Selecting an air compressor comes down to aligning the right system with the job at hand. Fleet managers need to carefully assess airflow requirements, pressure ratings, duty cycle demands, environmental challenges, vehicle space constraints, and applications. By doing so, they can outfit their entire fleet of mobile field service trucks, choosing the best compressor that will support their specific business requirements.
Airflow and reliability are critical considerations. Fleet managers should calculate the total cubic feet per minute (CFM) their tools demand during simultaneous operation. Many common tools require less than 40 CFM, including pneumatic tools. “When choosing an air compressor, CFM does matter, but so does performance,” explained Mike Pettigrew, VMAC’s Marketing Manager. “One of the best ways to determine your air power needs is to look up the requirements of the specific tools being used.”
Pressure ratings are another factor as most tools and air compressors operate optimally between 90-125 psi. An air tool needs the right psi and the right CFM to operate properly. A reciprocating air compressor has to build up air and then quickly loses pressure. If you require constant pressure, it is critical to upgrade to a rotary screw air compressor that can maintain CFM and psi for significant periods of time.
UNDERHOOD® systems developed by VMAC optimize space while delivering impressive air output. By installing the compressor in the engine compartment, fleet managers often choose UNDERHOOD70 systems to maximize available space without compromising on air power.
Duty cycle also plays a significant role in selection. Many jobs require intermittent tool use, but some demand continuous operation. To minimize the risk of breakdowns and ensure construction projects stay on track, lube trucks provide precise, on-site lubrication for heavy machinery making them an essential mobile maintenance asset. Their ability to perform maintenance in the field minimizes the need to remove equipment from operation, reducing downtime. Fleet tire service trucks and mechanic trucks can perform repairs and inflate truck tires using compressed air for uninterrupted productivity. VMAC’s powerful H40 hydraulic rotary screw air compressor is ideal for light to medium duty trucks.
For construction sites that include road and site preparation, higher output air compressors are required. UNDERHOOD150 air compressor systems produce enough air to power jackhammers, pavement breakers, and post pounders that can be used for fence and sign installations or to break through tough surfaces.
VMAC’s DTM70-H Multi-Power system is a direct-transmission mounted PTO driven air compressor with a hydraulic pump that can simultaneously power air tools alongside a hydraulic crane or other equipment. Rick Fleenor, Quarry & Mining Manager at STM, states, “I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a VMAC again. You get what you pay for and it’s just the best PTO driven system available,” said Fleenor. “The DTM is awesome. It always works!”
VMAC’s G30+GEN air compressor/generator system, powered by Honda, combines two convenient forms of power into a single system that allows the operator to quickly switch between air and AC power for their tools and equipment such as grinders, sanders, impact wrenches. “You can put the G30 air compressor/generator in the back of a truck and have both air and power in the same unit. You don’t need two engines to maintain or two fuel tanks to fill. It’s more convenient and saves time”, stated Darren Somerville of IWC Excavation.
Environmental conditions should not be overlooked. Contractors working in extreme climates need compressors that can handle the elements. The VMAC 6-In-1 Multifunction Power System has been proven to work in extreme cold climates providing everything needed, including a 45 CFM rotary screw air compressor, an 8 kW continuous AC generator, 250 A DC welder, 12-24 V battery booster and charger, a 2,800 RPM PTO port, and a factory-installed cold climate kit, tested to -40°F (-40°C).
Multifunction units may promise versatility, but fleet managers know reliability and performance come first. Smaller companies focused on general contracting and light equipment repair rarely need the heavy-duty capabilities of a dedicated welder in the field. However, on larger-scale infrastructure projects and utility work, multifunction systems that integrate welding, power generation, and air compression, can benefit construction sites that require diverse tools. “They’re like a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ on the jobsite”, said JP Chartier, Product Specialist at VMAC.
Real-world examples help illustrate how choosing the right air compressor impacts daily operations. A contractor in Phoenix, who operates wheel loaders year-round in scorching temperatures, needs a compressor that can handle continuous operation in intense heat. A hydraulic-driven model with advanced cooling capabilities is a smart fit.
Conversely, service providers in northern climates require compressors that thrive in freezing temperatures. VMAC’s diesel driven air compressors work in extreme climates across North America with their built-in hot/cold climate protection and an optional factory-installed cold climate kit.
As one of the only true air compressor manufacturers in North America, VMAC has earned a reputation for delivering premium air systems that meet the unique demands of the construction industry. Trusted by contractors and fleet managers alike, VMAC compressors are known globally for their build quality, durability, and reliability.
