Many users of vertical air compressors often wonder whether they can be placed horizontally when moving the machine. This article will provide you with important notes when transporting vertical air compressors.

Why is it difficult to transport vertical air compressors?

Due to their high size, heavy weight and bulky shape, moving vertical air compressors is quite difficult. To ensure the machine reaches its destination safely, the shipping process requires packaging expertise, careful planning and additional precautions.

Can the air compressor be placed horizontally when transported?

The answer depends on the condition of the air compressor you want to transport:

• New air compressor: You can place the new air compressor you bought from the store horizontally at home. New air compressors often do not have pre-filled lubricating oil in the tank.
• Used air compressors: For old air compressors that use oil, placing them horizontally during transportation may cause oil to leak and require maintenance after transportation. This is because old oil will accumulate at the bottom of the vertical air compressor’s tank, even if the inlet air filter is in place. If this old oil leaks into the valve at the air pump inlet, it will cause the air compressor to fail.

Dangers when placing oil-filled air compressors horizontally

The oil in the air compressor will settle to the bottom of the tank over time. Even with an inlet air filter, old oil can remain in the reservoir. If old oil leaks into the valve at the air pump inlet, the air compressor will be damaged.

A few useful notes for safely transporting vertical air compressors:

1. Check to see if your air compressor uses oil: Before planning a move, determine if your air compressor uses lubricating oil. If oil is present, it is important to keep the machine upright during transport.

2. Use inclines: Inclines are one of the simplest and most useful methods. For example, when transporting an air compressor in a pickup truck, you can use a hand truck to safely move the machine in and out of the truck bed. However, if your air compressor is too large or fixed on a pallet, you cannot use a hand cart. In this case, you should rent a trailer for transportation.

3. Fix the air compressor firmly: Whether you transport the air compressor vertically or horizontally, you need to fix it firmly to avoid movement during transportation.

   • Place vertically: For large vertical air compressors, you need to tie the machine tightly to the pallet to keep it steady throughout the journey.
   • Horizontal placement (optional): If you don’t want to risk spilling oil, you can remove the compressor head and pump from the tank to place it horizontally for transport. However, before moving, you still need to drain all the oil. Disassembling the machine head will keep the pump in a more upright position during transport.

4. Use a reputable shipping service: If it feels too complicated, you can consider using professional shipping services from reputable companies like SAC. This may be the safest option for you.

   • Using a reliable freight service like SAC, you can rest assured that your vertical air compressor will arrive safe and sound.
   • If you need to move your air compressor, consult SAC’s moving service. We will transport your goods to their destination quickly and safely, no matter how fragile they are.