Fluid Power World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Hydraulics
      • Cylinders & Actuators
      • Filtration/Contamination Control
      • Fittings, Couplings & Adapters
      • Fluids
      • Fluid Conditioning
      • Hose & Tubing
      • Pumps & Motors
      • Related Technologies
      • Sealing
      • Sensors & Gauges
      • Valves & Manifolds
    • Pneumatics
      • Air Preparation & Regulation
      • Compressed Air Technologies
      • Cylinders & Actuators
      • End Effectors & Grippers
      • Fittings, Couplings & Adapters
      • Hose & Tubing
      • Sensors
      • Vacuum
      • Valves & Manifolds
  • Engineering Basics
  • Trending
  • Resources
    • Digital Issues
    • Pneumatics Tech Toolbox
    • Podcasts
    • Subscribe to Fluid Power World Print Magazine
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
    • White Papers
  • Women in Engineering
    • Women in Fluid Power
    • Women in Engineering
  • Design Guide Library
  • Classrooms
    • Hydraulic Filtration
    • Pneumatics Classroom
  • Advertise
  • SUBSCRIBE

New research reveals air compressors are most important equipment on service vehicles

By Paul Heney | October 27, 2021

Share

A recent survey by VMAC has revealed that nearly two-thirds of owner-operators consider their air compressor to be the most important piece of equipment on their service trucks. This was followed by cranes, generators, welders, and a variety of job-specific pieces of equipment.

Respondents also shared their preferences for air compressor types, with 80% stating they prefer rotary screw air compressors over reciprocating. Rotary screw air compressors are favored for their performance, reliability, and size and weight. Those minority individuals who preferred reciprocating air compressors said that preference was driven by ease of repair, price, and general availability of the system.

“The results are interesting because the motivating factors are quite different in each group,” said Mike Pettigrew, Marketing Manager at VMAC. “You’re ultimately seeing two very different types of buyers: one group that is interested in powerful, compact solutions that will always get the job done, and a second, smaller group that simply wants a cheap and easy option they can pick up right now.”

The research revealed that nearly half (47%) of all respondents currently use an above-deck gas driven air compressor, yet that isn’t necessarily the air compressor they want to be using. More than one-third (35%) of respondents said they prefer Underhood or vehicle-engine driven air compressors, while only 30% prefer the above-deck gas engine option.

“Our mobile service truck customers continue to give us good feedback on the pro’s and con’s of different air compressor setups and their comments very accurately reflect the intel that VMAC research has identified,” said Rob Beukema, VP of Work Truck West. “The Underhood engine driven compressor is becoming more popular for our owner/operator clients as well as our fleet managers, citing the physical space and weight they save on the deck level paired with less maintenance and higher productivity overall than stand-alone engine-driven units.”

For additional results or to see the full report, visit www.vmacair.com/survey


Filed Under: News, Pneumatic Tips
Tagged With: vmac
 

About The Author

Paul Heney

Current Digital Issue

Where are we in the tariffs tug-of-war? It feels like we’ve been talking about tariffs for months now, with the constant, will they or won’t they take effect? Josh Cosford penned an opinion piece a few weeks ago on this very topic, sharing his thoughts from north of our border as we waited for impending…

View Back Issues

Subscribe!

Fluid Power World is written by engineers for engineers engaged in designing machines and or equipment in Off-Highway, Oil & Gas, Mining, Packaging, Industrial Applications, Agriculture, Construction, Forestry, Medical and Material Handling. Fluid Power World covers pneumatics, mobile hydraulics and industrial hydraulics.

Fluid Power Design Guides

fluid
“fpw
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for Fluid Power Professionals.

RSS Featured White Papers

  • Moving fluid power forward
  • High-force linear motion: How to convert from hydraulic cylinders to electric actuators and why.
  • A technical comparison: Performance of pneumatic cylinders and electric rod actuators
Fluid Power World
  • Hose Assembly Tips
  • Mobile Hydraulic Tips
  • Pneumatic Tips
  • Sealing & Contamination Control Tips
  • About us
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Fluid Power World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Hydraulics
      • Cylinders & Actuators
      • Filtration/Contamination Control
      • Fittings, Couplings & Adapters
      • Fluids
      • Fluid Conditioning
      • Hose & Tubing
      • Pumps & Motors
      • Related Technologies
      • Sealing
      • Sensors & Gauges
      • Valves & Manifolds
    • Pneumatics
      • Air Preparation & Regulation
      • Compressed Air Technologies
      • Cylinders & Actuators
      • End Effectors & Grippers
      • Fittings, Couplings & Adapters
      • Hose & Tubing
      • Sensors
      • Vacuum
      • Valves & Manifolds
  • Engineering Basics
  • Trending
  • Resources
    • Digital Issues
    • Pneumatics Tech Toolbox
    • Podcasts
    • Subscribe to Fluid Power World Print Magazine
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
    • White Papers
  • Women in Engineering
    • Women in Fluid Power
    • Women in Engineering
  • Design Guide Library
  • Classrooms
    • Hydraulic Filtration
    • Pneumatics Classroom
  • Advertise
  • SUBSCRIBE