Let’s be honest. Tow-behind air compressors are a hassle. They’re a pain to move around, restrict your ability to tow other equipment and require additional safety and maintenance considerations.
If you’re still using a tow-behind air compressor for light to medium air excavation work, it’s time to look at an innovative alternative. The UNDERHOOD150 air compressor, engineered by VMAC, is a mobile compressed air solution for digging in soil that contains greenery or utilities.
UNDERHOOD150 air compressors are mounted within the engine compartment of your vehicle and provide 90 to 140 cfm of compressed air, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. It is ideal for powering large-size air tools, including air knives and spades, or blowing compressed air through an air hose.
Making the switch
Jim Kirby, fleet supervisor for the city of Livonia (Michigan) Department of Public Works, switched from tow-behinds to UNDERHOOD air compressors and never looked back.
“We had two very old trailer-mounted air compressors that needed to be replaced and were shared between departments, and they always needed some type of repair when they needed to be used. This wasn’t convenient when an unanticipated need for compressed air on a job site came up,” says Kirby.
Kirby has since installed 14 UNDERHOOD air compressors on his vehicles, including Ford F-250 trucks and Ford Transit vans. In addition to the UNDERHOOD150, Kirby’s fleet also uses UNDERHOOD40 and UNDERHOOD70 models.
“I would highly recommend VMAC compressors to anyone with a need for portable compressed air on demand, and who would appreciate the convenience and ease of use to operate the compressor,” says Kirby.
Because UNDERHOOD150 systems utilize the vehicle’s existing engine, they eliminate the engine maintenance required with tow-behind air compressors. The minimal maintenance that is needed is quick and easy to perform. As a result, less time and money are spent on maintenance, freeing up resources for other tasks.
“It’s very easy to replace filters at the recommended service intervals. We have already had a couple air compressors come in for their service intervals, and we haven’t had any performance issues,” says Kirby.
In-house manufacturing
UNDERHOOD150 air compressors are a great mobile air choice during today’s supply chain constraints, where many engine-driven products are back ordered. UNDERHOOD systems are made entirely in-house at VMAC’s North American headquarters and ship within 10 business days.
“The UNDERHOOD product line only relies on the hardworking teams and machinery at VMAC, which is why we are able to ship UNDERHOOD air compressors in 10 working days. These short lead times are significant for anyone who needs a compact yet powerful air compressor soon,” says Stuart Coker, director of operations at VMAC.
Every UNDERHOOD system is meticulously engineered with the cooperation of leading vehicle manufacturers, ensuring each system fits perfectly, works optimally and maintains vehicle manufacturer warranties, according to Coker.
“I was impressed with not only the performance of the compressor, but also how things were engineered to fit properly in the engine compartment, as if it was built from the factory,” says Kirby.
UNDERHOOD150 applications are currently available for Ford Super Duty and RAM chassis cab work trucks. To learn more or find out if the UNDERHOOD150 is available for your truck, visit www.vmacair.com/underhood150.
VMAC designs and manufactures innovative mobile air compressors and multipower systems. The company does this with hardworking, dedicated people who devote their working lives to improving the mobile air industry. The company builds every VMAC system in-house with the promise that it will work as hard as you do, and it backs this promise with a VMAC lifetime warranty.
888-514-6656 | www.vmacair.com
