Used Portable Air Compressor Guide: Atlas Copco vs Sullair
Portable diesel air compressors are essential for pipeline work, mining, drilling, sandblasting, and large-scale construction. Atlas Copco and Sullair are two of the most trusted names in the industry. If you’re shopping for a used unit, here’s what you need to know.
High Pressure vs High Volume: Know What You Need
Before comparing brands, understand the two main categories:
High-pressure compressors (300+ PSI) are designed for:
- Pipeline testing and purging
- Well drilling and well service
- High-pressure sandblasting
- Mining operations
High-volume, medium-pressure compressors (100–150 PSI) are designed for:
- General sandblasting
- Pneumatic tool operation (jackhammers, impact wrenches)
- Pipeline blowing and drying
- Construction site air supply
Choosing the wrong type means either insufficient pressure for the job or paying for capacity you don’t need.
Atlas Copco XRVS 1550 Series (High Pressure)
The Atlas Copco XRVS 1550 is a premium high-pressure portable compressor. We currently have two models available:
XRVS 1550 CD (2014)
The Atlas Copco XRVS 1550 CD delivers 1544 CFM at 365 PSI (normal) and up to 1350 CFM at 506 PSI (max). Key specs:
- Hours: 1,942 (low for a 2014 unit)
- Engine: Cat diesel
- Fuel capacity: 240 gallons
- Frame: Tandem axle with electric brakes (highway towable)
- Sale price: $200,000
XRVS 1550 CD7 (2016)
The Atlas Copco XRVS 1550 CD7 is the newer generation with T2 emissions compliance:
- Hours: 1,415 (very low for any year)
- Output: 1544 CFM at 363 PSI (normal), 1350 CFM at 506 PSI (max)
- Engine: Cat diesel
- Fuel capacity: 240 gallons
- Frame: Tandem axle with electric brakes (highway towable)
- Sale price: $219,000
Both units include after cooler, water separator, and electric block heater.
Atlas Copco XAS 1600 CD6 (High Volume)
The Atlas Copco XAS 1600 CD6 fills a different role — high-volume air delivery at moderate pressure:
- Output: 1500 CFM at 125 PSI (normal), 1370 CFM at 150 PSI (max)
- Hours: 3,011
- Engine: Cat diesel
- Fuel capacity: 244 gallons
- Frame: Two-axle jobsite style (non-highway)
- Sale price: $40,500
This is the right choice if you need large volumes of air for sandblasting operations, pneumatic tools, or general construction — and don’t require the 300+ PSI that pipeline and drilling work demands.
Sullair 900/1150 (High Pressure)
The Sullair 900/1150 is a high-pressure competitor to the Atlas Copco XRVS line:
- Output: 1150 ACCFM at 350 PSI
- Hours: 1,601 (low)
- Year: 2018 (newest unit in our inventory)
- Engine: Cat diesel
- Fuel capacity: 249 gallons
- Frame: Tandem axle with electric brakes (highway towable)
- Weight: 16,040 lbs
- Sale price: $199,000
Sullair compressors are known for their robust rotary screw design and straightforward serviceability. The 900/1150 delivers slightly less CFM than the Atlas Copco XRVS 1550 (1150 vs 1544) but at comparable pressure.
What to Check When Buying Used
Regardless of brand, inspect these items on any used portable compressor:
- Hours — under 2,000 hours is considered low usage; over 5,000 warrants closer inspection of wear items
- Engine condition — check for smoke, unusual noise, oil leaks, and coolant condition
- Air end — the compressor element itself; listen for bearing noise and check discharge temperatures
- Oil separator — a clogged or failed separator causes oil carryover into the air stream
- Coolers — blocked or damaged after coolers reduce efficiency and can cause overheating
- Frame and tires — check for structural damage, tire condition, brake function, and axle wear
- Control panel — all gauges, shutdowns, and safety systems should be functional
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | XRVS 1550 CD | XRVS 1550 CD7 | XAS 1600 CD6 | Sullair 900/1150 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFM | 1544 | 1544 | 1500 | 1150 |
| PSI | 365 | 363 | 125 | 350 |
| Year | 2014 | 2016 | 2010 | 2018 |
| Hours | 1,942 | 1,415 | 3,011 | 1,601 |
| Price | $200,000 | $219,000 | $40,500 | $199,000 |
| Towable | Highway | Highway | Jobsite only | Highway |
Need Help Choosing?
The right compressor depends on your application, pressure requirements, and budget. Contact Gerrard Group at (847) 894-3434 to discuss your needs, or browse all available equipment.
We provide delivery and logistics support throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada.