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Gasoline Driven Air Compressors
Gasoline driven air compressors use gasoline engines to deliver compressed air at job sites, on service trucks, and in remote locations without electrical power. CompressorPros carries gas powered air compressors from 4 HP hand-carry piston units to 23 HP portable rotary screw systems in hand carry, wheelbarrow, twin-tank, base mount, and service-truck configurations. Standard shipping is free.
What Are Engine Driven Air Compressors?
An engine driven air compressor uses a gasoline or diesel engine instead of an electric motor to power the pump or airend. Engine driven compressors deliver compressed air anywhere without relying on electrical infrastructure, making them essential for construction sites, rooftops, pipelines, remote service calls, and any field operation where adequate electrical service is unavailable. They range from compact 4 HP hand carry units for trim work to 200+ HP diesel tow behind systems for large-scale construction and well drilling.
Gasoline vs. Diesel
Gasoline Engine Driven Air Compressors
Gasoline driven air compressors use Honda, Kohler, or similar commercial gas engines. They are lighter and less expensive than diesel equivalents, making them the practical choice where gasoline is more readily available. Gas compressors are available from 4 to 16 HP in piston configurations and up to 80 CFM in rotary screw. The Jenny K5HGA-8P 5.5 HP Honda Gasoline Driven Single Stage Portable Air Compressor is a solid offering from Jenny Air Compressors. Electric start models are available for buyers who prefer push-button or key starting over recoil start.
Diesel Engine Driven Air Compressors
Diesel driven air compressors use Kubota, Kohler, or similar industrial diesel engines. Diesel delivers better fuel economy under sustained loads, longer engine life, and greater durability for all-day operation. Diesel is the standard for compressors above 90 CFM and for any operation running 6-10+ hours per day. The Elgi D185T4F 185 CFM Portable Rotary Screw Air Compressor - Tow Behind is the biggest seller for us.
Piston vs. Rotary Screw Engine Driven Compressors
Engine Driven Piston Compressors
Engine driven piston compressors pair a gas engine with a single stage or two stage reciprocating pump and a 5-30 gallon tank. They deliver 8-35 CFM and serve contractors using nailers, impact wrenches, and intermittent pneumatic tools. Piston models are available in hand carry, wheeled, wheelbarrow, and service truck configurations. The ABAC ABC13-30GH 13 HP Honda Two Stage 30 Gallon Service Truck Air Compressor is a popular two stage gas piston option for truck-mounted field work.
Engine Driven Rotary Screw Compressors
Engine driven rotary screw compressors deliver 100% duty cycle and significantly higher CFM than piston models. They range from 35 CFM gas-powered units to 800 CFM diesel systems and are available in skid mount and tow behind configurations. Rotary screw is the standard for sandblasting, rock drilling, pipeline work, and any application requiring sustained high-volume airflow. The ConX SC70 Compact 70 CFM Engine Driven Rotary Screw Air Compressor is the top-selling engine driven rotary screw on the site.
Key Specifications
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Gas piston models deliver 8-35 CFM. Gas rotary screw models deliver 35-80 CFM. Diesel rotary screw models deliver 90-800 CFM. Add up all simultaneous tool demands and include a 20-30% buffer.
- HP (Horsepower): Gas piston: 4-14 HP. Gas rotary screw: 20-23 HP. Diesel rotary screw: 25-200+ HP. Engine HP directly determines CFM output.
- Engine Type: Honda GX-series and Kohler for gasoline. Kubota, Kohler, and similar for diesel. All are commercial-grade engines rated for daily field operation.
- Max PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Gas piston models deliver 125-175 PSI (two stage). Rotary screw models deliver 100-150 PSI. Some models offer configurable pressure settings.
- Fuel Type: Gasoline for piston portables and smaller rotary screw units (up to about 80 CFM). Diesel for rotary screw units at 90 CFM and above. The Mi-T-M ABS-9KD-30H 9 HP Diesel 30 Gallon Service Truck Air Compressor is one of the few diesel piston options for crews that prefer diesel fuel economy on a service truck.
- Weight: Hand carry gas piston: 50-90 lbs. Wheeled gas piston: 100-250 lbs. Gas rotary screw skid: 500-1,000 lbs. Diesel rotary screw tow behind: 1,500-6,000+ lbs.
Brands Carried
- Jenny: Honda-powered gas piston portables at 5.5 HP in wheeled and wheelbarrow configurations, the most popular gas portable brand on the site.
- ConX: Gas and diesel rotary screw portables from 70 to 185 CFM in skid mount and tow behind, known for compact packaging.
- ABAC: Honda and Kohler powered two stage gas piston compressors from 13-14 HP for service truck and field use.
- Mi-T-M: Gas and diesel engine driven compressors from 4 to 14 HP, including the only diesel piston option and compressor/generator combos.
- Elgi: D-series diesel portable rotary screw compressors from 90 to 800 CFM in tow behind and skid mount, covering the widest diesel CFM range.
- Atlas Copco: XAS and XATS series diesel tow behind compressors from 110 to 400+ CFM with PACE variable-speed technology.
CompressorPros buys direct from the manufacturer, saving time and money.
FAQ
Should I choose gasoline or diesel for an engine driven compressor? For intermittent use and shifts under 6 hours, gasoline is lighter and less expensive upfront. For continuous operation at 6-10+ hours per day, diesel delivers better fuel economy and longer engine life. For rotary screw compressors above 90 CFM, diesel is the standard.
What is the most common mistake when buying an engine driven compressor? Not matching the engine type to the duty cycle. Gas engines are designed for intermittent use and shorter shifts. Running a gas compressor at full load for 8-10 hours a day shortens engine life compared to a diesel unit designed for that duty level.
Can I use an engine driven compressor indoors? No. All gasoline and diesel engines produce carbon monoxide and exhaust and must be operated outdoors or in well-ventilated areas only. For indoor use, choose an electric air compressor.
What is the difference between a gas piston portable and a gas rotary screw? Gas piston portables deliver 8-35 CFM with intermittent duty cycles (50-70%) and serve nailers, impact wrenches, and light tools. Gas rotary screw compressors deliver 35-75+ CFM at 100% duty cycle and serve jackhammers, sandblasting, and continuous-demand field tools.
How often do engine driven compressors need maintenance? Gas engine oil changes every 50-100 hours. Diesel engine oil and filter changes every 250-500 hours. Rotary screw airend service every 1,000-2,000 hours. Check fuel, coolant, air filter, and belt condition daily before operation.
Does CompressorPros offer free shipping on engine driven compressors? Yes. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer, on every unit in this category.
Shop Gasoline and Diesel Engine Driven Air Compressors at CompressorPros
CompressorPros carries engine driven air compressors from 4 HP gasoline piston portables to 800 CFM diesel rotary screw tow behind systems. Electric start gas models are available for push-button convenience. For indoor and shop use where electrical power is available, browse electric air compressors. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer.
If you need help choosing between gasoline and diesel for your application, call (803) 339-0445 or email info@compressorpros.com.