Old Firehouse compressors

[Jimmer]

Hi, this is more just a shear curiosity question. I hear a lot of you guys (pretty much all Americans it seems) talking about getting compressors from Firehouses after they got a grant to upgrade their compressors. Where are you guys finding these compressors? Just showing up at the firehall and asking questions, or is there a goverment listing somewhere that the firehalls use to sell off the old ones? Does anyone know if the Canadian firefighters recieved a similar grant?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[spectrum]

A LDS picked theirs up though a cmpressor dealer that took it in as a trade-in.

 

[crpntr133]

Mine is a old firehouse compressor. I got it from a dealer that took it on trade.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Hi, this is more just a shear curiosity question. I hear a lot of you guys (pretty much all Americans it seems) talking about getting compressors from Firehouses after they got a grant to upgrade their compressors. Where are you guys finding these compressors? Just showing up at the firehall and asking questions, or is there a goverment listing somewhere that the firehalls use to sell off the old ones? Does anyone know if the Canadian firefighters recieved a similar grant?

Thanks,
Jim

Post 9-11 there was a LOT of money being allocated to "First Responders". Some of these $$ were spent on new SCBA equipment, including compressors and associated banks, filters etc.

This caused quite a few "Fire House" compressors to go on to the used market. Not so much anymore however. My pump formerly served in a Fire House.

Often these compressors are quite nice. Many were professionally maintained.

You might still find some around, but I think this ship has, for the most part, sailed.

Tobin

 

[windyairman]

i have some fir station compressor for sale
and another batch due late next week
all 3 phase
15 to 20 cfm
shame i am in england

 

[pescador775]

Threre is a 20 cfm IR on EBay right now.

 

[Isaac-1]

I bought my little 3200 psi Purus from a man that bought it from a local (to him) volunteer fire dept. about 4-5 years ago. It seems a many/most newer SCBA tanks are 4500psi so when these fire depts upgrade tanks and breathing systems they are forced to buy new compressors usualy 6000 psi for banking air. From the little I have looked into SCBA systems their are aparently some regulatory issues as well requiring certain features after certain years (alarms, etc.) One of these cut off years to upgrade by was 3-4 years ago.

 

[Surface Tension]

It seems like there are a lot more people beating the bush these days than a few years ago.

You can try the government on-line surplus auctions but the prices I see them going for aren't exactly a steal.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

We have one from an old FD, and are upgrading to another one from a different FD...

That said, I have a guy that has access to all kinds of them because he is an old FD guy and goes around repairing them...Not the best at calling people back, but has great deals and does great work!! Its Chucks Compressors from Southern Illinois..I can get you phone number if interested in making the trip for one

Anyone need a 7.5hp ....we have a 15hp one coming in about 2 months with 6 additional bottles...our new bottles will be 6000s....I believe they are called ASM or ASE bottles(could be corrected on abbreviation), they never need a hydro and in addition to our 12 4500s we should have plenty of banked air...I cant wait

 

[cool_hardware52]

we have a 15hp one coming in about 2 months with 6 additional bottles...our new bottles will be 6000s....I believe they are called ASM or ASE bottles(could be corrected on abbreviation), they never need a hydro and in addition to our 12 4500s we should have plenty of banked air...I cant wait

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME sets design standards for a wide range of pressure vessels including high pressure gas storage tanks.

5000 or 6000 PSI ASME tanks are extremely heavy (1"+ thick walls) and very expensive, (~$2500 Each) You are correct that they are not required to be retested.

Nice to have. One of the key reasons I purchased the compressor I have, it has two 5000 psi ASME mounted underneath.

You can never have too much bank capacity....

Tobin