Just like a car, air compressors can be powered by different types of fuel, two of the most popular being petrol and diesel. However, it can be difficult to know the difference between the two and which will best suit your needs. At Mobile Energy Australia, we stock a wide range of portable air compressors, including diesel and petrol powered systems. As experts in mobile air compressors, we’re sharing with you below a complete guide to petrol vs diesel air compressors, including the main differences between the two, the range we stock and which compressor is going to suit your needs.
What is a Portable Air Compressor?
An air compressor is a mechanical device that reduces the volume of gas using pressure. They are used to convert power into potential energy, which can be stored in pressure vessels or supplied directly as free air on demand to provide pneumatic supply for air operated tools. Portable air compressors are simply compressors that can function in any location and are used to supply compressed air in situations where stationary compressors are not suitable, such as construction or mining sites. Mobile Energy Australia specialise in selling portable compressors that are designed to be lightweight, compact, robust and efficient.
Petrol Air Compressors:
Depending on the model you’re buying, petrol screw type air compressors are generally a cheaper option than their diesel counterpart, proving to be a better option for those on a tighter budget. However, the price of these compressors doesn’t mean their quality is compromised, with many petrol air compressors being able to perform exceptionally in heavy-duty works.
In addition, petrol air compressors are favoured by many of our customers due to their flexibility, which allows for greater control on power output and fuel usage. This is because petrol air compressors can be seamlessly calibrated to match the need of your task. For example, if you require a low output, you can alter the functions of the compressor to result in low fuel consumption, low wastage and low noise levels.
Finally, while diesel is usually considered to be a more economical option, petrol compressors are generally cheaper to run by monitoring usage. At Mobile Energy Australia, we sell three different models of petrol-powered air compressors; the Smartpack 35-P Plus, the Smartpack 70-P and the Smartpack 35-P.
Diesel Air Compressors
Diesel air compressors are renowned for providing a higher level of reliability, durability and serviceability compared to petrol air compressors. Due to this, diesel compressors are best used for vehicle integrated systems providing sufficient air volume (CFM) and pressure (PSI), providing a higher torque and greater capacity for a range of air tool connections. In addition, diesel is much more economical to use than petrol, but this will always depend on how often you are using the machine and the type of work you need to accomplish.
In comparison to other compressor types, diesel compressors have a more robust engine design & effective power transfer, meaning they require less maintenance. Due to this, many business owners opt for diesel machines, as their low maintenance convenience is worth the higher purchase cost. Overall, diesel air compressors are a fantastic option for those looking for a high-power output, heavy duty compressor. Mobile Energy Australia stock a wide range of diesel rotary screw air compressors for field service including the SMAC 40-D, the SMAC 35-DG, the Smartpack 35-D, the Smartpack 35-D Plus, the SMAC 40-D with fuel tank and battery module, the SMAC 35-DWG and the SMAC 35-DG with fuel tank and battery module.
Petrol vs Diesel Air Compressors:
Reflecting on our advice, petrol and diesel compressors are both appropriate air compressor options. However, the machine that is best for you will depend on how you intend to use it.
Petrol
- Most suitable for agriculture & civil construction sectors
- Best for occasional use
- Economical, but only when output is monitored
- Runs louder
- Cheaper to purchase
Diesel
- Better for integrating into the truck fuel & battery supply
- Low maintenance
- Highly economical
- Heavy-duty
- Quieter
- Great for busy business owners
Mobile Energy Australia are an Australian owned and operated company specialising in mobile energy systems. Click here if you wish to learn more about our range of air compressors.