When conditions are extreme and you need a staunch ally in your corner, pump up the power with a direct drive compressor. These bad boys are tough, reliable and pack a powerful punch.
When you’re after an air compressor with the capacity to do the job, Tool Kit Depot has you covered with a great range of direct drive air compressors, petrol units, AC stationary air compressors, belt drive beauties, or spare parts to keep your compressor running smoothly.
Direct Drive Air Compressor FAQ
What is a direct drive air compressor?
They all compress air, but what sets a direct drive air compressor apart from other types of air compressors is that there are no belts or pulley system. The motor of direct compressors is directly connected to the air pump via a crankshaft. This means that the air pump rotates at the same speed as the motor, so the airflow (CFM) is directly determined by the motor speed (RPM)
Direct drive air compressors are beasts at the long game when you have jobs that require continuous grunt for long periods of time, such as construction jackhammering.
Does a direct drive air compressor need oil?
If you have an oil-free direct drive air compressor then unsurprisingly, it won’t need any oil. If your model does require oil, then it’ll only need periodic topping up (every 100 to 500 hours of use) as without belts and pulleys there’s less wear and tear on the machine.
An oil-free direct drive air compressor means you’ll still have the convenience of having to spend less time maintaining one of these than a belt driven model as well as increased speed and less noise production than models requiring oil.
Which is better, belt drive vs direct drive air compressor?
In the battle of direct drive vs belt drive air compressor, which is better depends on what you’re going to be using it for, as each has its own unique strengths. For jobs that need long lasting, continuous heavy industrial machinery then a direct drive is the way to go. They’re also a great choice for when operating in harsh environments with extreme temperatures—both below freezing and up to 40 degrees. Smaller and more compact and with less moving parts also means less wear and tear as well as less maintenance required and generally a longer lifespan of the unit, which is another great benefit.
Belt driven air compressors on the other hand are a top choice for those jobs that need more grunt, or that call for flexibility to change air pressure to suit different tools. They’re ideal for automotive applications and woodworking, are less noisy, and easier on the wallet for the initial outlay.
Is direct drive more efficient when it comes to air compressors?
Yes, hands down a direct drive air compressor is more energy efficient than its belt driven peers. A belt and pulley system loses some of the energy it produces due to heat, friction, and because of belt slip—all issues that a direct drive system doesn’t have. It’s also more efficient in weather extremes that would negatively affect belt driven compressors. So when efficiency is at the top of your list of priorities in an air compressor, a direct drive is the real deal!
