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Portable Rotary Screw Air Compressors
Portable rotary screw air compressors deliver continuous-duty compressed air at construction sites, pipeline work, and remote locations without fixed electrical power. CompressorPros carries gasoline, diesel, and electric portable rotary screw models from 70 to 290+ CFM in skid mount and tow behind configurations. Standard shipping is free.
What Are Portable Rotary Screw Air Compressors?
A portable rotary screw air compressor pairs a rotary screw airend with a gasoline or diesel engine (or in some cases a compact electric motor) mounted on a skid or trailer frame for field use. Unlike stationary shop compressors, portable rotary screw units are designed to move between job sites and operate in locations without access to fixed electrical service. They deliver 100% duty cycle, meaning they can run continuously throughout the workday without overheating. Portable rotary screw compressors serve construction crews, utility contractors, pipeline and sandblasting operations, and mobile service vehicles.
Gasoline vs. Diesel vs. Electric Portable
The power source determines fuel cost, runtime, and the environments where the unit can operate.
Gasoline Portable Rotary Screw Compressors
Gas-powered portables use commercial engines (typically Honda) and are common in the up to 90 CFM range. They are lighter and less expensive than diesel equivalents. The ConX SC70 Compact 70 CFM Engine Driven Rotary Screw Air Compressor is the top-selling gas portable on the site, delivering 70 CFM from a compact, easy to transport compressor.
Diesel Portable Rotary Screw Compressors
Diesel portables use commercial diesel engines (Kubota, Kohler, or similar) and are the standard for higher-CFM applications, including 185 CFM and above. Diesel engines deliver longer runtime per tank, better fuel economy under sustained loads, and greater durability for continuous daily operation on construction sites. The Elgi D185T4F 185 CFM Portable Rotary Screw Air Compressor - Tow Behind is one of our top sellers.
Electric Portable Rotary Screw Compressors
Electric portables are compact, plug-in units designed for job sites and shops with electrical access. They are significantly quieter than engine-driven models, produce no exhaust, and require no fuel. The KTC COMPACK 2 3 HP Single Phase Portable Rotary Screw Air Compressor is a uniquely compact electric rotary screw air compressor.
Skid Mount vs. Tow Behind
Skid Mount Portable Compressors
Skid mount units sit on a flat steel frame designed to be loaded onto a truck bed, trailer, or service vehicle using a forklift or crane. They are the preferred configuration for service trucks, utility vehicles, and operations that transport the compressor as part of a larger equipment setup. The ConX SC110D 110 CFM Diesel Skid Mount Rotary Screw is a mid-range diesel skid mount for 90-115 CFM applications.
Tow Behind Portable Compressors
Tow behind units mount on a single-axle or dual-axle trailer with a hitch, allowing them to be towed directly behind a truck to the job site. This configuration is standard for construction, road work, pipeline, and sandblasting crews that move between locations daily.
Key Specifications
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): The primary sizing spec. Portable rotary screw compressors range from 35 CFM for smaller gas models to 290+ CFM for large diesel units. Match CFM to the combined demand of all tools and processes running simultaneously on site.
- HP (Horsepower): Ranges from 3 HP for electric portables to 100+ HP for large diesel tow-behind units. Engine HP directly determines CFM output.
- Engine Type: Honda or similar for gasoline models; Kubota, Kohler, or similar for diesel. Commercial engines are rated for continuous-duty field operation.
- Max PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Most portable rotary screw compressors deliver 100-150 PSI. Some models offer a high-pressure option (up to 150 PSI) for sandblasting and other high-demand tools.
- Fuel Type: Gasoline for units up to about 80 CFM; diesel for 90 CFM and above. Electric portables eliminate fuel entirely.
- Weight: Ranges from under 100 pounds for electric portables to over 3,000 pounds for large diesel tow-behind units. Verify towing capacity and truck bed load limits before purchasing.
Brands Carried
- ConX: The largest portable rotary screw line carried by CompressorPros, with gas and diesel models from 70 to 185+ CFM in both skid mount and tow behind configurations.
- Elgi: Diesel portable rotary screw compressors from 35 to 800 CFM in tow behind, skid mount, and utility mount options.
- Atlas Copco - The most well known brand in this space. 100 CFM and Larger.
- KTC: COMPACK series ultra-compact electric portable rotary screw compressors for shop and field use.
CompressorPros buys direct from the manufacturer, saving time and money.
FAQ
What size portable rotary screw compressor do I need? It depends on the tools you plan to run. A single sandblaster may require 100-185 CFM, while a jackhammer draws 70-90 CFM. Add up the CFM requirements of all tools running simultaneously and choose a compressor rated at least 20% above that total.
What is the most common mistake when buying a portable rotary screw compressor? Choosing gasoline when diesel is the better fit. Gas engines are lighter and cheaper, but they burn more fuel per hour and are not designed for all-day continuous operation. If the compressor will run 6-10 hours a day on a job site, a diesel unit will deliver better fuel economy and longer engine life.
How do I choose between skid mount and tow behind? If the compressor will ride on a truck bed or service vehicle, choose skid mount. If it needs to be towed independently to job sites behind a truck, choose tow behind. Some models are available in both configurations.
Do portable rotary screw compressors need an air dryer? For general construction tools (jackhammers, impact wrenches, nail guns), a dryer is not typically required. For sandblasting, painting, or moisture-sensitive processes in the field, an aftercooler and moisture separator may be needed. Most portable units include a basic aftercooler as standard.
How often does a portable rotary screw compressor need maintenance? Engine oil and filter changes follow the engine manufacturer's schedule, typically every 250-500 hours. The rotary screw airend requires oil and filter service every 1,000-2,000 hours. Daily checks should include fuel level, coolant, air filter condition, and belt tension.
Does CompressorPros offer free shipping on portable rotary screw compressors? Yes. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer, on every unit in this category.
Shop Portable Rotary Screw Air Compressors at CompressorPros
CompressorPros carries portable rotary screw air compressors from 35 to 290+ CFM in gasoline, diesel, and electric configurations. Browse by output: up to 90 CFM, 90-115 CFM, 185 CFM, or greater than 185 CFM. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer.
If you need help selecting a portable compressor for your job site or fleet, call (803) 339-0445 or email info@compressorpros.com.