Compressors Last Longer, Are Quieter Than Ever Before
At least one air compressor manufacturer, Kaeser, is willing to say its rotary screw compressor in either a 7.5 or 15 hp design creates a noise level as low as 66 dB(A). That’s a noise level they say is up to 10 dB(A) lower than its competition. Also important, independent studies show that such a noise level is quieter than the inside decibel level of most automobiles. Even a normal conversation is slightly less quiet at 60 dB(A).
Many tire dealers will attest to the fact that if they perform routine maintenance on their air compressors they seem to last forever. In other words, you spend less money for more performance.
Ingersoll-Rand notes that many compressor users require oil-free compressed air in a durable high quality package. The IR promise is that you won’t find a single drop of oil in the entire crankcase of its family of reciprocating air compressors.
Thanks to top-notch cooling and precision fit stainless steel valves, Teflon rings and self-lubricating rider bands, IR says the components in its family of reciprocating air compressors will provide trouble-free performance even when 24-hour continuous duty is required.
Further, a balanced one-piece crankshaft reduces noise and vibration while the ball and needle bearings are grease-filled and sealed. Additionally, the single-piece connecting rod is not only long lasting, it requires no maintenance.
To make life a bit easier for heavy-duty automotive shop service, IR says its electric-driven two-stage compressor cast iron design affords extended pump life for years of trouble-free service at 175 psi maximum operating pressure.
Accessories available with this compressor include both electric and gas starter kits, if selected, plus a maintenance and overhaul kit. When you need air, you need air and IR says it understands.
Taking all of this one step further, air compressor makers are rolling out improvements to their nitrogen inflation units on a regular and ongoing basis. Compared to the earliest versions, today’s nitrogen inflation units are part and parcel of every compressor manufacturer’s menu.
Kaeser says its UltraFill 99+ offers the highest-purity and lowest input air requirements for an unmatched air to nitrogen ratio. The company also says that at 99.5% purity, its new unit provides shorter filling cycle times and a higher purity level in the tire.
Also available with this unit is the company’s purity monitor, which offers the customer peace-of-mind and quality assurance. Can you improve your bottom line with this kind of compressor technology?
Alignment Racks Can Be Your Best Friend
In business for most of the last century, Rotary knows a thing or two about alignment racks. Its new 14,000-pound capacity alignment lift features half-inch thick steel cable in the columns, redesigned runways, an air filter/regulator/lubricator and an internal air line.
Extended lift models are also available accommodating wheelbases up to 212.5 inches and four-wheel alignments up to 158 inches. Purchasers of this alignment rack will also receive stainless steel turning radius gauges as standard equipment and two 7,000-pound capacity rolling jacks. A roll bar allows the radius gauge to be placed in the front or back of the slot while keeping a flat runway surface.
The power unit is located in the front of the lift, allowing placement of the latch air release on the same column. This allows the technician to work more efficiently and have better access to the controls.
This rack also features a dual function lock system that stays on guard to manage the lock latch. This adds up to fewer parts, less opportunity for service issues and more peace of mind. But this isn’t your only alignment rack choice.
The Hunter 14,000-pound capacity, split front L421 provides full service capability for a wide range of vehicles. This rack combines 188.5-inch general service wheelbase, 22.5-inch runway lift and 14,000-pound capacity.
That leaves lots of floor area clear for a technician, tools and equipment. This lift rack locks at any of 20 heights to a maximum of 70 inches runway height. Further, flush-mounted, full-floating rear wheel slip plates allow the vehicle’s rear suspension to be relaxed for maximum alignment accuracy. At the same time, built-in turnplate pockets are designed to accept a variety of available turnplates.
Also available with this unit are clip-on movable work steps for safer access to key alignment points, and all controls are in one location for ease of use. Further, it has an automatic shutdown to prevent overloading, and all hydraulic lines are covered or positioned within the steel structure to protect them from damage.
