is this a crazy idea ? casters on air compressor

[rfuerst911sc]

As I am planning/setting up my ultimate garage I got to thinking about my air compressor. It is a IR 60 gallon vertical tank with the standard base/legs that compressors have. I would like to be able to move the compressor out from its location in the corner every once and a while. Whether it be to drain the tank or check/change the oil or air filter. I was thinking about mounting lockable casters to the four feet that the compressor sits on. Is this crazy ? I figure when the wheels are locked she's not going to move. If I want to move it just unhook the quick disconnect fitting, pull the plug and unlock the casters and I can easily move it about my shop. The added height of the casters will make the access to the bottom mounted drain fitting even easier. So what do you think guys ?

[gtc]

Yes.

[RWebb]

vertical tank, so strap it to a hand truck - nicer wheels

DeWalts are already set up that way

[rfuerst911sc]

Can you clarify your answer ? Yes it's a good idea or yes it's crazy ?

[targa911S]

works for me.

[Gogar]

I agree with Mr. Webb; You're going to spend a few hours trying to mount wheels on that thing and it's going to to be tippy and sketchy and it's going to cost the same amount as a nice hand truck.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I agree with Mr. Webb; You're going to spend a few hours trying to mount wheels on that thing and it's going to to be tippy and sketchy and it's going to cost the same amount as a nice hand truck.

Not sure where a few hours will be tied up ? The feet on the compressor already have 1/2 holes in them. Should take about 15 minutes to install all four casters. Yes the compressor is top heavy but in my opinion much more stable on four wheels staying vertical vs. tipping to the side on a hand cart. I've moved this bad boy on a hand cart and it isn't fun. And I'm not getting any younger so wrestling this on a hand truck is not in my future.

[Red88Carrera]

2 wheels on an axle on one side and two feet on the other side. Just tip it a bit and move it.

[Evans, Marv]

Another possibility would to use something like a furniture dolly with plywood on the top to make a platform, or just make something like that (maybe lower & a little wider) from scratch with steel, aluminum or something else with the compressor fastened down to it. The compressor probably has rubber pads on the bottoms of the feet to absorb vibration. That way those could function, you could wheel it around on a maybe wider platform for better stability, and it could be dismounted from it if you ever needed to.

[Mike C]

Tried it & won't do it again. Very unstable when trying to push it around.

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Not sure where a few hours will be tied up ? The feet on the compressor already have 1/2 holes in them.

Oh. Ok. I guess I still feel like it's asking for trouble for something you will move a time or two a year. If you must, make sure you don't get all four swivel wheels, just 2.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by Mike C

Tried it & won't do it again. Very unstable when trying to push it around.

In your opinion was it unstable because of the casters you used or unstable regardless of what casters are used ? Was it on smooth concrete ? I just want to understand the details. Thanks

[DARISC]

20 and 30 gal shown - 61 gal might be too tall & tippy? Looks to me like you'd only need two, non-locking wheels (forget casters). Like Randy said, strap it to a hand truck. I'd try it and see.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

Another possibility would to use something like a furniture dolly with plywood on the top to make a platform, or just make something like that (maybe lower & a little wider) from scratch with steel, aluminum or something else with the compressor fastened down to it. The compressor probably has rubber pads on the bottoms of the feet to absorb vibration. That way those could function, you could wheel it around on a maybe wider platform for better stability, and it could be dismounted from it if you ever needed to.

I can see where a base a little bit larger than the compressor would help with stability. I might build a wood base similiar to a wood pallet and put casters on that. Just listening to what others have done. Thanks

[DARISC]

How 'bout make a custom pallet to bolt the compressor onto and get one of these? Looks like you might not even have to use a strap.

[TimT]

Years ago I built an box out of plywood to house a compressor, complete with casters, I insulated the box to cut down the noise while the compressor was operating..(had an opening in the back for air exchange..)

Part of my idea was to be able to use the top of the compressor box as a work surface...

Well even with the caster locked, when the compressor was running the box walked... and anything I left on top did the boogie woogie...

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

I just want to understand the details. Thanks

Take a baseball bat and place it vertical, skinny end on the floor. Let go and watch it fall.

Then, put a wheel on the skinny end and do the same thing.

[BK911]

I think you are over thinking it. For the limited amount of times you will actually move it casters should be fine. Just be careful so you dont tip it over.

[andrew15]

Technically, those holes on the feet are for bolting it to the floor!
I can only imagine that a top heavy 60 gallon tank on casters would be asking for trouble.
AM

[DARISC]

Originally Posted by andrew15

Technically, those holes on the feet are for bolting it to the floor!
I can only imagine that a top heavy 60 gallon tank on casters would be asking for trouble.
AM

Bolted to a pallet on casters would be safe, no?