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  1. Compact Equipment Magazine
  2. Compressors

Compressors

Portable Air Compressors for Compact Jobsites: Sizing, Specs, Power Options and Real-World Tips

Portable, trailered compressors are jobsite force multipliers — powering breakers, trenchers, sandblasting, irrigation blowouts and more. On Compact Equipment, our compressors hub covers the full spectrum: how to size units by cfm/psi, when to step up to multi-pressure machines and what to spec for transport, safety and uptime. We break down popular classes (185–250 cfm staples, 400-class workhorses and 650–1,600 cfm big air) and explain how hose length, fittings and air treatment (aftercoolers, filters, dryers) impact pressure at the tool.

You’ll find buyer’s guides and rental primers that compare diesel to electric portables — from quiet, emissions-free corded units for plants and indoor work to advanced controllers that widen usable pressure/flow ranges. Because placement and handling matter, we cover towing, brake hookups, lift eyes, site surcharges near trenches and best practices for safe setup. Maintenance features prominently, with seasonal checklists for fuel, oils and lubricants, heater elements, batteries, belts and coolers — plus cold-start aids and storage tips. Rounding it out are new-model spotlights (multi-pressure diesel units, high-output 400-class electrics, even battery-driven portables) and practical operator advice from OEM experts. Whether you manage a rental fleet or just need reliable air for a weekend project, our coverage helps you choose, configure and care for the right compressor — and keep productive air on tap. Some examples of portable air compressors we cover include:

Sullair Diesel Portable Air Compressors | Kaeser Portable Compressors | VMAC Air Compressors and Multipower Systems

Sullair compressor Clearing the Air: Coming Clean About Diesel-Driven Oil-Free Portable Air Compressors
Case Curtis
February 27, 2020
Read Article
Compressors Doosan Portable Power C185 Air Compressor
Air Power: Here’s a Great Group of Powerful and Very Portable Air Compressors
February 25, 2020
Compressors
Air Power: Kaeser Rolls Out New 185-CFM Portable Compressor
November 26, 2019
Compressors
Compressor Expert Sullair Announces Major Expansion Plan in Michigan City, Ind.
October 3, 2019
Compressors
Vanair to Launch Several New Products at ICUEE 2019
September 17, 2019
Compressors pavement breaker with compressor
Hot and Cold: Tips for Operating Gen Sets, Compressors and Light Towers in Varying Temperatures

As the summer heat continues in September and the colder fall months loom, it’s a good time to talk about hot and cold temperature flu...

September 9, 2019
Compressors
Doosan Portable Power Expands Small Air Compressor Product Line with High-Pressure XP185 Model

Doosan Portable Power is expanding its small air compressor lineup with the introduction of the Doosan® XP185WDO. This high-pressure mod...

May 22, 2019
Compressors
Compressor Experts at Kaeser Celebrate 100 Years of Innovation

Kaeser Kompressoren is celebrating its centennial year. Established in 1919 as a machine workshop in Coburg, Germany by Carl Kaeser, Sr. (pi...

May 1, 2019
Compressors Chicago Pneumatic Power Technique 185 KD
Here Are the Most Popular Portable Compressors on the Market Right Now

In the world of construction, it’s amazing what a little air can do. Thanks to portable air compressors, contractors can perform a ple...

March 4, 2019
Compressors
Doosan Portable Power Introduces Dual Flow Air Compressor with 210 cfm High-Pressure Mode

Doosan Portable Power has introduced the P250/HP210 Tier 4 Final portable air compressor. The “two-in-one” model delivers the pr...

February 18, 2019
Compressors sullair 185
Air Supply: Maintenance Musts and Best Practices to Keep Compressors Working

The adage holds true: If you take care of your equipment, it’ll take care of you. To help extend the life of your portable diesel air ...

February 18, 2019
Compressors
Doosan Portable Power Releases Updated P185 Air Compressor with Doosan Airend, Longer Runtime

Doosan Portable Power has released a newly updated Doosan P185WDO portable air compressor featuring increased runtime and a proprietary Doos...

February 7, 2019
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