12 volt air compressor

Dieseltech · Apr 2, 2017

Since installing an air ride seat on the 560 I tractor ride with I'm in the market for a small 12 volt compressor to keep the air supply tank charged. Have the tank pressure switch set for 95 PSI off, 75 PSI on. Have a regulator to adjust seat pressure, seems it works well at 55-60 PSI. Online I see pump prices range from twenty to two hundred bucks. Any thoughts on what's the best for my setup, CFM and price wise? Thanks in advance..

kcm.MN · Apr 2, 2017

Don't go cheap - you WILL be sorry if you do! Those portable compressors like you get in Wal-Mart aren't worth the plastic they're covered in. As you're looking for a tractor, it has to be one that can handle LOTS of dust and vibration.

I've heard lots of good things about Viair brand. Looked them up on Amazon and found quite a few that run in price from $45 https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-85P-Po...zSg&psc=1&refRID=RHWERR19K6ZQDCAWNFC6 on up. Another model that is a little more powerful (same manufacturer) is this one https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-...14&sr=8-8&keywords=12v+air+compressor

They also have a mounting bracket here:
https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-95900-...011&ie=UTF8&qid=1491137978&sr=8-3

I'm going to be adding an onboard compressor to my truck soon as I have air lift bags on my 1/2-ton. Also want to install an air horn. I'll probably go with the first link above in addition to this air tank:
https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Horns...d=1491138557&sr=8-7&keywords=air+tank

Geo-TH,In · Apr 2, 2017

I agree, the cheapies that I dug out of a dumpster are lucky to make enough air pressure to inflate a tire to 30 psi.

ss55 · Apr 2, 2017

I've only used the $25 emergency light/compressors for cars. They are slow and noisy (oil-less) but they are compact, will air up 100 PSI bike tires and last for 20 years of occasional use. They can take 10 to 20 minutes to air up a completely flat car tire. The capacity of any 12 volt compressor is limited by how many amperes it can draw. Most cigarette lighters are fused around 20 amps, so the units that plug into a cigarette lighter are all below that. If you need capacity, look for a unit with battery clips (read the amp draw on the label) or a 120 volt unit.

How much volume is in your air ride seat? Do you need to carry it on the tractor? If the volume is small, a cheap compressor will probably work out fine. If it doesn't, the unit will still be good as an emergency unit in a vehicle.

Hobo,NC · Apr 2, 2017

I have saved several air compressors off Fords with air ride suspension and have one on a junker Lincoln. I would be looking that way. They last for 10/20 years on cars and should fit the bill.
I only seen one just quit they normally get noisy are start to pull so many amps they blow the fuse. All I have seen on cars light trucks are basically the same.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/air-suspension-compressor

JD Seller · Apr 2, 2017

Go to a tractor salvage yard and get the compressor out of a tractor air seat suspension. Then plumb it directly into the air bag on you seat. It will have the control valve built into it. You then just have to put a three position switch to control the height of the seat. I have done several of them for guys that tractor ride a lot. I can usually get the compressors for around $100.

Mark-Mi · Apr 2, 2017

Ran 2 tractors with 5 gallon portable tanks. No wiring and cost about 25 dollars. Filled them once in the spring and fall.

S2710 · Apr 3, 2017

If you just use the tractor for tractor rides mount a small single cylnder air compresor to your PTO and when your pressure tank gets low turn the PTO on and pump the tank up.

Bob

Hay hay hay · Apr 3, 2017

I have had very good luck with the little $35 12v 100psi compressors from Harbor freight. very small but powerful.
Item # 69284. I keep one in every vehicle, mainly for trailer and wagon tires.

12 volt air compressor

Dieseltech

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kcm.MN

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Geo-TH,In

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ss55

Well-known Member

Hobo,NC

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JD Seller

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Mark-Mi

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S2710

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Hay hay hay

Well-known Member

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