Your browser is not supported

You are using a browser we do not support any longer. To continue visiting our website, please choose one of the following supported browsers.

Our global presence

Please select a business area and your country and language.

Close

Can I keep my compressor on a pallet?

What's the big deal?

Your shiny, new compressor has been delivered to your shop and it is time to get installed. The first question: Should you keep your air compressor on the pallet it arrived on or remove it? As stated in (most) instruction manuals, you should remove your air compressor from the pallet. Below is some insight on why:

Wear & Tear:

Bottom line, air compressor pallets are created to transport the machine from one location to another, to protect the machine from being damaged. The shipping pallets are not designed or intended for long-term use. Wood decomposes over time, putting your compressor at risk of damage from tipping over. If your shop or business depends on compressed air, can you afford to be without while repairing a broken compressor due to a pallet collapse?

Vibration:

There are potential mechanical problems with running an air compressor on a skid, since it is not hard-anchored, you’re likely to see more vibration when it's running. There is a tendency to vibrate deep into the wood grain which can cause it to fail. When your air compressor remains on the pallet, the added vibration from the machine can make your air compressor “walk” away from it’s initial location. This is extremely dangerous and can cause damage around your shop. It is also much easier to tip over than if it were anchored to concrete.

Warranty:

Ask questions about your compressors warranty. Often, air compressor warranty is voided if the compressor remains on skids and not anchored to the floor.

Recommendation:

Here are a few tips, outlined in our instruction manuals, to use when installing your compressor. • The compressor must be bolted to the floor with vibration pads before operating to prevent equipment damage, injury or death. Do Not tighten bolts completely as this may cause stress to the tank welds. • A minimum clearance of 18 inches between the compressor and a wall is required because objects could obstruct airflow. • Never use the shipping skid for mounting the compressor. • It is recommended to bolt the unit to a firm, level foundation (such as a concrete floor). Do not bolt uneven feet tightly to the foundation, as this will cause excessive stress on the receiver tank. Use metal shims under the "short" feet if necessary.

Jim Phillis

You ask, we answer. Visit our Expert Corner for every #CPTechThursday to find answers to common industry questions and highlights of CP's high-quality compressors. We love providing our customers with answers to their technical questions.

Jim Phillis , Technical Support Chicago Pneumatic

Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to stay up to date on our #CPTechThursday posts.

Please contact [email protected] for additional information. For tech support for any Chicago Pneumatic product, please call us at (877)861-2722, opt 1. Or email us at [email protected] . We look forward to helping.

Experts' articles

Why a Chicago Pneumatic VSD Expert Corner

Why Is My Compressor Vibrating?

Regardless of the type of compressor you have, vibration issues can be troubling for any business. The root of the vibration can stem from multiple sources, some internally and others externally. Understanding the cause of the vibration and how to resolve them will be critical in keeping your compressor in proper working order.

Can my compressor be outside

How Do I Winterize My Air Compressor?

Regardless of whether or not it actually freezes where you live, most winterization service recommendations are also basic, solid maintenance procedures that will help extend the life and operational efficiencies of air compressors regardless of whether you live in northern Maine or South Florida.

Expert Corner Dryer

Where Should I Install my Air Dryer?

Your company purchased an air dryer for your compressor. One of the most common things we see in the industry are air dryers being stored on top of the compressors. Seems like a wasted space not being used on top of the compressor, right? Wrong.