Which compressor???

[Nik]

I'm looking at mounting a compressor in my rear storage unit and running power to it (50amp fused cable). I've got a Bushranger compressor now that I could put an anderson plug on and bolt into the storage unit or I could go for an ARB onboard compressor. Is there any advantage over one or the other? I'm not running lockers and don't want an air tank.

[mrbitchi]

The big advantage of the ARB one is it's tiny size. Best compressor for it's size on the market IMO.

[Jimbo2]

ARB,
Small size, Quality, and the really nice mounting system that allows you to rotate it and get it into tight spots. Paid the extra and really glad I did.

[Aussie_Dan]

I now have 2x ARB compressors, very happy with them!
My portable is something like 6 or 7 years old and has never skipped a beat despite LOTS of use.
Here's a link to my freshly installed one:

http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=37856

Cheers, Dan.

[_jp_]

I've been very happy with my ARB compressor. Although it has failed, it was able to be fixed by the local ARB shop as they have all the spare parts available. It was about 6 months out of warranty, but I explained my disappointment and they repaired it at no cost. Been goign strong ever since.

[sharkcaver]

The ARB compressor is smaller than your bushranger, but it is a bit average in airflow IMO for a hefty price. That said, at Yaegerup, I was inflating from 10 - 40psi in about 3.5 minutes. Your bushranger is probably slower than that (if that's what you were using back then, I cant remember what type you had that day, but if I recall, it was sloooow).

As for your question......The arb is smaller and as stated already, parts are readily available. One other thing to note is the ARB comes with a pressure switch. So it will only operate when the switch is on and the line pressure drops and will stop when up to pressure....That's not to say you couldn't wire a pressure switch into the bushranger (fairly easy, cheap enough and easy to obtain).

Also, I know you know about the heat and hose failures of those portable types! (re Bigfella...)

If you have just purchased the Bushranger and have the mounting room, then buying the ARB is probably uneconomic to do so. In that case, I'd consider waiting till the bushranger failed (and it may never do so?)

[dean]

Mr ARB died after 14 years so that tells it all.
Buy quality and you get longevity.
Now have a TJM for no other reason than that they are closer to me.
Price was similar and performance is awesome.
Dean

[Nik]

Thanks guys. Good to hear the reports on the quality of it.

Dan, I'd seen your thread. Very nice setup. I was surprised it fit under the seat actually, but that's a testament to how compact it is I guess. I've got an amp under that seat, but I've got space behind my fridge slide that I can't use for anything else so I'm going to mount it there.

Shane, that was the Bushranger I was using in Yeagarup and it does take it's time. It was less of an issue when I got it 4 years ago. The petrol Paj I had then had 17" rims with 31" tyres. But my DiD has 32" tyres on 16" rims and they are taking a LOT longer to fill. I hadn't looked at this before, but you got me thinking so I looked up the stats:
- Bushranger Black Max - 40lpm @30psi
- ARB CKMA12 - 66lpm @ 29psi
So the ARB is a bit faster ... but then it got me thinking about the twin motor ARB:
- ARB CKMTA12 - 132lpm @ 29psi

Wow, that twin motor is literally twice as fast. Maybe that's obvious but I hadn't realised it would be that dramatic a difference. Cost wise it's about $550 vs $300, so a fair bit more but if I'm going to upgrade I might as well go the whole hog. So that throws the twin motor model in the mix ... any reason I should stay away from it? I notice most people have gone for the single motor model, is that because of cost and size?

EDIT: Just thought about the current that would draw. It says draw under load is 50amps. I've got a 50amp cable, but it's going to be about 3metres from the battery, will that be ok? Given what it's going to draw should I run it off the cranking battery or will it be okay to run off the aux as well? I want to run a few other things off that feed (cigarette sockets and LEDs) when the compressor isn't running so if I can run it off the aux that would be ideal.


PS - I realise it's a bit of an unfair comparison on the Bushranger being their entry level model, but that's the model I've got so that's what I have to compare them against. It's been a good little compressor for the last 4 years. I broke the air filter off, and I think the aluminium body on that is pretty flimsy but it was easy to get a replacement one and it was surprisingly cheap. I'm quite happy to keep it as a backup, or a spare to lend when I got out with friends that don't have one.

[02-SR5]

Gumtree the Bushranger and get the ARB.

I run the single compressor, only because I couldn't fit the twin compressor where I wanted it.

[Troy711]

I bought a $99 Aldi jobbie when they were being sold last time. By all reports it's a Dr. Air 150lpm (check out 4WD Actions comparo) except a different colour. It's bulky, which is a down side, but it serves my needs without busting the bank.

[Onslow]

X2 for getting rid of the Bushranger. The ARB twin model will reseat a bead on the rim too, many others won't without an air tank to assist.

[stevemc181]

X2 for getting rid of the Bushranger. The ARB twin model will reseat a bead on the rim too, many others won't without an air tank to assist.

Or some lighter fluid and a lighter

[sharkcaver]

- ARB CKMA12 - 66lpm @ 29psi
So the ARB is a bit faster ... but then it got me thinking about the twin motor ARB:
- ARB CKMTA12 - 132lpm @ 29psi

Wow, that twin motor is literally twice as fast. Maybe that's obvious but I hadn't realised it would be that dramatic a difference. Cost wise it's about $550 vs $300, so a fair bit more but if I'm going to upgrade I might as well go the whole hog.

Is that price confirmed? last time I saw a price on the double pumper it was >$750 IIRC, that was the portable kit with the 4L resevoir).

But by all accounts, it is bloody superb.

The Aldi pump is a lot faster then the single ARB, but it sure isnt the same quality.

Now you've confirmed the "old" bushranger, I'd give serious consideration to the ARB or equivalent. You wont look back.

[Matatak]

Is that price confirmed? last time I saw a price on the double pumper it was >$750 IIRC, that was the portable kit with the 4L resevoir).

But by all accounts, it is bloody superb.

The Aldi pump is a lot faster then the single ARB, but it sure isnt the same quality.

Now you've confirmed the "old" bushranger, I'd give serious consideration to the ARB or equivalent. You wont look back.

He would be referring to the Mountable/Onboard version of the Twin compressor (the CKMTA12). Latest RRP is $567 for the kit.
the Twin Portable CKMTP12 is RRP now at $829

[Nik]

Troy - That's certainly an interesting alternative. Very different price range and still plenty of oomph. Not sure it'll fit where I want to put it, but I'll check it out.

Shane - Those prices were just off a quick internet search. I got them off ebay, but they were overseas prices. The local prices could be way off that. I'll give ARB a call and check.

Onslow - What, did you get fed up waiting for me to finish airing up I'd need to learn how to reseat a tyre on a rim and get some tyre levers but it's probably not a bad thing to to be able to do. Plus a good excuse to justify the expense

Steve - Your method sounds like more fun, I'll bear it in mind if I don't go for the twin pump model. Practising could be interesting ... lucky I don't have much hair to lose eh!