Nanaimo, British Columbia – VMAC, the leader in designing and manufacturing mobile air compressors, has released the results of its survey with over 1,400 respondents. The objective of the survey was to obtain information on how long truck mounted air compressor users expect their air compressors to last them.
The web poll revealed that 40.5% of respondents expect their truck mounted air compressor to last them between 6-10 years, 19.2% between 1-5 years, 17.8% between 11-15 years, and the remaining split between intervals ranging from 16-25+ years.
When combined, those expecting their air compressor to operate less than 15 years made up a total of 77.46% of respondents. VMAC interprets a connection between the average lifespan of a service truck, and what consumers expect the lifespan of an air compressor to be. Service trucks range from 11.5-16.5 years, consistent with the understanding of air compressor lifespans amongst respondents.
“We understand that fleet managers and owners typically install truck-mounted air compressors on brand new service trucks, and they expect those air compressors to last the life of the truck,” says Jim Raymond, VMAC’s Sales Manager.
The lifespan of a truck mounted air compressor varies depending on how well the owner takes care of the system. Truck mounted air compressors can easily last over 15 years if users focus on elements such as using a rotary screw air compressor, reciprocating air compressors, product quality, and maintenance. Users should replace their air compressors when they feel they truly need to.
“I don’t think there are general guidelines about when an air compressor should be retired. I’ve never read or been informed about any, at any rate. If the condensation in the tank doesn’t have flakes of rust in it, the air seals are still holding, and the motor is running strong, I’d just keep right on using it,” said Chris Marshall.
Some results of the survey came as a surprise, with 19.2% of respondents expecting less than 5 years of life on an air compressor, this raises concerns for VMAC that truck owners may be replacing their equipment too soon.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, 10.7% of users expect the system to last more than 25 years, well above the expected lifespan for the product.
Nonetheless, VMAC is pleased with the results of the survey and is looking forward to utilizing the data to further drive work truck industry innovation and meet its customer’s needs.
“This poll of over 1,400 industry professionals gives VMAC and our dealers, customers, and partners data-driven insight into the mobile compressed air industry that was previously anecdotal. We will continue to collect and release data from industry surveys, and we look forward to VMAC’s 2021 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report, coming Summer 2021,” said Mike Pettigrew, VMAC’s Marketing Manager.