Mobile air compressor technology has improved rapidly in recent years and operators have more options today than in the past. There are two primary categories of truck mounted rotary screw air compressors that operators can choose between:
- Above-deck air compressors
- Vehicle integrated air compressors
Both above-deck and vehicle integrated air compressors provide mobile air and power. Rotary screw technology allows this air to be delivered on demand, at 100% duty cycle. This duty cycle ensures a continuous stream of air is available whenever the air compressor is turned on.
In this article, we’ll go over the types of above-deck air compressors and vehicle integrated air compressors available for service trucks.
Above-Deck Truck Mounted Air Compressors
G30 gas driven air compressor
Above-deck rotary screw air compressors are systems that can easily be mounted onto a service truck, skid, or trailer. They are securely bolted into place and then ready to use. These are the mobile air compressors that most people are familiar with because they are highly visible on many service vehicles.
Above-deck truck mounted air compressors use one of three types of power:
Most operators choose their truck mounted air compressor based on the fuel or power options that are already on their truck. Operators who have trucks with hydraulic cranes tend to favor hydraulic air compressors. For trucks without hydraulics, it’s most convenient to match the air compressor to the vehicle’s existing fuel type.
If the fuel types match, you may also choose to plumb the air compressor to the vehicle’s existing fuel tank. While this type of integration is slightly more complicated than a typical above-deck installation, it is extremely convenient because fueling up your vehicle will also fuel up your air compressor.
Vehicle Integrated Air Compressors
Vehicle integrated air compressors are innovative solutions that are mounted in the truck’s engine compartment or under the deck. Operators love these systems because they don’t take up any space on the vehicle deck, they save a lot of weight, and their size to power ratio makes them downright awesome.
UNDERHOOD™ 70 mounted to engine
Currently, vehicle integrated air compressors use one of two power options:
There is currently one option on the market for vehicle engine mounted air compressors: the UNDERHOOD™ air compressor, manufactured by VMAC. It is the only air compressor in North America that mounts directly to a vehicle engine, drawing power from the truck.
UNDERHOOD™ air compressors are designed for specific Ford, RAM, GMC/Chevrolet, Mercedes/Freightliner and International vehicles, because of the incredible size and space limitations within the engine compartment. Each system has to be carefully engineered for the specific vehicle it will be mounted to. They also require an experienced service truck dealer to install. Fortunately, once installed, UNDERHOOD™ air compressors are a convenient, low-maintenance air power solution.
Direct-Transmission Mounted air compressor on a RAM transmission
PTO-driven air compressors are the primary alternative to UNDERHOOD™ air compressors. PTO-driven air compressors use a PTO mounted on the transmission PTO port to power the system. VMAC offers the world’s only direct-transmission mounted air compressor, which means it mounts directly to the transmission with minimal moving parts.
Direct-Transmission Mounted air compressor on a RAM transmission
However, alternative designs use shafts to connect the PTO to the air compressor. Shaft driven air compressors allow air compressor manufacturers to use larger compressor components, while still drawing power from the PTO. PTO shaft driven air compressors have their drawbacks but can still be a decent solution in the right scenario.
What Truck Mounted Air Compressor Is Right For You?
Deciding on the right truck mounted air compressor for your vehicle can be overwhelming. Many choices come down to preference, availability, and pricing. Do some research to determine your preferred style of air compressor and then talk to an experienced dealer about the best fit for your vehicle.
Ready for the next step? Learn more about VMAC’s truck mounted rotary screw air compressors or find a local dealer in your area!
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