Renting a Portable Air Compressor? You’re Not Off the Hook for Maintenance

The benefits of renting equipment, such as portable air compressors, are numerous. You can get only the equipment you need when you need it and not have to worry about towing it long distances to job sites, among other reasons; but there is one thing renters need to know upfront. You’re not off the hook for maintenance. Like equipment owners, renters are responsible for maintenance while using the equipment to ensure optimal machine performance.

Daily maintenance should include:

• Checking all oil and fluid levels in the engine and compressor
• Adding oil and/or fluids if necessary
• Checking diesel exhaust fluid as applicable
• Filling the fuel tank and draining any water from the fuel/water separator
• Checking radiator fluid
• Checking the dust collectors and cleaning if necessary

Depending on the environment in which the compressor is used, renters may also need to check the coolers frequently. If operating in a dirty environment – such as media blasting and agricultural applications – coolers need to be washed and cleaned daily. One example is in cotton farming. With blowing air, the cotton seeds typically get into the filter, clog it, and then the compressor may overheat and shutdown. Regularly checking the coolers will save many headaches and prevent unexpected downtime.

To avoid any surprises when returning the equipment after use, it’s always best to treat the equipment as if it is your own.