Project Farm Tests Portable Inflators

[Lunentucker]

Most don't use this kind of inflation system, because of the use/rest cycle requirements associated with the devices, but a head to head test is interesting and informative.

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[Badunit]

I bought a VIAIR 88P, which is a 12v unit with alligator clips. I don't have much occasion to air up and down, it is for tire inflation in case of a leak/flat. The entire case with the compressor, hoses ,etc. fits in the cubby behind the driver's side rear seat back. At home I have a full-size compressor and a long hose that does the job quickly with no duty cycle issues.

But that's just my choices. A portable, battery-powered compressor might be perfect for others. I like watching Project Farm's tool tests, many of which are to failure.

 

[Lunentucker]

I looked up the duty cycles in the manuals for the more popular ones.

Duty Cycles from the Manuals

Milwaukee - To avoid tool damage from overheating, allow tool to cool for 40 minutes after each 20 minutes of continuous use.

Makita - Duty cycle 10 minutes On / 5 minutes Off

Rigid - ???? but it does carry a lifetime warranty

Dewalt - If the pressure rating for the item being inflated is above 100 psi, note that the maximum run time is 10 minutes. Leave to rest for 20 minutes before reusing

Bauer - Allow the Inflator/Deflator to cool for ten minutes after each ten minutes of continuous use. Allow Inflator/Deflator to cool 30 minutes before storing away

Ryobi - Allow pump to cool for five (5) minutes after each five (5) minutes of continuous use

WORX - ????? The tool is equipped with a battery protection system. The system will automatically cut off power to the tool to extend battery life. The tool will automatically stop during operation if the battery is placed under one of the following conditions: • Overloaded: The tool is operated in a manner that causes it to draw an abnormally high current. In this situation, turn the tool off and stop the application that caused the tool to become overloaded. Then turn the tool on to restart. • Low battery voltage: The remaining Battery capacity is too low and the tool will not operate. In this situation, remove and recharge the Battery.

Kobalt - Allow inflator to cool down 10 minutes after each 10 minutes of continuous operation

 

[Hootbro]

I have the Milwaukee one and am quite impressed with it.

 

[Reddog]

I have the Dewalt inflator. Didn't buy it to air tires up and down really, just wanted something to quickly be available should I need to inflate something or add to a low tire. One of my boat trailer tires has very slow leak so use the inflator to bring it up to pressure before use. The thing is a beast and has never quit running on me from overheating, even when airing up my sons tractor tire a bit. I would not depend on it for continuous off roading use where you need to air down and air up large diameter / volume tires a lot but it does fill a need and saves me the time required to fire up my 60 gal compressor all the time. And with five amp-hr battery and ability to plug into vehicle to recharge, it is extremely handy. It's perfect when all you need is a bit more air or to quickly inflate an inflatable water toy like a kayak. Best part is I don't need a bunch of extra batteries since all my rechargeable tools are DeWalt.

 

[Lunentucker]

PRICE ALERT: Home Depot has the Rigid w/ 2 AH battery for $79.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...ith-2-0-Ah-Battery-R87044-AC8400802/325387082

@5:11 in the video

 

[Lunentucker]

Another Price Alert on the DeWalt (30% off)
I didn't post until I get mine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H39S9JQ/

 

[IamPro2A]

I have an older Ryobi one. Couldn't beat it for the price. Think it was$25-30 on sale at Direct Tool Outlet. I just checked the manual and the listed duty cycle for that one is 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. I had a slow leak in one tire for months. Didn't bother to get it fixed because I knew I was getting new tires soon. I wouldn't think of using to for major inflating, but for topping off a low tire or a pool toy it's way easier than dragging a hose from a large compressor. Will go practically forever doing that on a 4ah battery.

 

[Lunentucker]

Home Depot has the RIGID for $79 again, as of this writing.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...ith-2-0-Ah-Battery-R87044-AC8400802/325387082

 

[JeepCode4]

Im a milwaukee guy but have the ryobi one in the video in all my cars. Its a good unit, paired with a 6AH battery and you're good to go in a pinch.

 

[Zachanadandy]

A lot of guys either have way too much time on their hands or they've never used a decent compressor. If it isn't at least 5cfm it is too slow. Our smittybilt 2781 is 10+ years old and has probably filled over a thousand 35"+ tires in that time. It was under $100 when we bought it. Even at the current price of $140 it is so much more compressor for the money than any of the viar products. The 440P is only 3cfm. This all-top has my attention with its 12.35 cfm for under $200 though. That blows even the arb dual out of the water at a budget price. https://a.co/d/b0ik9MH

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