I am thinking about buying a gasoline powered air compressor to put in the back of my truck. I am looking at the wheelbarrow style compressors. I was first thinking about getting the Ingersoll Rand version (with a recoil start Honda motor) for around $750. However, the other day I saw a Puma wheelbarrow model for $650, and an electric start version for $750. It had a Subaru motor. I would really like to have the electric start, especially considering where I am going to place it in my truck (hard to get to the pull starter), but I don't know anything about the Subaru motors.

Any info regarding your experiences with gas air compressors (and especially those I mentioned above) would be appreciated.

We bought a Dewalt from Grainger, itsa beast!! Builds 150* and airs our bus tires to 130* quickly. We bought it for our show trailer. I'll get the exact m# tomorrow for you.

emglo air compressor owned by dewalt are godo

I have an IR with a honda motor on it. I only used it a few times, but I was really impressed with it. Too bad your so far away, was looking to sell it. But gas powered compressors are awesome.

If you google IR compressors you will find that they have just been awarded the highest consumer rating for air compressors based on current ownership.

We have three that we use on the farm. One in dad's work pickup, one in the spare work pickup and an extra in the shop, just in case. They are Coleman brand compressors. So far the compressors themselves have been great. Not a single problem with any so far and they get used and abused everyday. Only downfall is they come with less than stellar Briggs motors. We've replaced one of the motors so far, but other than that, they been great units. Cant believe we got by without one for so long.

I am to cheap to go that route, if i am going to spend that money i woud and did buy a small honda generator and an electric compressor. Chances are if i am on a jobsite then there probably wont be any power anyway and will need the generator to power saws and lights. Just my 2 cents.

I have a new Honda GX powered wheelbarrow style unit for sale minus the tanks. It's the Home Depot Ridgid brand that sells for $699. The tanks were damaged so I removed them, the compressor never had the oil put in and the motor was never started either. Looking to get $350 for it.

I think if I were looking at that I'd consider an engine mount compressor or a hydraulic pump driving a remote hydraulic air compressor. It would fit in the second alternator bay, and would use less gas than a gas driven one. It would also not steal the bed space.

I've got the Ingersoll Rand compressor with the Honda engine. Starts every time, unless you've got air pumped up in the tank, and runs very well using little fuel.

I bought it to blow cotton strippers out and so at times it'll run full blast for 45 min. or so at a time. I used to take it out of the pickup but now just leave it in all the time because its so darn handy to have back there.

You won't go wrong with that one. I think I gave @$680.00

I think if I were looking at that I'd consider an engine mount compressor or a hydraulic pump driving a remote hydraulic air compressor. It would fit in the second alternator bay, and would use less gas than a gas driven one. It would also not steal the bed space.

The separate compressor would be more efficient and save wear/tear on your more expensive truck.

If you just use it for short periods of time, the under hood compressor is super nice and always there. We used to have one with an underbed tank and quick coupler near the rear license plate- just plug in your hose and you are ready to go.

That sounds awsome.. Where do i get an under the hood setup and how much?

Ours was custom built with a small compressor and an electric clutch like on an a/c compressor. The pressure switch was wired to the electric clutch.

I'm not sure if you can buy a kit ready to go or a compressor with the clutch on it? Google it?

I guess it depends what you need it for. I hate giving up bed space and the noise of small gas engines. They are annoying. Also, the diesel can sit there and idle all day using less fuel than a small gas engine will. I am doing this on my work truck, and the hydraulic pump will power a dump bed and a hydraulic log splitter that tows behind, then later an air compressor that bolts under the flatbed.

Using it for moe than one purpose, it should save me a lot of money because I don't use it all that often. Gas engines for each of those things would get expensive.

Thanks for the responses. I thought about a permanent setup but since I have several different pickups it needs to be moveable from vehicle to vehicle. Has anyone ever used one of these with electric start?

It's really no different than manual start. If you're using it frequently, it'll be fine. If it's used infrequently, I'd consider using a quick connector to tie into the vehicle battery in each truck for starting. We have trouble with generators and pumps liek this on our fire trucks. If they are not used for a few months, the battery is always dead, and we cannot put up with that when someone's life is on the line.