Piston Air Compressors
Find the right piston compressor by how you plan to use it, then choose from portable, workshop, silenced, smoke-ventilation or engine-driven petrol and diesel ranges.
What Type of Piston Compressor Do You Need?
Start with the way the compressor will be used. We have grouped the piston range into five clear routes so you can narrow the choice before comparing individual categories and products.
Portable Compressors
For mobile work, garages, trade use and jobs where the compressor needs to be moved between locations.
See Portable Ranges → Fixed Workshop UseWorkshop & Vertical Compressors
Receiver-mounted belt-driven piston compressors for regular garage, workshop and maintenance duties, including space-saving vertical models.
See Workshop Ranges → Reduced NoiseSilenced Compressors
Quieter enclosed and acoustically treated piston compressors for working environments where noise is important.
See Silenced Ranges → Specialist SystemsSmoke Ventilation Air Compressors
Basemount, semi-duplex and tandem compressor routes for compatible smoke-control and specialist duty/standby systems.
See Smoke Ventilation Ranges → Mobile & Off-GridPetrol & Diesel Compressors
Engine-driven piston compressors for site, agricultural, service and remote applications where mains electricity is unavailable.
See Engine-Driven Ranges →Portable Piston Air Compressors
Choose from oil-free, lubricated, belt-driven, silenced and 110V portable compressor ranges according to power supply, mobility, noise level and expected workload.
Oil-Free Portable Direct-Driven
Compact oil-free compressors for lighter mobile and workshop duties.
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Lubricated Portable Direct-Driven
Portable lubricated compressors for trade, garage and general workshop use.
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Portable Belt-Driven
Belt-driven portable machines for more demanding intermittent compressed-air duties.
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110 Volt Compressors
110V direct-driven and belt-driven options for compatible site and trade applications.
View Range →Workshop Piston Air Compressors
For fixed workshop installations, start here. These routes cover receiver-mounted lubricated belt-driven compressors for regular workshop and maintenance use.
Workshop Belt-Driven Compressors
Browse the wider receiver-mounted lubricated workshop compressor range.
View Range →
Tanair Workshop Compressors
Go directly to the Tanair receiver-mounted workshop piston compressor range.
View Tanair Range →
Vertical Belt-Driven Compressors
Space-saving vertical receiver-mounted piston compressors for fixed workshop installations.
View Vertical Range →Silenced Piston Air Compressors
Choose from quieter enclosed and acoustically treated piston compressor ranges where reducing operating noise is a priority.
Silenced Portable Direct-Driven
Portable quieter-running compressors for mobile and lighter-duty applications.
View Range →
Silenced Belt-Driven Compressors
Acoustically treated belt-driven piston compressors for quieter working environments.
View Range →
Ultimate Silenced Compressors
Explore the dedicated premium silenced piston compressor range.
View Range →Smoke Ventilation Air Compressors
Specialist compressor routes for compatible smoke-control systems and duty/standby arrangements, including electric basemount, semi-duplex and tandem configurations.
Electric Basemount Compressors
Basemount compressor units for compatible replacement duties and bespoke smoke-ventilation packages.
View Basemount Range →
Semi-Duplex Smoke Ventilation Compressors
Receiver-mounted semi-duplex compressor arrangements for suitable smoke-control applications.
View Semi-Duplex Range →
Tandem Air Compressors
Twin-compressor tandem arrangements for applications requiring duty-assist or duty-standby operation.
View Tandem Range →Petrol & Diesel Piston Air Compressors
Engine-driven piston compressors are suited to mobile, site and remote applications where a suitable mains electrical supply is not available. Choose petrol or diesel according to the required output, duty, fuel preference and operating environment.
Petrol Air Compressors
Honda-powered portable and receiver-mounted piston compressors for site, maintenance and mobile use.
View Petrol Range →
Diesel Air Compressors
Yanmar-powered basemount and receiver-mounted piston compressors for heavier site, agricultural and remote duties.
View Diesel Range →Choosing the Right Piston Compressor
Required Airflow
Start with the actual CFM required by the tools or equipment that may operate at the same time.
Electrical Supply
Check whether the site has 110V, 230V or 415V available before narrowing the compressor range.
Duty Cycle
Piston compressors are normally best suited to intermittent or varying demand rather than continuous full-load operation.
Noise
If the compressor will be close to working areas, compare the silenced ranges and check the sound data for the exact model.
Receiver Size
A larger receiver provides more stored air but does not increase the compressor's continuous airflow output.
Installation
Allow for ventilation, electrical protection, drainage, service access and suitable downstream air treatment where required.
Piston Air Compressor FAQs
Which piston compressor range should I start with?
Choose by application first: portable for mobile electric use, workshop and vertical for fixed receiver-mounted use, silenced where reduced noise matters, smoke ventilation for specialist basemount, semi-duplex or tandem arrangements, and petrol or diesel for engine-driven off-grid applications.
Should I choose direct-driven or belt-driven?
Direct-driven models are typically compact and convenient for lighter duties. Belt-driven compressors are often selected for regular workshop use and more demanding intermittent applications.
What is the difference between oil-free and lubricated piston compressors?
Oil-free compressors avoid lubricant within the compression process, while lubricated piston compressors use oil for pump lubrication. The correct choice depends on duty, maintenance preference and the air-quality requirement of the application.
Does a bigger air receiver mean a more powerful compressor?
No. Receiver capacity affects stored-air reserve and cycling behaviour, but the compressor's continuous airflow is determined by the compressor itself.
Can you help me size a piston compressor?
Yes. Send us the tools or equipment being supplied, required pressure, expected operating time and available electrical supply and we can help narrow the suitable range.
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