You like the idea of having a portable air compressor, but you need more power than what a small compressor can provide. You want an air compressor that is going to be highly durable and last for a dozen years instead of a dozen months at best. The Makita Big Bore 3 HP air compressor can do this for you a whole lot more.
It might not be the lightest air compressor since it weighs just under 90 pounds, but it is mounted on a wheelbarrow roll cage design with a folding handle to give it a reasonable level of portability. It offers users 6.5 SCFM at 90 PSI, which means you’ve got enough power to run two framing nailers at once. The cast-iron cylinder gives this compressor a consistent performance and maintenance chores are super easy thanks to the location of the oil drain.
Here are some of the other stats you’ll want to know about this Makita air compressor.
- Tank Size: 5.2 gallons
- Decibel Rating: 90 dB
- Amps: 13.8
- Working Pressure: 110-140 PSI
You will receive the oil you’ll need and a 0.25 inch universal quick coupler in the box with the Big Bore 3 HP compressor.
How Often Does the Makita Air Compressor Cycle?
With such a small tank, our first question was this: how often is this air compressor going to cycle on us? We don’t usually use more than one air tool at once, but let’s say we’re using an impact wrench. Is this air compressor going to run consistently? We were pleased to see that cycling was only every now and then.
We did find that this Makita compressor can still operate some of the heavier tools, like a plasma cutter or an angle grinder, but it will be running almost constantly while you’re doing it.
It does have a helpful roll cage design that lets you loop your air hose for storage. The 8 inch pneumatic wheels make it possible to take this compressor to virtually any outdoor work site. We just wish this was a full roll cage design because there isn’t an upper frame to protect from a complete roll over. Nothing connects the two handle components together. Because of this, we can see how maybe an impact could cause the gauges, couplers, or connections to break.
We love the built-in storage compartment. You won’t be able to store a garage full of tools in this compartment, but you’ll be able to take the tools along that you’ll need for the project being worked on during the day.
This air compressor comes with a 30 day no questions asked guarantee. It is also protected with a 1 year warranty for repairs which includes prepaid freight so repairs won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
The Makita Big Bore 3 HP air compressor offers a nice compromise between small portable compressors and commercial-grade ones. If you’re looking for something with strength and durability that isn’t unreasonably expensive, then we highly recommend this compressor today.
