Can an Air Compressor Be Transported on Its Side?

Air compressors have been a great boon in the industrial sector. They are used in several applications and have become an indispensable tool in many workshops and factories. However, one question that often comes up is whether an air compressor can be transported on its side.

Well, in this post, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of transporting an air compressor on its side. Keep reading to find out!

What is an Air Compressor?

An air compressor is essentially a mechanical device that takes in air from the atmosphere and compresses it to a high-pressure state. It then stores the compressed air in a tank or a receiver, from where it is distributed for various applications. Because of the nature of this machine, one has to be careful when transporting it.

While air compressors are generally safe when being transported upright, there are certain precautions you need to take if you must transport your air compressor on its side. Firstly, check with the manufacturer’s instructions on whether the particular model can be transported sideways.

If the manufacturer approves of the transport, ensure the air compressor is empty of any oil or gas. Turn off the engine and unplug the compressor from power, and then turn it on its side. Make sure the side of the tank with the pressure gauge is pointing upwards to avoid causing damage to the gauge.

Next, ensure your compressor is tightly secured before transport. Tie the compressor down using straps or ropes to keep it from rolling around or falling over during transit. If possible, keep the compressor in its original packaging or crate during transport.

To ensure the safety of the air compressor and prevent any damage, it’s recommended not to transport it on its side. However, if this cannot be avoided, then take the precautions mentioned above, and monitor the compressor closely during transport to avoid accidents.

Conclusion

In summary, transporting an air compressor on its side requires taking some precautions. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the unit can be transported on its side, empty it of any oil or gas, turn off the engine or unplug it from the power source, secure it tightly during transport, and monitor it closely to avoid accidents.

It’s important to note that, if possible, transporting an air compressor upright is always the safest option. Remember, safety first!