A truck mounted air compressor and associated air powered tools are a great way to increase the overall versatility of your work truck package and eliminate the need to tow a traditional diesel powered unit. A variety of configurations are available along with options for combination units that incorporate welding, generator and battery boost capabilities for both "Above" and "Below" deck mounting configurations..
In a compressor fresh air is drawn through filters into a compression chamber where it is squeezed thus increasing the pressure and then discharged through a regulator, which controls the pressure, and air hose to an air tool where it performs work. Depending on the compressor type an air storage tank may be included in the system.
There are 2 basic types of truck mounted compressors (rotary screw or reciprocating) that are available in a number of different configurations which are determined by the application specifics, space constraints and drive methodologies. The rotary screw units generally last longer, are more compact, are more efficient than are the reciprocating units and do not require an air storage tank.
- Where space is not an issue "Above Deck" units (which are the most common type) are often selected. You typically see these types of units mounted on top of service body compartments or flat deck with a gas or diesel engine driving the compressor and the filter, regulator and air tank, if there is one, housed inside of a compact steel box. These systems can provide significant volumes of air to run high consumption tools, and with these units the truck does not need to be running in order for the compressor to be in operation so fuel usage is minimized.
- Where space is at a premium "Below Deck" solutions are often used. With these systems the filter housing, compressor (generally the rotary compressor type), air tank (if necessary) and regulator are mounted on brackets which are affixed to the frame rails of the chassis below the body. The compressor is either driven off the transmission through a PTO (power take off) and a drive shaft or a hydraulic pump. These systems also provide significant volumes of air, are extremely compact and light weight but since they are powered off the transmission the truck engine must be running when they are being used so fuel usage is higher than above deck units.
The advantages of these powerful systems are that there is no need to pull the compressor behind the truck and the chance of theft is greatly reduced. If you have ever noticed a large crane on a job site with a box hanging off the end of the cable it is often a compressor being stored and safeguarded against theft during off hours. Since these systems can eliminate the need for a tow behind compressor unit this frees up the trailer hitch and increases truck manoeuvrability on a job site.
Where these two options are not possible an "Under Hood" compressor package may be used which is a rotary screw driven off the engine drive belt. With under hood space becoming tighter as engines become more complex it is often quite difficult to squeeze these units into the available space. Because of that constraint, air volume is generally lower than the other two options, and since the engine must be running it too results in higher fuel usage.
To learn more about this equipment please contact your Del representative or visit www.vanair.com
