null
5 Star Excellence award from Shopper Approved for collecting at least 100 5 star reviews

Shop by Category

Base Mount Air Compressors

Base-mount air compressors ship as a standalone compressor and motor assembly without a built-in tank, allowing the facility to pair the unit with an appropriately sized remote air receiver. CompressorPros carries base mount rotary screw and piston compressors from 7.5 to 75+ HP in single phase and three phase configurations. Standard shipping is free.

What Are Base-Mount Air Compressors?

A base-mount air compressor ships without a built-in air receiver tank. The compressor, motor, and controls mount on a steel base frame, and the facility connects the unit to a separately purchased or existing tank through its own piping system. This configuration gives facility managers full control over receiver sizing, tank placement, and system layout. Base mount is the standard for installations above 15 HP, for facilities with centralized compressed air distribution systems, and for any operation that already has tank and piping infrastructure in place. Base mount compressors serve manufacturing plants, large auto shops, food processing facilities, and industrial operations that need to customize their air system rather than accept a factory tank size.

Base Mount Rotary Screw vs. Base Mount Piston

Base Mount Rotary Screw Compressors

The majority of base mount compressors are rotary screw units. Rotary screw airends deliver 100% duty cycle, low noise, and high CFM-per-HP efficiency, making them the natural fit for facilities that need continuous airflow. Base mount rotary screw compressors are available from 7.5 to 75+ HP in both fixed speed and variable speed configurations. The Elgi EG15-150 20 HP Three Phase Base Mount Rotary Screw Air Compressor is a popular entry point for facilities stepping up from tank mount systems, while the Elgi EG37-150 50 HP Three Phase Base Mount Rotary Screw Air Compressor represents the industrial end of the range.

Base Mount Piston Compressors

Base mount piston compressors are less common but serve specific applications. Fire sprinkler system compressors, gas-engine-driven field compressors, and compressor/generator combos are available in base mount configurations where a built-in tank is either unnecessary or replaced by the system's own receiver. These range from 1/2 HP fire sprinkler units to 14 HP gas-driven compressors.

Types of Base-Mount Air Compressors

7.5-15 HP Base Mount Compressors

The entry tier for base mount rotary screw ownership. These units deliver 25-55 CFM and serve auto shops, woodworking operations, and light manufacturing that have outgrown a tank mount system. Single phase models are available at 7.5 HP for facilities without three phase power. The Chicago Pneumatic QRS 7.5 BM-1 7.5 HP Base Mount Rotary Single Phase is a single phase base mount option for shops upgrading to rotary screw without an electrical upgrade.

20-30 HP Base Mount Compressors

The core of the base mount range. These units deliver 60-130 CFM and serve multi-bay shops, fabrication facilities, and mid-scale manufacturing. Three phase power is standard at this tier. The Quincy QGS 30 BM-3 30 HP Three Phase Base Mount Air Compressor delivers strong output from a proven platform.

40-75+ HP Base Mount Compressors

Industrial-grade systems delivering 150-350+ CFM for large manufacturing plants, food processing facilities, and operations running multiple high-demand processes simultaneously. These require dedicated electrical infrastructure and are paired with large remote air receivers and downstream filtration and drying systems.

Gas-Driven Base Mount Compressors

Some base mount compressors use gasoline engines instead of electric motors, serving outdoor installations and locations without electrical power. The Industrial Gold RS130GEHBM3 13 HP Honda Gasoline Driven Base Mount Rotary Screw Air Compressor provides rotary screw output in a gas-powered base mount configuration for field and remote-site installations.

Key Specifications

  • CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Base mount compressors deliver roughly 25-350+ CFM depending on HP. Add up all simultaneous tool and process demands and include a 20-30% buffer.
  • HP (Horsepower): Ranges from 7.5 HP for entry-level rotary screw to 75+ HP for industrial systems. Variable speed drive (VSD) options are available at select HP levels for facilities with fluctuating demand.
  • Max PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Most base mount rotary screw compressors are available in 100, 125, or 150 PSI configurations. Select the PSI rating that matches your highest-demand application.
  • Voltage/Phase: Single phase (230V) is available at 7.5 HP. Three phase (208V, 230V, 460V) is standard for 10 HP and above. Some models accept 575V for Canadian installations. Confirm your facility's voltage before ordering.
  • Footprint: Base mount compressors are more compact than tank mount equivalents since no integrated tank adds to the length. However, the remote air receiver tank requires its own floor space elsewhere in the facility.

Brands Carried

  • Elgi: EG and EN series base mount rotary screw compressors from 10 to 75+ HP, available in 100, 125, and 150 PSI configurations with extended 4,000-hour maintenance intervals. Elgi carries the largest base mount line on the site.
  • Chicago Pneumatic: QRS series base mount rotary screw compressors from 7.5 to 25 HP in single phase and three phase, with optional integrated dryers on select models.
  • Quincy: QGS BM series base mount rotary screw compressors from 7.5 to 30 HP in three phase configurations.
  • Industrial Gold: Gas-driven and electric base mount rotary screw compressors for field and industrial applications.
  • Schulz: SRP series base mount rotary screw compressors for industrial installations from 15 to 125 HP.

CompressorPros buys direct from the manufacturer, saving time and money.

FAQ

Why choose base mount over tank mount? Base mount allows you to size and position the air receiver tank independently of the compressor. This is important when your facility already has a tank, when you need a larger receiver than tank mount systems include, or when the compressor and tank need to be in different locations within the plant.

What is the most common mistake when buying a base mount compressor? Forgetting to budget for the separate air receiver tank and piping. A base mount compressor does not include a tank, so you need to purchase one separately (or confirm that your existing tank has adequate capacity). Factor in the cost of the receiver, piping, and any valves or fittings needed for the connection.

What size air receiver tank do I need with a base mount compressor? A general guideline is 3-5 gallons of receiver capacity per CFM of compressor output. A 30 HP compressor delivering 130 CFM would pair with a 400-650 gallon receiver. Larger tanks reduce pressure fluctuations and motor cycling. Consult with CompressorPros for sizing guidance specific to your application.

Can I connect a base mount compressor to my existing tank? Yes, as long as the existing tank is rated for the compressor's maximum output pressure and has adequate capacity for the CFM output. Verify the tank's ASME pressure rating and consider whether the existing receiver provides enough buffer for your demand pattern.

Do base mount compressors come with dryers? Most base mount compressors do not include an integrated dryer. A standalone refrigerated or desiccant dryer is purchased separately and plumbed inline between the compressor and the distribution system. Some Chicago Pneumatic QRS BMD models include a dryer option.

Does CompressorPros offer free shipping on base mount compressors? Yes. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer, on every unit in this category.

Shop Base-Mount Air Compressors at CompressorPros

CompressorPros carries base-mount air compressors from 7.5 to 75+ HP across rotary screw and piston technologies, in single phase and three phase configurations. For compressors with an integrated tank, browse vertical and horizontal stationary air compressors. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer.

If you need help sizing a base mount compressor and receiver for your facility, call (803) 339-0445 or email info@compressorpros.com.