The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

Tom C · Guest

RE: Which Air Compressor?

Soft Wash Wizard - Harrisburg, NC · Guest

Tom, our AlFlo is a 3/8" model AFKE038B3. I have a brand new spare in the box just in case of any pump problems on a job but we always run water thru it after pumping our mix on the roof or siding. We also, spray WD40 in the suction before & after each job. My compressor weights 450 # but that extra weight over a smaller compressor unit is far offset by the difference in compressor performance, features & benefits for us.

RCIA Founder

Roof Cleaning Palm Harbor FL 727 543 3276 wrote:
Almost 2 years old and still kickin butt...starts every time.

LOL, you sound like a car salesman in rhode island "It always starts in the winter"

Seriously, the Rigid is a great compressor, we used them for years, but the pumps work do better with larger compressors.

RCIA Founder

Soft Wash Wizard - Harrisburg, NC wrote:
When we build our rig in 2010 there was no question for me to have a AlFlo air pump with a large capacity storage tank. We purchased from Eaton Compressor - Clayton Ohio a Polar Air an 8HP electric start Honda belt drive with a two cylinder compressor on a 60 gallon tank. This unit generates 19.5 CFM @ 100 PSI with 150 PSI max. This gives us plenty of air for the pump that is not over working the compressor. We never have had a pump problem with our system setup. Also, I have used this twin cylinder air compressor for pumping up flat tires & running air tools with plenty of air reserve. I know some of you would not want to spend $1,500 but I feel the extra dollars up front run we are further ahead in the long run regarding our air compressor pumping system. We will never be concerned about not having enough air & it doesn't run all the time on the job verses a smaller air compressor tank system.
I have attached these pictures of our compressor mounted on our soft wash skid when we first built it. Since then we have a trailer mount hose reel, ladder rack & other items on our trailer.

Consider Steve to protect the compressor tank from chlorine spills and fumes ? I have a friend who has wrapped his tank with duct tape to protect it from the chlorine.

That liquid rubber looks cool, the kind you dip screwdrivers in to make a rubber handle ?

Soft Wash Wizard - Harrisburg, NC · Guest

Thanks Chris, for reinforcing one of the points I have been trying to make.

Spend more dollars on a larger compressor up front your overall system will operate better & I believe run longer trouble free. I said before some contractors wouldn't spend the extra dollars up front for a larger compressor unit but a smaller less expensive compressor unit will also work for the contractor initially. I feel in buying equipment you should always look at your initial cost verses the replacement cost & how the equipment you purchase effects your total equipment operation.

RCIA Founder

Steve, I fixed your signature for best SEO

Soft Wash Wizard - Harrisburg, NC · Guest

Thanks Chris. We are trying to drive our Soft Wash Wizard SEO everyday against the pressure washer industry. Educating the public is a everyday thing for all of us. RCIA is a great means of educating not only the trade but the public. I appreciate any & all assistance.

Jason LWRC · Guest

I just picked up a speedaire compressor wheelbarrel style with a 8hp Honda needing a little tlc for a little over $300. After a little carb cleaning and new plug and fresh petro, runs like a sewing machine. Can't wait to put her to work.

Jason LWRC · Guest

I forgot to mention this compressor is going in the box truck set up i plan on having ready by spring. Going with the dual tank all flo system from PWP. I would like some advice on where to put the compressor in the box truck, not sure if leaving the barn doors open in the back will ventilate the exhaust fumes enough or if I should keep it as far away from my mix tanks as possible to keep it from getting ate up, or both. Thanks

jcstomper · Feb 21, 2012

this thread is making me feel like i shouldnt have bought the ridgid one lol

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"