Sullair modifies 'Smart Pressure' compressor set

The PAC80, launched in 2007, operates at a pressure of 21 psi rather than the much larger 100 psi compressors normally used to operate breakers. The company says performance is maintained even at this lower pressure by combining air flows and pressures to push a larger piston at a slower, harder rate than conventional breakers. The unit can be used with Sullair's three ‘Smart Pressure' tools: the 22 kg MX22 paving breaker, the 10 kg SX10 demolition tool and the 5 kg SX5 chipping hammer.

Mike Perkins, Sullair's construction tools manager, tells IRN that the mechanics of the PAC80 compressor are unchanged - including the Sullair twin screw air end and Honda GX200 engine - but that the company listened to comments from its customers and has modified the compressor to give it a smaller footprint when stored at depots.

Mr Perkins said the PAC80 Evolution and tools offered rental companies a set of tools for use by small contractors or for shorter duration jobs competing largely against hydraulic and electric tools rather than other pneumatic tools. He said the three available tools covered 70% of the breaker market for rental companies.

He said that operating at lower pressures meant that the tools were safer (no whipping of the hoses), produced lower hand arm vibrations, less noise (and without the need for a specially fitted silencer), and had lower whole life costs (no oil cooler or oil separator is required on the compressor).

The PAC80 Evolution weighs 95 kg and can be placed in the boot of a pick-up or estate car.