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Compare Hydraulic Air Compressors For Work Trucks –In 2024

Written by VMAC | Dec 18, 2023 7:30:10 PM

Hydraulic air compressors utilize a crane truck’s existing hydraulics as a power source for the compressor and can be an excellent choice for mobile service vehicles. Hydraulic air compressors are available with either rotary screw or reciprocating compressor technology in a range of CFM outputs with varying GPM requirements.

When choosing a hydraulic air compressor, it’s vital to consider abovedeck vs. underdeck, rotary screw vs. reciprocating, air output, hydraulic requirements, and size and weight considerations. We discuss these considerations further after the comparison chart below.

Hydraulic Air Compressor Comparison Chart

Let’s look at the most popular hydraulic air compressors in North America. When reviewing the chart below, keep in mind there is a direct correlation between hydraulic flow (GPM) and air output (CFM); vehicle upfits capable of the high GPM range will produce a high CFM output, and vice versa.

Model Style Compressor Type Air Output Hydraulic Flow Required Weight Size
VMAC H40 Abovedeck Rotary Screw 25-40 CFM 9-12 GPM 150 lb 4.125 ft³
VMAC H60 Abovedeck Rotary Screw 40-60 CFM 14-21 GPM 160 lb 4.125 ft³
Boss BA440 Abovedeck Rotary Screw 30-40 CFM 8-12 GPM 163 lb 4.718 ft³
Boss BA870 Abovedeck Rotary Screw 70 CFM 18 GPM 270 lb 8.985 ft³
Boss Infinity 35 Abovedeck Rotary Screw 20-35 CFM 7.75-13.25 GPM 200 lb 7.055 ft³
Boss Infinity 80 Abovedeck Rotary Screw 45-80 CFM 10.7-17.8 GPM 300 lb 7.931 ft³
Vanair Reliant RC40 Abovedeck Rotary Screw 30-40 CFM 9.5-12 GPM 408 lb 9.892 ft³
Vanair Reliant RS45 Abovedeck Rotary Screw 30-45 CFM 7-11.2 GPM 195 lb 9.785 ft³
Vanair Reliant RS85-L Abovedeck Rotary Screw 60-85 CFM 14-19.9 GPM 285 lb 11.544 ft³
BOSSAIR H85 Underdeck Rotary Screw 35-85 CFM 8.1-18.2 GPM 425 lb N/A
Vanair UDHD Underdeck Rotary Screw 60-85 CFM 17-23.5 GPM 428 lb N/A

Abovedeck vs. Underdeck Hydraulic Air Compressors

Hydraulic air compressors come in two styles: abovedeck and underdeck. As expected, abovedeck air compressors are installed above the vehicle's deck, while underdeck air compressors get mounted beneath the vehicle's deck.

Most hydraulic air compressors are abovedeck as these designs are straightforward, cost-effective, and easy to install. Abovedeck air compressors offer enough air power for most pneumatic tools, making them an effective solution for most mobile mechanic applications.

Underdeck hydraulic air compressors can produce higher air output for specialized applications, but installation is significantly more complex. Underdeck air compressors arrive as a medley of components and require a skilled upfitter to identify the ideal implementation, source missing components, and install the compressor. For this reason, most people who are considering hydraulic air compressors prefer abovedeck solutions.

Rotary Screw vs. Reciprocating Air Compressor

Two types of air compressors are used in mobile applications: rotary screw and reciprocating. While both compressor types produce compressed air, their similarities end there.

Reciprocating, or piston, air compressors use pistons to force air into a smaller space. These pistons move up and down, creating a pause in air production on every upstroke. Because of this intermittent compression, reciprocating air compressors require an air receiver tank to accumulate and store compressed air before you can use it.

Meanwhile, rotary screw air compressors use spinning rotors to trap air and compress it into a smaller space. Because rotary screws spin continuously, air production is constant and compressed air is generated as quickly as it is consumed. An air receiver tank is not required, and air is available on demand.

For applications where time is money, rotary screw air compressors are the ideal option.

How Much Air Do You Need?

Once you know your air compressor type and style, it's time to nail down your air output requirements. Air compressors are rated by the amount of air they deliver using CFM, an acronym for Cubic Feet Per Minute. CFM outputs vary by tool; larger tools typically require higher CFM.

Small tools like ½" impact wrenches, ¼" ratchets, and air hammers are served well by 30-40 CFM air compressors. Meanwhile, larger tools like 1" impact wrenches, vertical grinders, and 60 lb pavement breakers often need closer to 60 CFM.

However, tool requirements vary, so additional research may be required to identify your air needs. To find out how much air your tools likely require, check out our Air Tool Consumption Guide.

Size & Weight Considerations

Not all hydraulic air compressors are created equal, and the best mobile compressors on the market prioritize a compact, lightweight design.

Choosing a lightweight air compressor means you'll be able to add more tools and equipment to your truck, carry more materials, or take advantage of better fuel economy. Meanwhile, compact air compressors free up space for other tools, equipment, and materials and keep trucks looking sleek and professional.

Discover VMAC Hydraulic Air Compressors

VMAC's hydraulic driven air compressor are the best choice for fleet managers and owners looking for a compact, powerful and lightweight hydraulic abovedeck air compressor that can operate in any climate.

Learn more about VMAC's 40 CFM and 60 CFM hydraulic air compressors.