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Skid Mounted Air Compressors
Skid-mounted air compressors are diesel-driven rotary screw units on flat steel frames designed to be loaded onto truck beds, flatbed trailers, and equipment platforms. They deliver continuous-duty compressed air at job sites without requiring a tow hitch or dedicated trailer. CompressorPros carries skid mount compressors from 90 to 185 CFM. Standard shipping is free.
What Are Skid-Mounted Air Compressors?
A skid-mounted air compressor is a gasoline or diesel driven air compressor mounted on a flat steel frame (skid) rather than a tow-behind trailer. The skid provides a stable operating base and is designed to be lifted onto a truck bed, flatbed trailer, or equipment staging platform using a forklift, crane, or hoist. Skid mount rotary screw air compressors deliver 100% duty cycle and are the preferred configuration when the compressor travels as cargo on a vehicle rather than being towed independently. They serve service truck operators, utility crews, construction teams, and any field operation where the compressor needs to be on the truck alongside other equipment and tools.
90 CFM Skid Mount Compressors
The most compact skid mount option, delivering enough air for a single jackhammer, breaker, or impact tool. A 90 CFM unit fits on a standard pickup truck bed and keeps overall weight manageable. The Elgi D90KA SKID 90 CFM Portable Rotary Screw Air Compressor - Skid Mount is solid option at this output level.
110-115 CFM Skid Mount Compressors
A step up for crews that need headroom above 90 CFM or plan to run a primary tool alongside a secondary lighter tool. The ConX SC110D 110 CFM Diesel Skid Mount Rotary Screw is the top revenue producer in this category at $16,199, delivering 110 CFM from a compact diesel platform. Atlas Copco offers a 110 CFM utility mount as well.
185 CFM Skid Mount Compressors
The highest-output skid mount configuration, delivering the CFM that most construction and field tools require. A 185 CFM skid mount powers a single jackhammer or rock drill with full headroom, or two lighter tools simultaneously. The ConX SC185D 45 HP Diesel 185 CFM Skid Mount Rotary Screw is a popular skid mount 185 CFM Unit. Elgi offers their standard D185T4F as a skid mount, and also the DS185T4F utility mount air compressor. For CFM above 185, towable air compressors on tow-behind trailers extend the range to 800 CFM.
Types of Skid-Mounted Air Compressors
Compact Skid Mounts
Compact skid mount compressors are sized to fit on a truck bed or trailer alongside other tools and equipment. They prioritize small footprint and low weight while still delivering continuous-duty rotary screw output. Units at 90 and 110 CFM fall into this tier.
Full-Size Skid Mounts
Full-size skid mounts at 185 CFM or higher require a flatbed truck or large utility vehicle. They deliver construction-grade output and serve as an alternative to a tow-behind trailer when independent towing is not needed or not practical for the operation.
Service Vehicle Skid Mounts
Some skid mounts are specifically configured for permanent or semi-permanent installation on service trucks and utility vehicles. These integrate with the vehicle's equipment layout and stay on the truck between jobs rather than being loaded and unloaded at each site.
Key Specifications
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Skid mount compressors deliver 90, 110-115, or 185 CFM. A jackhammer draws 70-90 CFM; an impact wrench draws 4-8 CFM; a sandblasting nozzle (1/4") draws about 100 CFM. Match CFM to your tool requirements with a 20% buffer.
- HP (Horsepower): Ranges from 24 HP at 90-115 CFM to 45 HP at 185 CFM. All units use diesel engines.
- Engine Type: Kubota, Kohler, or similar industrial diesel engines rated for continuous field operation. Diesel delivers the fuel economy and durability required for sustained job-site use.
- Max PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Most skid mount compressors deliver 100-150 PSI, sufficient for construction tools, impact equipment, and sandblasting.
- Dimensions and Weight: Compact 90 CFM skid mounts weigh approximately 1,000-1,500 pounds and fit a standard truck bed. Full-size 185 CFM and higher skid mounts weigh 2,000-2,500 pounds or more and require a flatbed or heavy-duty truck. Verify your vehicle's payload capacity before purchasing.
Brands Carried
- ConX: The largest skid mount line in this category, with diesel rotary screw models at 90, 110, and 185 CFM. ConX skid mounts are known for compact packaging and competitive pricing.
- Atlas Copco: Diesel-powered skid mount compressors at 110 and 185 CFM, built for construction and field service applications.
- Elgi: D-series diesel skid mount compressors at 90 and 185 CFM, available as skid mount versions of Elgi's tow-behind portable line.
CompressorPros buys direct from the manufacturer, saving time and money.
FAQ
What is the difference between a skid mount and a tow behind compressor? A skid mount sits on a flat steel frame and rides on a truck bed or flatbed as cargo. A towable compressor mounts on a trailer with a tow hitch and is pulled behind a truck independently. Choose skid mount when the compressor travels on your vehicle; choose tow behind when it needs to travel independently.
What is the most common mistake when buying a skid mount compressor? Not verifying your truck's payload capacity. A 185 CFM skid mount can weigh over 2,000 pounds. If the compressor plus your other equipment exceeds your truck's rated payload, you risk safety issues and accelerated wear on the vehicle. Check the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and subtract the truck's curb weight to confirm available capacity.
Can a skid mount compressor be converted to tow behind? Not easily. Skid mounts are designed without axles, suspension, tow hitches, or trailer lighting. If you need independent towing capability, purchase a tow-behind model from the start. Some manufacturers offer the same compressor in both skid mount and tow-behind configurations.
How do I load and unload a skid mount compressor? Most skid mounts include forklift pockets or lifting eyes for crane or hoist attachment. A forklift is the most common loading method. Some operators use ramps and a winch for truck bed loading, but this requires appropriate equipment and training.
What maintenance does a skid mount compressor need? Follow the diesel engine manufacturer's schedule for oil and filter changes (typically every 250-500 hours). The rotary screw airend requires oil and filter service every 1,000-2,000 hours. Check fuel, coolant, air filter, and belt condition before each use.
Does CompressorPros offer free shipping on skid mount compressors? Yes. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer, on every unit in this category.
Shop Skid-Mounted Air Compressors at CompressorPros
CompressorPros carries skid-mounted air compressors at 90, 110-115, and 185 CFM from ConX, Atlas Copco, and Elgi. For independent towing, browse towable air compressors. For permanent vehicle installation, see vehicle-mounted and service truck compressors. For the full range of portable rotary screw options, browse the parent category. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer.
If you need help choosing a skid mount compressor for your truck or fleet, call (803) 339-0445 or email info@compressorpros.com.