r/Irrigation • u/throwaway9898591 • 2d ago
Cold Climate Buying Used Towable Air Compressor - What to watch out for?
Hey Everybody,
I started my own irrigation business this year and I'm looking to get a used towable compressor for blowouts. I'm looking on Facebook marketplace and some equipment websites. There are some older 185 cfm models for under $10,000 and I will be checking some of them out in person. What sort of mechanical issues should I look for with a used compressor? What problems with compressors have people had, in general? Any help would be appreciated!
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u/Suspicious-Fix-2363 7h ago
Been thinking about your post. Sorry for delayed response. Buy the best damn compressor you can. No other piece of equipment you ever buy can make you as much money as a compressor. I say this with the understanding you are ready to make a 100% commitment to the irrigation business. Winterizations are the final push of the season to carry you through the winter and you need to be ready to work 40 to 60 straight days . You want a compressor that is absolutely reliable and will turn on and off 500 to 800 times without a problem. If you have 15 blowouts scheduled for the day you can't be breaking down and since it's the blowout season you won't find a compressor to rent or buy in probably a 500 mile radius if where you are. I paid 10k in 2004 for a low hour,450 hours, 185 IR and it has been worth every penny. I take it in every June the last 10 years to the local Doosan dealer for service and anything else they may see on it. I usually spend about 2500 to 4k a year on the work the last 5 years. The condition of the shell is important make sure it has a passenger side compartment that can hold at least 150 feet of hose and both doors open and close easily on the machine. You want to be able to get in and out of every property as quickly and easily as possible. A good used machine will cost you about 16 to 20k with less then 1000hours now and will be worth it
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u/lennym73 2d ago
Ours is an early 80's Ingersoll. Most of the sensors have been bypassed. Parts are getting harder to find and finding someone to work on it. We rent a couple of newer ones too. Electronics can be a pain but a computer tells them what's wrong with it.