Welcome! Please use the navigational links to explore our website.
PartsASAP LogoCompany Logo (800) 853-2651

Shop Now

   Allis Chalmers Case Farmall IH Ford 8N,9N,2N Ford
   Ferguson John Deere Massey Ferguson Minn. Moline Oliver

Attention Forum Users: On the 28th of December 2023 at 9:00am Central Time, we will be taking the forums down for maintenance while we prepare the new forums for your use. Please click here for more information.

Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you think

Welcome Guest, Log in or Register
Author 
IHC Red

11-13-2005 15:00:27




Report to Moderator

This was listed in the latest HF flyer... see link below.

Looks like it has good output... almost too good (5.6 cfm @ 90psi). Dad's old unit doesn't have enough capacity to run my 1/2" impact wrench.

I know a lot of you guys have had mixed experiences with HF. I'm seriously thinking of getting this unit.

[Log in to Reply]   [No Email]
IHC Red

11-14-2005 22:20:40




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-13-2005 15:00:27  
Thanks for all the great replies. I think I'd better keep looking.

I don't need a hi-capacity compressor often, but when I do, I know I'll appreciate a good one.

I've been looking at Sears for a while, but they don't seem that great either. Their $250-$300 system isn't oil lubricated and I don't think it'll have enough capacity to keep me going.

Thanks again,
Red



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
TimV

11-15-2005 13:33:50




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-14-2005 22:20:40  
I've got a Sears 30-gallon, "5.5" hp single-stage horizontal unit. I've had it for 5 years and other than being very noisy it's held up fine. However, it doesn't have the beans to run an air grinder, siphon sand blaster, or any other high-use attachement for any length of time. I have used it successfully to do quite a bit of 1/2" air impact work, but you're going to have to figure on letting it catch its breath every few bolts. I recently got a good deal on an old Quincy 325 with an 80-gallon tank, and it's three times the compressor that the Craftsman was, but that's to be expected.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Vern-MI

11-14-2005 04:40:01




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-13-2005 15:00:27  
I have one of those I keep at the cottage. It works OK. When I got it it had quite a few minor issues. It wanted to walk across the floor so I voided the rear rubber feet to give them more flexibility and that stopped it from walking. The plastic shroud around the motor which directs the air over the motor and compressor cracked at the bolt holes where it is fastened to the compressor so I had to fashion metal attachment adapters to hold the shroud on. The check valve and regulator O-rings cracked and leaked so I replaced them. The output shut offs leaked so I took them off and replaced with quick disconnects but had to retap for 1/4" pipe as they were originally 7/16 x 14 or something like that. The plastic wheels are very thin and the attachments to the tank are very weak and tend to bend easily. I change the oil in it once a year and it seems to drain out quite clean so it seems the unit is not chewing itself up. I probably would buy something a little better if I were to do it again.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Ranger John

11-13-2005 20:05:59




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-13-2005 15:00:27  
I think I would be looking around for a used compressor. 4-5HP is a good size. I bought mine for $125 a couple of years ago and it is still going strong. Even though it is a 4 hp Sears.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Brand0n

11-13-2005 19:29:20




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-13-2005 15:00:27  
It might last a few years with light duty use however I wouldn't even consider running a die grinder or even filling a 14x34 tire with it. Ive seen this compresser in the flesh and even though the specs are almost to good to be true they really are far fetched. Put 10-20 running hours on it and I doubt it will pump up a basketball. For the guy who needs to air up a car tire or maybe a 1/2 impact doing intermittant duty it would be just fine. When I say intermittant I mean impact 'till it starts compressing and have a coke or pepsi. When the can is empty the compresser *should* be ready for another lugnut on the 1/2 drive.

I believe you can also get the same compressor from Wal*Mart with different labels and maybe red paint.

Brand0n Cambridge, MN

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
pbutler

11-13-2005 19:05:48




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-13-2005 15:00:27  
I have almost that compressor-only the upright version. I have used it for pretty light use for the last 2 years. Worst thing I put it through is blowing off the combine.

It started leaking oil after the 1st year, and the valve to turn off the external connections broke in year two-but no big deal there just unplug hose when not in use. I keep expecting it to die any day but it keeps going.

Like someone else said, for $99 get your couple years out of it-but if you are going to use it hard or plan to keep it for more than a couple years without upgrading I would keep looking.

Paul

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Ken Crisman

11-13-2005 18:14:43




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-13-2005 15:00:27  
well guys from my experience with body shop air supplies & air tools ; go bigger . I have a 5 hp 2 stage with 80 gallon tank . I run out of air alot . It's putting out 17.+ pressure & my air tools will kill it . It runs constantly . After I had bought mine I found out that the same store & company sold one that had a compressor with cast iron cyl. & head that ran quieter & stronger . i used to install compressors for shops for the guy I bought mine from but he didn't tell me all this before I bought mine . Just my experience . Another thing , pipe it up with 3/4" galvanized pipe for more volumne . Also put a slope in your piping with drains along the way for water . Good luck , Ken

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Stan in Oly, WA

11-13-2005 18:00:56




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-13-2005 15:00:27  
Hi IHC Red,

I'm impressed with the level-headedness of the advice you've gotten on this so far. The topic of HF tools sometimes arouses some strong opinions.

I don't own that model of compressor, but I did buy the one pictured in the lower right corner of that ad...the $89 pancake compressor. "Mixed experience" is a good way of describing what I've had with it. It's too weak to do anything I need it to do, but it's very portable. If you can figure out what good that is, please let me know.

Two things it will do are inflate tires, and blow out things that don't require dry air. It won't keep a 3" cutoff wheel going to cut either masonry or metal---something that doesn't seem like it should require a lot of power since a $10 Cummins angle grinder will do it just fine.

A quibble I had about quality was that the tube that brought air pressure to the gauge/switch was clear plastic like you would run from a fish tank pump. For awhile it was held in place by a compression fitting, then not. I need to replace it with 1/4" copper, but since its usefulness is so limited I don't know when I'll get around to it.

Have I talked you into getting one yet?

All the best, Stan

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Charles (in GA)

11-13-2005 17:24:14




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-13-2005 15:00:27  
Seems to me that there too many decent to good compressors out there to be spending money on the junk. Old saying "you generally get what you pay for".

Charles



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Scott.ID

11-13-2005 17:04:56




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-13-2005 15:00:27  
Red,

I"ve blown up two of the ones you mention in the last ten years, but they might be making them better now.

For occasional work, it might work fine. I blew up mine using them to supply a blasting cabinet, so I"m looking at the one linked below.

Scott



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
DJM75

11-14-2005 10:09:19




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to Scott.ID, 11-13-2005 17:04:56  
hey before you buy that one I got a 5hp 60 gal porter cable from theisen's for $350. It is very good quality. just an idea.



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
Charles (in GA)

11-13-2005 15:37:40




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to IHC Red, 11-13-2005 15:00:27  
3400 RPM and I can see its a direct drive unit. That pump is screaming. I wouldn't expect alot of life out of it at that RPM. But for $99 it might last long enough to get your money's worth out of it. If you have the bucks, I opt for something about three times as expensive, but would last a lifetime.

Charles



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
lucasss

11-13-2005 20:12:43




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to Charles (in GA), 11-13-2005 15:37:40  
neighbor has one about that size, looks like it ,he got at local harbor freight store.maybe ok for bicycle work but his wont get but about 1/2 the power out of a 1/2" impact,and for a very short time burst. and as loud as all get out.but if i didnt have one,and thats all i could afford, guess id get it. lucas



[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
johnlobb

11-14-2005 16:46:07




Report to Moderator
 Re: Harbor Freight Air Compressor... what do you t in reply to lucasss, 11-13-2005 20:12:43  
I bought one of the Harbor Freight next size bigger ones for $169 in spring of 04. Used it a lot while redoing a JD B. (The wheels needed a lot of sandblasting.) I would use it a while, and than sit down waiting for it to catch up. This spring, it started a death rattle, so I called the manager of the HF store where I bought it, and he said bring it in. He gave me back all my money as credit toward a Campball Hausfield. I just had to buy a 2 yr extended warranty on the new unit. (Above and beyond the 1 yr mfg warranty.) This new unit is a belt drive cast iron cylinder compressor, and it works well. I still wish i"d have bought a bigger one, however. I don"t think you ever regret buying a bigger, better compressor than you think you need. John L.

[Log in to Reply]  [No Email]
[Options]  [Printer Friendly]  [Posting Help]  [Return to Forum]   [Log in to Reply]

Hop to:


TRACTOR PARTS TRACTOR MANUALS
We sell tractor parts!  We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]

Home  |  Forums


Copyright © 1997-2023 Yesterday's Tractor Co.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy

TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.

Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters

Website Accessibility Policy