Gas Engine-Driven Air Compressor

Gas Engine-Driven Air Compressor FARM SHOP Miscellaneous 19-4-29 'When the air compressor gave out on Mike Schrnidt's small electric-powered utility air compressor, the Hobart, Okla., farmer decided to save money and replace the compressor with an automotive air conditioning compressor. Schmidt had previously sold auto air compressors and knew they could pump well over 300 psi. And they knew salvage yards were full old style Ford compressors in perfectly good shape. So when his compessor wore out, he mounted an automotive air conditioner compressor and powered it with the original electric motor. After seeing how well it worked, he got the idea of building something he'd always wanted but could never justify - a gas powered, "truly portable" compressor. He mounted another AC compressor with a head valve on a used air tank he bought. Then he put a used Briggs & Stratton gas engine on the tank to drive it. He had to buy a by-pass valve that would kick in at about 100 psi. It cost $35 at a local hardware store. Total cost of the gas-powered compressor was about $90, compared to $500 or more for a new one, says Schmidt. "I can't tell any difference between these two tanks and commercial one. The gas on is great because you can use it in the field. You could make your own from scratch using a 12-gal, air tack, which you can buy at Walmart for about $35," Conta t: FARM SHOW Followup, Mike Schmidt, 112 Gaynelle Lane, Hobart, Okla. 73651 (ph 405 726-3213).

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