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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: johns4104s on July 02, 2009, 06:50:34 PM

Title: Harbor Frieght Air compressor?
Post by: johns4104s on July 02, 2009, 06:50:34 PM
I checked air compressors in HF they have a 3 gallon 4 HP oil regulally $175.00 for $90.00. Do you guys know if it would be something to use for pulling wheels on the bus?

Thanks

John
Title: Re: Harbor Frieght Air compressor?
Post by: Dreamscape on July 02, 2009, 08:40:05 PM
John, Do you have a part number? I looked on their site and couldn't find anything like what you describe listed. What is the scfm rating? Usually an air gun eats a lot of air, and with 3 gal. size that's not much reserve.

Paul
Title: Re: Harbor Frieght Air compressor?
Post by: DaveG on July 02, 2009, 08:43:52 PM
The short answer is probably no. Most 1" tire guns require a lot of air. More than likely you'll need 15cfm or better, unless you have a HUGE air tank...which most small compressors don't. As far as gas powered (on engine driven) compressors go, you'll need about 10hp...of course, with a smaller gun and some patience, you could do with less.
Title: Re: Harbor Frieght Air compressor?
Post by: Melbo on July 02, 2009, 08:45:52 PM
I used to own a HF air compressor it worked ok for a while but died a slow and painful death because it could not keep up with normal use. Just my experience.

YMMV

Melbo
Title: Re: Harbor Frieght Air compressor?
Post by: luvrbus on July 02, 2009, 09:15:28 PM
John, is the compressor for your bus or the shop most buses have a 15 cfm compressor and they don't keep up with a 3/4 or 1 inch impact. 
I have a 8 hp with a 80 gal tank in my shop that you wait on when using the  3/4 or 1" gun. Spend your money on a name brand compressor made in the USA the China stuff is a bad investment     good luck
Title: Re: Harbor Frieght Air compressor?
Post by: Damn Yankee on July 03, 2009, 05:02:49 AM
For lug nuts buy a good torque multiplier. Here's a link to some on ebay. Maybe others here can give you a recommendation on a good one to buy.  http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=torque+multiplier&_sacat=See-All-Categories
Title: Re: Harbor Frieght Air compressor?
Post by: JohnEd on July 03, 2009, 10:14:35 AM
John,

You will not find a compressor that will keep up with a 1" drive wrench.  My 1/2 inch "Earthquake" from Harbor Freight will "spin" the nuts off all day long.  Use a multiplier,like Luvr suggested, to break the nut then go with the 1/2 inch drive to spin it off.

I use those 5 gal propane tanks, set up in parallel, as my air tanks.  You could also plumb them into your wet tank for additional capacity.  More tank means a longer duty cycle.  Problem with propane tank is it need a drain installed.

I don't have as much trouble with HF stuff as some do but I will never ever say that they are the equal to Ingersol Rand.  In my case it is either HF air tools or sweat and I can't sweat anywhere near as much as I usedtacould.

HTH,

John