Air compressor psi question

[cbturf]

I tried the blower thing and it dod not work for me. In the heavy dust it would not clean the radiators or air filters out. I still keep it around because it does work really good for cleaning out the radiator screen and is good for cleaning up the outside of the machine before loading it on a trailer and stuff.

 

[Timark80]

I am no expert but I have been in the landscaping industry for 10 years and have been doing full time commercial mowing for all of those 10 years. When I need to clean/blow out radiators or filters I just use a back pack blower. A $400 blower will move more air than just about any compressor. Plus you never have to wait for the tank to fill up. I don't think you need psi to move debris, you need volume. I think most backpack blowers are in the 600cfm range.

That will work in some cases,but when you need to remove debris in really tight areas such as between the bellypan and cab, a long thin wand is needed.
I will also need the compresssor for airtools on the jobsite and at home.

 

[yellowdogsvc]

my 2 cents would be to keep your CFM down if you are using an extension air gun. You can easily damage aluminum radiator fins and force air into places it shouldn't go. I have used an 8 cfm 125 psi compressor for years and have to blow out my Bobcats and Cat machines. I even use it to blow out the FAE mulcher housing, the inside of the cab, keep my air in my tires, etc. I use a 5 hp, 8 gallon wheelbarrow compressor that I keep on my flatbed. I keep on the truck 50' of hose, a pistol air gun, 2.5' extension gun, 600 ft.lb impact wrench, air chuck, and a small air cut off tool. I can get into just about every compartment I need to with the gun and it will blow out the machine clean without too much air velocity that could damage the radiators as I mentioned above. I would like to have about 10-13 cfm max, however, but I don't want the extra weight or size of a larger compressor. If I thought the Oasis would hold up, I'd go that route to save space on the flatbed.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I've used compressors for years with a maximum pressure of 125 psi and that will do most jobs just fine. However, I'm currently using a compressor with a maximum of 155 psi and the difference is really noticeable. I'm spoiled to this now and wouldn't want to go back to a 125 psi compressor. My compressor use now is mostly using blow guns to clean stuff. I have one of the usual little short blow guns that is used most frequently, even for blowing out my electric razor and hair clippers, the 2' blow gun is used to clean the lawnmower and string trimmer after use, and the 4' blow gun is used to "sweep" the garage and shop floors and the sidewalk and driveways. If you can afford the 175 psi setup, I'd recommend you do it.

I agree. Higher pressure is much nicer. Get beyond the marginal range and dial it back to suit. Performance at higher pressure becomes increasingly dependent on going to 2 stage compression. You will not get decent delivery at 150 with single stage because the effective compression ratio is much lower than with a 2 stage.

As anecdote, I have an old Kellogg American 2 stage rated for up to 250PSI. When I hooked it up Iwas used to 150 on a single stage. With the same motor the 2 stage held pressure better. After a little while I went ahead and upped it to 170, but quickly noticed that blogun air on my fingers actually hurt at that pressure. I set it back to 160. Nite/day difference. I now use the higher pressure only when needed [rarely]. I believe it is dangerous on the skin.
larry