A hydraulic air compressor converts hydraulic power into mechanical power, and then mechanical power into air power.
To convert hydraulic into mechanical power, a hydraulic pump pushes hydraulic fluid into a hydraulic motor, forcing it to spin. This spinning motor connects to an air compressor using a belt or direct drive, which powers the air compressor system and converts mechanical power into air power.
Figure 1: A hydraulic motor (left) and direct-drive air compressor by VMAC
Please note this is a simplified explanation, as numerous other components may or may not be required, including manifolds, hoses, valves, cooling systems, etc.
Regardless of the exact configuration, the core components of any hydraulic air compressor setup include:
These components work together to transform hydraulic power into air power.
Hydraulic air compressors have many benefits, including the ability to run air tools. Air or pneumatic tools are highly powerful tools that enable operators to perform tasks quickly and efficiently.
Hydraulic air compressors can power a wide variety of air tools across numerous applications. Some of the most common pneumatic tools used with hydraulic air compressors are:
While many air compressors enable operators to use air tools, hydraulic air compressors have additional benefits that make them a great choice for many operators:
Operators with hydraulics who want to add air power are the best candidates for a hydraulic air compressor. Of course, a vehicle upgrade that includes new hydraulics and a new air compressor is also a great fit. In either scenario, a hydraulic air compressor will take advantage of the existing hydraulic system with a clean, straightforward install.