ox Air fits in similar to the Big Red and Blue Tongue - quality, slower than others, but in a soft bag. The air line connections need work to operate to their maximum potential.
Bushranger; geez talk about offering a compressor for all occasions - there should be a unit to fit your wallet and needs amongst the six on offer. Most Bushranger units have two stage foam/felt air cleaner elements with spares in the box.
The Projecta range of three offers a hard case on two and the choice of single or twin head designs.
Piranha offers the Max Volume, plus their version of the Big Red Thomas, which unfortunately was supplied as a hard mounted kit and couldn't be tested. We'd figure it'll be similarly specced to the TJM version.
The twin cylinder ABR Sidewinder is well priced and blows third outright for the tyre inflation tests, has a high flow rate and is the only unit with a well concealed/protected air filter.
read on below advertisement
The only Australian-built unit, the ARB Compressor, while physically small through its clever internal design, is of high quality both in the body and accessories material and construction. It's obvious it's been manufactured to suit Australian use, especially with its unique lab-tested sintered bronze air filter element (which is washable) that will keep out the finest dust particles. The entire body is water tight (testament to it being able to run under water with the air filter extended). Priced well and being in the top end of the tyre inflation test, along with impressive lab results makes this unit my number one pick for value for money for a compressor that'll do what it claims, as well as offering unique, ingeniously designed components. Having an inbuilt pressure cut-off switch for running an air tank, plus the high-tech, heat-resistant hose and hard case (the lid actually switches the compressor off when closed as a safety feature) makes it the one to beat.
The only thing we can't test here is long term reliability, but having seen the internals of some cheaper priced units alongside the quality ARB and Thomas units, I'm not sure I'd trust the El Cheapo to get me out of trouble - even if it was only a once-a-year-use compressor.
Once you've chosen your air compressor, don't forget to use it. It's no good not adjusting your tyre pressures to suit the occasion. It's no good pulling out that air bed and sending yourself dizzy by giving it mouth-to-mouth, and it's definitely no point having a you-beaut air compressor if you leave it at home - take it with you every trip away and you'll be amazed at how often it'll get used with inflation... regardless of the value of our Aussie dollar.
Warn Air Power SPC
Claimed 100psi max pressure. Claimed 50% duty cycle for one hour. Soft bag. Large air cleaner is vulnerable in soft bag. Claimed 42.5 l/min at 0 psi.
Warn Air Power SPI
Claimed continuous duty cycle, integrated intercooler, claimed maximum 100psi, with pressure switch, fan cooled motor, Blow off (drain) valve. Must purchase Warn Air Accessory upgrade kit for hoses at $192.50 Very small air cleaner compared to most on test. Draws 80 amps. Built in 1.3-litre air tank makes it compatible with some air tools. Claimed 283L/min at 0psi.
Could not test in lab due to high current draw.
Warn Air Power VTC
V twin compressor. Claimed continuous duty cycle for 3-hours at 90psi. Integrated intercooler. Claimed maximum 100psi with pressure switch, fan cooled motor, blow off (drain) valve. Must purchase Warn Air Accessory upgrade kit for hoses at $192.50. Very small air cleaner compared to most on test. Draws 120 amp. Built in 3.78-litre air tank makes it compatible with some air tools. Claimed 566L/min at 0psi. A bit large to really be called portable like most on test and a high chance of damaging your battery or alternator if used too long. Could not test in lab due to high current draw
ARB CKMP12
Made in Australia. Hard case provides great protection.
50 percent claimed duty cycle - 30-minutes on / 30-minutes off. 105 pound pressure cut off switch, which also allows unit to be left on when air line is removed from tyre. 40 amp inline fuse. ON/Off switch in case. Lid is designed to switch compressor off when closed - great safety feature. High quality heat resistant air line is easy to unravel. Large diameter sintered bronze air cleaner rated for fine bull dust is unique. Very fast to inflate tyres given the small physical build. One of the few compressors that is not a 'copy' of another unit. Test ended at 95psi due to pressure cut of switch activating.
ARB SIDEWINDER
Twin cylinder with plastic heat shields over heads and body, soft carry bag, claimed max 150psi, large air filter is built in and well protected from damage, switch box with circuit breaker (eliminates fuse), deflation chuck, sand tray, handle folds down for storage. Shroud on motor prevented us measuring max temperatures.
OPPOSITE LOCK BLUE TONGUE
100 percent duty cycle to 50psi, No On/Off switch, soft bag, small diameter air filter, quality hose, fan cooled, made by Thomas in USA. Stopped lab test at 100psi as hose started to separate from brass fittings.
OPPOSITE LOCK TWIN TONGUE
Made by Thomas in USA. Hard case provides great protection. 160psi claimed max pressure, 7m high pressure, heat resistant hose, On/Off switch on box, fan cooled, thermal protection, small air filter.
TJM OX AIR
Made by Thomas in USA. Soft carry bag, claimed max pressure 150psi, claimed service life of 2000 hours, claimed 30 percent duty cycle, sand tray, high pressure hose with brass fittings, thermal protection, small 2-stage foam/felt air cleaner, inline fuse, fan cooled, 5 year warranty and 2000 hour service life. Stopped lab test at 70 psi as hose blew off brass fitting due to hose becoming soft from heat.
PROJECTA CYCLONE
Soft bag, sand tray, 4-metre power lead, 6-metre coiled hose with gauge, 150psi claimed max pressure, 300w motor, large air filter. Pump stopped at 98psi.
PROJECTA STORM
Plastic extruded carry case, sand tray, 2.4-metre power lead, 6-metre coiled hose with gauge, 150psi claimed max pressure, in line fuse, 400w motor, large air filter.
PROJECTA TYPHOON
Plastic extruded carry case, twin cylinder, two large air cleaners, sand tray, 1.8-metre power lead, 6-metre coiled hose with gauge, 150psi claimed max pressure, in line fuse, 600w motor.
BUSHRANGER MAX AIR 11
oft bag, large air filter is cast metal. Comes with replacement air filters and hard mount rubber anti vibration kit, inline fuse, thermal cut off, 40 minutes at 40psi claimed duty cycle, 150psi claimed max pressure, polished diamond plate sand tray adds 'bling'.
BUSHRANGER SUPER MAX
Soft bag, large air filter is cast metal. Comes with replacement air filters and hard mount rubber anti vibration kit, inline fuse, thermal cut off, 40 minutes at 40psi claimed duty cycle, 150psi claimed max pressure, polished diamond plate sand tray adds 'bling', has cooling air lines through cylinder head.
BUSHRANGER AUTO MAX
Soft bag, large air filter is cast metal. Comes with replacement air filters and hard mount rubber anti vibration kit, inline fuse, thermal cut off, 33 percent at 100psi claimed duty cycle, 150psi claimed max pressure, polished diamond plate sand tray adds 'bling', has built in pressure switch which turns pump of at 145psi enables plumbing to remote air tank without extra pressure switches.
BUSHRANGER POWER AIR SERIES 11
Totally different in looks, wiring is wrapt around anti vibration feet for storage, short air line stored in compartment, soft bag, fan cooled within plastic casing, claimed continuous duty cycle for over 5-hours, claimed max 150psi, inline fuse. Lab test stopped at 113psi after 30-minutes; motor still running but hardly pumping air.
BUSHRANGER BLACK MAX
Soft bag, large air filter is cast metal. Comes with replacement air filters and hard mount rubber anti vibration kit, inline fuse, thermal cut off, 30-minutes at 40psi claimed duty cycle, 150psi claimed max pressure, polished diamond plate sand tray adds 'bling',
BUSHRANGER PRO AIR
Soft bag, no air filter, inline fuse, thermal cut off, 40-minutes at 40psi claimed duty cycle, 150psi claimed max pressure, but gauge only reads to 100psi! Polished sand tray, 4.5-metre long electrical lead and short air line.
PIRANHA MAX VOLUME
Heat shield on tank prevented measuring accurate max temps in lab test, large air filter, but vulnerable plastic filter case when in soft carry bag, ON/Off switch, claimed max 120psi, no sand tray.
TERRAIN TAIMER TTAC1
Smallest compressor on test, will not pump a 33-inch tyre from 0psi without cutting out, cigarette lighter plug, won't reach all four tyres unless passed though each side of 4WD, soft bag, bargain basement price and spot on for keeping in the glove box! 140psi claimed max pressure. Stopped lab test at 60psi when motor cut out.
TERRAIN TAIMER TTAC2
Soft carry bag, separate container for adaptors, plastic concealed ends, no sand tray. 150psi claimed max pressure. Stopped lab test at 96psi; motor still running, but no air pumping.
Words and photos by Mark Allen
No, nothing to do with the price of living - but testing 21, 12-volt air compressors to find the right one for your 4WD.
There are many products that are either 'must have' or 'should have' or 'better have' in the world or 4WDing, camping and general life in the great outdoors. An air compressor is definitely one that fits into every category as it can have so many handy and convenient uses - aside from tyre inflation.
Depending on your uses, there are a few things to look out for when purchasing an air compressor - maximum pressure, air flow rate, duty cycle, portability, accessories and of course price.
Let's expand on a few of these points: maximum achievable pressure - no point purchasing a compressor that can only inflate low pressure toys like soccer balls, air beds and kids' toys if you're wanting to pump up tyres to 40 or 50psi. For low pressure pumping that requires a large volume of air, all you need is a lower pressure pump that has as high a flow rate as possible. Remember all those soccer balls, air beds and toys may have different openings, so be sure to look for varied fitments on the hose outlet.
Without knowing a compressor's internal technical specifications (or as we have lab tested on a Dyno), there is no way of guessing the flow rates. That will depend on the bore, stroke, RPM, internal design as well as other restricting factors like chuck type, air filter material, wiring gauge and length, as well as temperatures reached while running. Just because one compressor 'seems' to look identical to another, it may be very different inside - just like all car engines are NOT created equal, although many are rated at the same size.
Duty cycle; many people either forget, don't worry or have no idea what it is or why it's important to have a good duty cycle in a compressor.
Roughly, the duty cycle of a pump can be thought of as the amount of time the pump is actually working when it's turned on, compared to the amount of time it's not working when it's turned off - 2 minutes on followed by 2 minutes off is often (incorrectly) thought of as a 50 percent duty cycle, not very good when you're hanging around trying to pump something up quickly!
But then again, a (claimed) 50 percent duty cycle pump may run for 30-minutes, followed by a long 30-minute wait. Perhaps that's okay to re-inflate your four tyres after leaving the beach - but will that pump actually do the job within 30-minutes - I'd hate to be waiting another 30-minutes, while the motor cools down, to finish that last tyre!
Officially, Duty Cycle should be measured with the compressor pumping at 100psi at an ambient temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. The duty cycle is expressed in a percentage and is calculated by run time divided by the addition of the run time plus the off time, then multiplied by 100.
As an example: if a compressor is rated at a 25 percent duty cycle, it can only (theoretically) run for 10-minutes followed by 30-minutes turned off.
So, 10 / (10 + 30) multiplied by 100 = 25 percent duty cycle...not 33 percent as most would presume (10/30 multiplied by 100 = 33 percent).
Here are a few ratings so you don't have to hit the calculator, but do keep in mind that these technical figures are at 100psi and 22 degrees Celsius. Pumping at less pressure and varying temperatures will change the whole show:
An internal thermal cut out switch is primarily designed to protect the air compressor's motor from burning out or over heating. You'll have no control over this thermal cut off; when the unit heats to a preset temperature, it (theoretically at least) stops, leaving you twiddling your thumbs waiting for it to switch itself back on.
Price - that's the tough one. We all want to spend as little as possible, but want the best out of our gear. We've managed to round up most compressors on the market that are (or are claimed to be) suitable for 4WD tyre inflation, as well as general use around the camp site. We've drawn a line at the units being portable; that is, they must be able to be carried and used from one vehicle to another - not engine mounted or engine driven. Of course, most of the compressors you see here can indeed be mounted in your engine bay, under your seats or in your cargo area, but they are all initially portable units.
TESTING TIMES
As we were keen to test all the air compressors both scientifically and in real life situations, we figured on hooking up with ARB's state of the art Air Compressor Dyno and their design engineers Daniel Bongard and Sam Steward to measure all the technical issues of each and every compressor - maximum achievable pump pressures, motor temperatures, currant draw, air flow rates (standardised to 20ºC at sea level) and whether or not the thermal cut offs worked. We ensured a constant 13.8-volts to simulate a vehicle's electrical system with the engine running.
To capture all these results, the test equipment automatically captures data while the compressors are pumping into a pressure vessel to a maximum of 130psi. The internal and external temperatures of the vessel are known, the time, current and every piece of data is recorded to ensure accuracy. Graphs are automatically derived from the captured results to provide a real overall picture of how each compressor operates at any given pressure. All you need to do is run your finger along the bottom of the graph to reach the pressure you're operating at and you'll see the currant draw and flow rates in litres per minute - brilliant!
After our two-day stint in the dyno room, we hit the real world part of the test. Having fairly standard sized tyres for a touring 4WD on our own vehicle (285/75R16 on an 8-inch alloy rim) we figured on deflating a tyre to 0psi and inflating it to 35psi - simulating pumping a tyre up after repairing a puncture. Then we deflated a tyre to 20psi and returned the tyres pressure to 35psi - simulating returning your tyres to road going pressures after sand driving.
SO WHO WINS OUTRIGHT HONOURS?
Its' a 'horse-for-courses' situation here. There is no one outright winner. If you're looking for the most compact unit on the block, you can't go past the tiny Terrain Taimer TTAC1 - it'd fit into most glove boxes, just don't expect to inflate a large tyre from 0psi in one go!
If all you want is maximum blow, the almighty Warn Air Power VTC is simply amazing; it'll out blow all and sundry and have a line of mates a mile long who'll want to be part of this amazing V twin compressor...perhaps you'll need a few mates to help carry the thing too, as it's damn heavy and you'll have to use all your mate's batteries as it draws more amps than most alternators can produce; so much in fact that we couldn't test it in the lab.
Both the Big Red and the Blue Tongue, as well known for durability as they are, have superior duty cycles to allow long periods of use, albeit at a slower rate. These units don't have all the fancy shiny bits hanging off them, but are worth their weight when it comes to purchasing for the long haul. I'd be putting an inline switch on the wiring of the Blue Tongue to make life easier, but the Big Red is better protected in a hard case and has a switch. Both need attention to the way their air lines are attached to the brass fittings - an easy job.
Being a Thomas-built unit, the TJM Ox Air fits in similar to the Big Red and Blue Tongue - quality, slower than others, but in a soft bag. The air line connections need work to operate to their maximum potential.
Bushranger; geez talk about offering a compressor for all occasions - there should be a unit to fit your wallet and needs amongst the six on offer. Most Bushranger units have two stage foam/felt air cleaner elements with spares in the box.
The Projecta range of three offers a hard case on two and the choice of single or twin head designs.
Piranha offers the Max Volume, plus their version of the Big Red Thomas, which unfortunately was supplied as a hard mounted kit and couldn't be tested. We'd figure it'll be similarly specced to the TJM version.
The twin cylinder ABR Sidewinder is well priced and blows third outright for the tyre inflation tests, has a high flow rate and is the only unit with a well concealed/protected air filter.
read on below advertisement
The only Australian-built unit, the ARB Compressor, while physically small through its clever internal design, is of high quality both in the body and accessories material and construction. It's obvious it's been manufactured to suit Australian use, especially with its unique lab-tested sintered bronze air filter element (which is washable) that will keep out the finest dust particles. The entire body is water tight (testament to it being able to run under water with the air filter extended). Priced well and being in the top end of the tyre inflation test, along with impressive lab results makes this unit my number one pick for value for money for a compressor that'll do what it claims, as well as offering unique, ingeniously designed components. Having an inbuilt pressure cut-off switch for running an air tank, plus the high-tech, heat-resistant hose and hard case (the lid actually switches the compressor off when closed as a safety feature) makes it the one to beat.
The only thing we can't test here is long term reliability, but having seen the internals of some cheaper priced units alongside the quality ARB and Thomas units, I'm not sure I'd trust the El Cheapo to get me out of trouble - even if it was only a once-a-year-use compressor.
Once you've chosen your air compressor, don't forget to use it. It's no good not adjusting your tyre pressures to suit the occasion. It's no good pulling out that air bed and sending yourself dizzy by giving it mouth-to-mouth, and it's definitely no point having a you-beaut air compressor if you leave it at home - take it with you every trip away and you'll be amazed at how often it'll get used with inflation... regardless of the value of our Aussie dollar.
Warn Air Power SPC
Claimed 100psi max pressure. Claimed 50% duty cycle for one hour. Soft bag. Large air cleaner is vulnerable in soft bag. Claimed 42.5 l/min at 0 psi.
Warn Air Power SPI
Claimed continuous duty cycle, integrated intercooler, claimed maximum 100psi, with pressure switch, fan cooled motor, Blow off (drain) valve. Must purchase Warn Air Accessory upgrade kit for hoses at $192.50 Very small air cleaner compared to most on test. Draws 80 amps. Built in 1.3-litre air tank makes it compatible with some air tools. Claimed 283L/min at 0psi.
Could not test in lab due to high current draw.
Warn Air Power VTC
V twin compressor. Claimed continuous duty cycle for 3-hours at 90psi. Integrated intercooler. Claimed maximum 100psi with pressure switch, fan cooled motor, blow off (drain) valve. Must purchase Warn Air Accessory upgrade kit for hoses at $192.50. Very small air cleaner compared to most on test. Draws 120 amp. Built in 3.78-litre air tank makes it compatible with some air tools. Claimed 566L/min at 0psi. A bit large to really be called portable like most on test and a high chance of damaging your battery or alternator if used too long. Could not test in lab due to high current draw
ARB CKMP12
Made in Australia. Hard case provides great protection.
50 percent claimed duty cycle - 30-minutes on / 30-minutes off. 105 pound pressure cut off switch, which also allows unit to be left on when air line is removed from tyre. 40 amp inline fuse. ON/Off switch in case. Lid is designed to switch compressor off when closed - great safety feature. High quality heat resistant air line is easy to unravel. Large diameter sintered bronze air cleaner rated for fine bull dust is unique. Very fast to inflate tyres given the small physical build. One of the few compressors that is not a 'copy' of another unit. Test ended at 95psi due to pressure cut of switch activating.
ARB SIDEWINDER
Twin cylinder with plastic heat shields over heads and body, soft carry bag, claimed max 150psi, large air filter is built in and well protected from damage, switch box with circuit breaker (eliminates fuse), deflation chuck, sand tray, handle folds down for storage. Shroud on motor prevented us measuring max temperatures.
OPPOSITE LOCK BLUE TONGUE
100 percent duty cycle to 50psi, No On/Off switch, soft bag, small diameter air filter, quality hose, fan cooled, made by Thomas in USA. Stopped lab test at 100psi as hose started to separate from brass fittings.
OPPOSITE LOCK TWIN TONGUE
Made by Thomas in USA. Hard case provides great protection. 160psi claimed max pressure, 7m high pressure, heat resistant hose, On/Off switch on box, fan cooled, thermal protection, small air filter.
TJM OX AIR
Made by Thomas in USA. Soft carry bag, claimed max pressure 150psi, claimed service life of 2000 hours, claimed 30 percent duty cycle, sand tray, high pressure hose with brass fittings, thermal protection, small 2-stage foam/felt air cleaner, inline fuse, fan cooled, 5 year warranty and 2000 hour service life. Stopped lab test at 70 psi as hose blew off brass fitting due to hose becoming soft from heat.
PROJECTA CYCLONE
Soft bag, sand tray, 4-metre power lead, 6-metre coiled hose with gauge, 150psi claimed max pressure, 300w motor, large air filter. Pump stopped at 98psi.
PROJECTA STORM
Plastic extruded carry case, sand tray, 2.4-metre power lead, 6-metre coiled hose with gauge, 150psi claimed max pressure, in line fuse, 400w motor, large air filter.
PROJECTA TYPHOON
Plastic extruded carry case, twin cylinder, two large air cleaners, sand tray, 1.8-metre power lead, 6-metre coiled hose with gauge, 150psi claimed max pressure, in line fuse, 600w motor.
BUSHRANGER MAX AIR 11
oft bag, large air filter is cast metal. Comes with replacement air filters and hard mount rubber anti vibration kit, inline fuse, thermal cut off, 40 minutes at 40psi claimed duty cycle, 150psi claimed max pressure, polished diamond plate sand tray adds 'bling'.
BUSHRANGER SUPER MAX
Soft bag, large air filter is cast metal. Comes with replacement air filters and hard mount rubber anti vibration kit, inline fuse, thermal cut off, 40 minutes at 40psi claimed duty cycle, 150psi claimed max pressure, polished diamond plate sand tray adds 'bling', has cooling air lines through cylinder head.
BUSHRANGER AUTO MAX
Soft bag, large air filter is cast metal. Comes with replacement air filters and hard mount rubber anti vibration kit, inline fuse, thermal cut off, 33 percent at 100psi claimed duty cycle, 150psi claimed max pressure, polished diamond plate sand tray adds 'bling', has built in pressure switch which turns pump of at 145psi enables plumbing to remote air tank without extra pressure switches.
BUSHRANGER POWER AIR SERIES 11
Totally different in looks, wiring is wrapt around anti vibration feet for storage, short air line stored in compartment, soft bag, fan cooled within plastic casing, claimed continuous duty cycle for over 5-hours, claimed max 150psi, inline fuse. Lab test stopped at 113psi after 30-minutes; motor still running but hardly pumping air.
BUSHRANGER BLACK MAX
Soft bag, large air filter is cast metal. Comes with replacement air filters and hard mount rubber anti vibration kit, inline fuse, thermal cut off, 30-minutes at 40psi claimed duty cycle, 150psi claimed max pressure, polished diamond plate sand tray adds 'bling',
BUSHRANGER PRO AIR
Soft bag, no air filter, inline fuse, thermal cut off, 40-minutes at 40psi claimed duty cycle, 150psi claimed max pressure, but gauge only reads to 100psi! Polished sand tray, 4.5-metre long electrical lead and short air line.
PIRANHA MAX VOLUME
Heat shield on tank prevented measuring accurate max temps in lab test, large air filter, but vulnerable plastic filter case when in soft carry bag, ON/Off switch, claimed max 120psi, no sand tray.
TERRAIN TAIMER TTAC1
Smallest compressor on test, will not pump a 33-inch tyre from 0psi without cutting out, cigarette lighter plug, won't reach all four tyres unless passed though each side of 4WD, soft bag, bargain basement price and spot on for keeping in the glove box! 140psi claimed max pressure. Stopped lab test at 60psi when motor cut out.
TERRAIN TAIMER TTAC2
Soft carry bag, separate container for adaptors, plastic concealed ends, no sand tray. 150psi claimed max pressure. Stopped lab test at 96psi; motor still running, but no air pumping.
