Compressor

[Phs]

ViAir are good,

In the 4wd market Bushranger use Viair compressor so that's the best way to get one setup for our use. They are also are fairly compact

ARB are ok, hoses can be prone to pop, there not at the level of quality as Thomas or viair in my opinion.

Opposite locks mean green and blue tongues are good but don't know where you can get them anymore
Thomas makes the blue tongue and big red compressors. 4wdstore sell viair and Thomas pumps

Dr air units are also ok.

I have had a fair few compressors over the years,
Thomas being the best
And Ironman being the worst.

I'm not a fan of Arb. After having the gudgeon pin of 2 of them snap and nothing but stuff around I wouldn't buy one again.

I run VIA AIR now and love them. 100% duty cycle and excellent airflow. Good for 200psi. Pumped up 9 tyres recently in the time my mates ARB took do do his 4.

It pays to look around and understand the specs. A lot of brands post the free flow air rate at 0 psi. Find out what they do at 35 psi. That's a true indication.

ARB. Great unit. Nuff said.

[krypto]

Having been through a few compressors, I believe that there are three key things to look for;

1. Reliability - will it keep working even in hot and tough conditions, its pretty pointless having a compressor that dies when you get bogged up to the axles on a +40C day (speaking from experience).

2. Duty cycle - how quickly will it pump tyres, how long can it keep doing it.

3. Ease of use - Does it have auto stop/start when you disconnect (really great feature that you will want once you have used it), and does it have a good quality pressure gauge (preferably digital) with air release.

After looking around for a replacement recently based on my three criteria I settled on a BUSHRANGER MAX AIR III. Best compressor that I have owned to date and pretty good price for what you get. The ARB is also very good but quite a bit more expensive especially once you add the high quality gauge that comes with the Bushranger and even though I really like the plastic box it comes in, it prevents ventilation.

[CamJam]

I am in the market for a portable compressor to re inflate the tyres when required.

There are a gazillion on the market. I don't want a compressor that is going to take a month of Sundays to do the job.

Any recommendations of what will fit the bill and what won't?

You don't provide a price, or whether you want to mount it to a car/ free standing.

I bought a Ridge Ryder Air from Supercheap Auto down from $275 to $169 on one of their numerous sales. It was excellent, and I would highly recommend it. Did all four tyres without any issues and quickly, never slowed and had plenty of length in the pipes and accessories. Really good value (on sale - and it is at the moment for $180 but it will likely go a little lower eventually to $160).

It couldn't be vehicle mounted, however, and so I sold it (you can get them on Ebay for $120 or so - that's what mine sold for) and bought an ARB one that was an external/ carry case one but I mounted it to the car. That way it doesn't take up room in the back (they are large and heavy) and I will never forget it. That cost around $500 installed I think (all prices are in ARB catalogue).

I can't help you if you're like the Supercheap customer I ran into the other week asking for the same advice, but with an unwillingness to spend any more than $40...

If you go the ARB route - and can wait - recommend finding when the next 4WD show is that you have in your area and getting a deal there...

[Two89w]

I am in the market for a portable compressor to re inflate the tyres when required.

There are a gazillion on the market. I don't want a compressor that is going to take a month of Sundays to do the job.

Any recommendations of what will fit the bill and what won't?