Finding reliable used air compressors can be a challenge. Because compressors are so reliable and not subject to technological obsolescence, owners tend to hang on to them for a long time, sharply limiting the amount of used air compressors for sale.

A rotary compressor has a life expectancy of 40,000 to 60,000 hours – that’s 20 to 30 years at eight hours per day. You can expect at least 10 to 15 years from reciprocating compressors, and more if they’re properly maintained.

You can look at this longevity in two ways. It makes used air compressors a good investment because they tend to last and last. However, saving $1,000 up front isn’t going to make a difference to your business over 10 years.

One of the big advantages of buying new is the associated warranties and service contracts you’ll get. Base manufacturers’ warranties are one or two years “bumper to bumper,” with additional years on major components. Used air compressors typically have only 30 day warranties, if any at all.

In addition, dealers will generally sell service contracts that cover parts and repairs along with new compressors. They’re usually pretty flexible: if you have mechanics on staff and don’t need that coverage, they’ll be happy to simply sell you the parts you need. If the compressor is critical to your operations, you can sometimes pay extra for quicker service guarantees or around-the-clock coverage, but not all dealers will be able to offer this service – especially on used air compressors.

Slower is better for used air compressors
Air compressors are generally single-speed devices: when on, they operate at a specific RPM (revolutions per minute) setting. One trick some manufacturers use to reduce costs is to create smaller compressors that spin much faster, generating the same total volume (CFM) and pressure (PSI) at a much lower cost. The problem is, those high speeds can drastically reduce the lifespan of the compressor. Lower speeds are also quieter. If comparing two used air compressors with similar ratings but different RPMs, the lower RPM option is probably a better choice for the long run.