Is the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 worth buying? Well, it’s one of the top sell air compressors for a reason. Read our review and decide for yourself if it lives up to the hype.
If you’re looking for and industrial 2-stage air compressor for a commercial shop, the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 should be on your wish list. In this review, we’ll be examining two of the best options from this renowned brand. The 5HP Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 is one of the more affordable air compressors in its class. Whereas the Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5 (Tractor Supply) costs around twice as much, offering more power from a 7.5 HP motor. With this price difference, you may be wondering which is the best model for your needs. This review will compare the two, allowing you to decide with confidence.
A busy auto shop can have many high-volume pneumatic tools working constantly. To keep up with productivity, you need a constant supply of compressed air. In the world of air tools, air compressor duty cycle is everything when it comes to productivity. The same principle applies to manufacturing facilities and spray booths, that use large volumes of compressed air.
VIDEO | A Closer Look at the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5
An 80-gallon tank is a good start. You have the storage capacity to act as a buffer when demand is high. Though, this will not be of much value if you don’t have an adequate recovery rate. This is when it becomes essential to use a 2-stage air compressor. In the end, a high pressure supply means you won’t drop below your minimum pressure requirement easily. I’ll discuss 2-stage reciprocating air compressors after the review. This should bring some clarity for those deciding between single-stage vs 2-stage air compressors. There is quite a significant price difference between these types of compressors. The cost has to do with the pump and the high-grade tank, which is capable of higher pressure, along with all the control functions which also need to contend with a higher pressure.
Since both the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 and 2475N7.5 utilize a 2-stage reciprocating pump, the question we’ll be seeking to answer in the review is not single vs 2-stage air compressors. It’s all about power and recovery rates. Given, the significant price difference, this needs to be carefully evaluated. This will be another topic for discussion after the review. You’ll need to know your CFM requirements to make the best decision. That’s what it comes down to when comparing the Ingersoll Rand TSN4N5 vs 2475N7.5.
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Review — Ingersoll Rand TS4N5
Suitable for : Automotive service and body shops, fleet maintenance, machining shops, production and manufacturing lines, woodworking shops, dry cleaners, general repair shops, farms, and more.
Features :
- Long-Life: Durable cast iron construction, long-lasting extended pump life designed for over 15,000 hours of trouble-free use
- Maximum Power and Flexibility: 100% continuous duty, 5 hp 230 V two-stage air compressor, 175 psig maximum operating pressure and an 80 gallon ASME receiver tank provide plenty of punch for the most demanding applications
- Easy to Service: Individually cast cylinders, overhung crankshaft and one piece connecting rod simplifies maintenance and service
- Reliable Operation:All Season Select synthetic lubricant increases efficiency; with 2,000 hours of service between change-outs, it performs four times longer than petroleum-based lubricants
- Two-Year Warranty Available: Purchase an All-Season Select lubricant start-up kit, and receive all the parts you need for start-up and the first year of maintenance, along with an extended pump warranty
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5
OVERVIEW —
In a recent review of the Ingersoll Rand SS5L5, I provided an overview of the brand. If you would like some insight into the company and its history, you may want to give it a read. All that needs to be pointed out here, in the context of the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5, is the difference between their commercial grade and light-duty air compressors.
Okay, I suppose the word light-duty doesn’t really apply to Ingersoll Rand air compressors. Even their cheaper models, aimed at small shops and home users, are highly competent machines. Though, when it comes to industrial-grade air compressors, Ingersoll Rand really comes to the fore. This is where they started, manufacturing pneumatic tools and air compressors for mining and construction. It’s this experience that gives the brand an edge over most others.
The Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 is certainly one of the industrial-grade air compressors in their lineup. This requires an entirely different approach in the design of the machine. The most important of which is the 2-stage pump, which produces 175 Psig. The difference between Psi and PSig is atmospheric pressure, Psig indicates the gauge pressure and does not account for the difference in ambient pressure. It will differ relative to altitude.
When dealing safely with this increased pressure, the type of receiver tank is another important consideration. To this end, the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 is fitted with an ASME tank. The high-pressure receiver tank meets industrial safety standards, as do the gauges and pressure relief equipment.
The Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 uses a 5HP 230V single phase electric motor. I highly recommend a dedicated circuit with a 60A breaker and #4 gauge wire. I’ve seen many discussions regarding amps and cabling for this compressor on website forums. Some people say 30A should be fine. Technically, this could work, but not always. After all my years in the electrical supply industry, I disagree with trying to save a few bucks on breakers and electric cable.
The inrush current, when the compressor starts under pressure, will exceed 250% of the normal running amperage. If you experience a voltage drop, which happens more than one would think, you can end up with over 50A startup current. A circuit that trips randomly is an inconvenience and affects productivity. Hence, my advice is a dedicated 60A circuit, you can’t go wrong with this.
This motor, in conjunction with a high-performance 2-stage pump, delivers 16.8 CFM at maximum pressure, 17.2 CFM at 90 Psi. At this recovery rate, the 80-gallon tank will supply most commercial shops with a constant supply. In most cases, you can expect 100% duty cycle. A reliable magnetic switch controls the pump. A 0.75” NPT ball valve is fitted to the tank as a single outlet.
The industrial design of the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 is evident in the materials used and easy service accessibility. Durable cast iron construction makes for a tough and reliable pump. It should be good for 15,000 hours plus, without any hassles. Using the correct lubricants, pump service intervals should be every 2,000 hours. An all season, synthetic oil is important. If you have any doubt as to which might be the best lubricant for this pump, stick with the Ingersoll Rand branded oil.
When it comes to repairs and general maintenance, this has been carefully thought out. Access to oil filler and drain plugs are a pleasure. The cylinders are individually cast, with an overhung crankshaft, and single-piece connecting rod, making for uncomplicated repairs. Less trouble and less downtime.
There are two options when buying the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5. The value pack is the cheaper model, with all specifications mentioned in this review. The Premium package provides all the same features with the additional benefits of low oil shutdown and an air cooler for the pressurized supply, with an automatic drain valve.
With all the attributes of a high quality commercial air compressor, the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 should be the perfect option for most professional shops. Quality assurance comes in the form of a 1-year commercial warranty and the service experience of a brand that has been in this business for well over a century. You shouldn’t be paying much more than $1,000 for this machine. Which, in the context of 5HP industrial grade air compressors, is good value. An optional 2-year warranty is available, which includes a free maintenance plan for the first year.
Review – Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5 / 2-Stage / 7.5hp
FEATURES :
- Long-Life: Durable cast iron construction, long-lasting extended pump life designed for over 15,000 hours of trouble-free use
- Maximum Power and Flexibility: 100% continuous duty, 5 or 7.5 hp two-stage air compressor, 175 psig maximum operating pressure and an 80-gallon ASME receiver tank provide plenty of punch for the most demanding applications
- Easy to Service: Individually cast cylinders, overhung crankshaft and one piece connecting rod simplifies maintenance and service
- Reliable Operation: All Season Select synthetic lubricant increases efficiency; with 2,000 hours of service between changeouts, it performs four times longer than petroleum-based lubricants
- Two-Year Warranty Available: Purchase an All-Season Select lubricant start-up kit, and receive all the parts you need for start-up and the first year of maintenance, along with an extended pump warranty
OVERVIEW –
If you place the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 and 2475N7.5 side by side, you wouldn’t see any noticeable difference. A look at the price tag suggests something completely different. Why is the Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5 so much more expensive than the TS4N5?
These are both 2-stage air compressors with a vertically mounted 80-gallon, ASME receiver tank. The only difference is the horsepower delivered by the electric motor. The Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5 produces 50% more power than the TS4N5. This is due to a 7.5HP 230V single phase electric motor.
I’m not exactly sure if the larger electric motor justifies paying about twice as much. Then again, I don’t have all the technical details. I’d guess, in order to handle the extra torque, the pump may should also have to be upgraded. It’s possible that only the storage tank and magnetic switch are the same for both models.
As a user, your advantage is more capacity, allowing you to use more air tools simultaneously. The difference is quite startling. The power increase is 50%, but the net result is 70% higher flow rate. The Ingersoll Rand produces 24 CFM at the same maximum pressure (175 Psig). Compared to the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5, at 16.8, you will notice the difference. At 90 Psi, the 2475N7.5 has a flow rate of 24.3 CFM.
All other specifications are the same, with an obvious weight difference. These are, as to be expected, both heavy machines. The Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 weighs 597-pounds, with 2475N7.5 being slightly heavier at 611-pounds.
Like the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5, the 2475N7.5 is available in two variants. The standard Value package and Premium, which includes air cooler, low oil shutdown, and an automatic drain valve. The warranty, optional extension (2-years), and service plan options are also the same for both models. If need the extra capacity, the Ingersoll Rand 2475N7.5, albeit much more expensive, would be the one to choose.
Single Stage vs 2-stage Air Compressors
A single stage air compressor is more affordable than a 2-stage model of the same size. The reason for this is that 2-stage pump is more sophisticated.
A single stage reciprocating air compressor may utilize one or two pistons. Though even a 2-piston single stage air compressor will function in the same way as a single piston model. The advantage of using two pistons, instead of only one, is more efficient cooling. In the end, the air compression only happens in a single stage. A vacuum is created in the cylinder as the piston moves through a downward stroke. This means air is drawn into the cylinder. It is then pressurized by the upward stroke, and the air is forced into the receiver tank.
A 2-stage air compressor will always use at least two pistons. The first piston acts in the same way as a single stage compressor, drawing air from the atmosphere and then pressurizing it. Instead of forcing the air directly into the receiver tank, a 2-stage air compressor sends the air to a second cylinder which re-pressurizes the air. This means that a 2-stage air compressor will create a higher pressure in the tank. Typically, a single stage air compressor will have a maximum pressure rating of 110 – 130 Psi, most are specified at around 120 Psi. A 2-stage air compressor will have a pressure rating of around 150 – 180 Psi for standard applications. However, specialized 2-stage air compressors can have much higher pressure.
The advantage of a higher maximum pressure rating is improved recovery rates for high volume consumption. If you’re using a 90 Psi tool, supplied by a tank at 120Psi MAX, the pressure in the tank will reach the minimum pressure more rapidly. The pump cycle will, therefore, be more frequent. When the pump starts, supplying air at higher pressure, means a faster recovery rate. A 2-stage pump is required when there is an increased demand for compressed air at a constant pressure.
What size air compressor do you need?
Buying an industrial air compressor, like the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5, is much more complicated than buying something for a home shop. In a commercial shop, productivity is worth more than saving a few bucks on the purchase and installation of a cheaper air compressor. You need to carefully assess what tools are being used, which are most likely to be used simultaneously, and what their respective requirements are in terms of pressure and CFM.
Since we’ve reviewed 2-stage air compressors here, the issue of pressure is not of too much concern. Both the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 and 2475N7.5 produce more than enough pressure for the usual 40Psi/90Psi rating for most pneumatic equipment. It all comes down to air volume (CFM) and recovery rates. Fortunately, an 80-gallon tank acts as a pretty good buffer for those times when demand is high. Recovery rate may be more important when higher volume is required, especially for high-pressure equipment.
To make sure you’re getting the correct air compressor for your needs, without wasting money on one which is too big, you need to take the time to do the correct calculations. This means adding together all the tools that are likely to be used at the same time, using their rated CFM.
Because you cannot determine your peak demand, with absolute certainty, you need to consider the variable factors. This must be done with a measure of reason. Calculating your average vs peak needs too conservatively will result in downtime, when the compressor cannot recover pressure at the same rate as the air is being used. Conversely, over-estimating your usage requirements could end up costing much more than you actually need to spend. Considering the price difference between the Ingersoll Rand TS4N5 and 2475N7.5, it’s important to have a clear idea of your requirements before deciding which air compressor is going to be your best option.
►Learn more about choosing the right size air compressor by reading our dedicated article on the subject.
Calculating CFM requirement
Some shops use compressed air at a fairly constant rate. However, most will have varying demand. This is where you need to have a good understanding of how your shop works. There’s no exact measure, you’ll need to put some thought into peak vs average CFM requirements.
Your pneumatic equipment will have a specified pressure and CFM requirement. This is usually indicated on a plate attached to the tool, you will also get this information from the user manual. It is important to use the correct CFM rating. There are different ways of calculating air volume requirements and you want to be as accurate as possible. There are three ways to assess the CFM rates for an air compressor.
- Displaced CFM (DCFM) is a basic calculation, without taking any variables into account. A specification expressed as CFM or DCFM is based purely on the RPM, bore, and stroke for a specific tool. In practice, air flow rate can be affected by numerous external factors, like atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity.
- Standard CFM (SCFM) is generally considered the best way to compare air volume specifications. To level the playing field, when comparing air compressors, the SCFM unit of measurement allows for the atmospheric air pressure at sea level (14.5 Psi), at an ambient temperature of 68°F, with a 0% humidity. Although this will not be exactly the same as your working conditions, it is more accurate than using the simple DCFM unit of measurement. The differences can be extreme if, for example, we compare hot and humid Florida (at sea level) to the cold drier air of the Rockies at a high altitude. In some cases, especially in a shop with a large variety of Pneumatic tools, it could be preferable to obtain a more specific CFM assessment. Some tools may generate more friction or may not dissipate heat as efficiently as others.
- Actual CFM (ACFM) is the best way to determine your CFM with the greatest certainty. However, this is not a simple task and will require an engineer who specifies in this type of calculation. To determine ACFM, the site conditions have to be measured and then calculated accordingly.
For most of us, using SCFM specifications is accurate enough.
Once you’ve complied a list of the pneumatic tools in your shop, assess which are most likely to be used simultaneously. Add together the CFM specs for these tools and add 30% to your total. This 30% margin is important, because there will be times when you requirement will be higher. You also can’t be sure what tools you might acquire in the future. Rather be safe than sorry. The specified CFM for your air compressor needs to meet your calculated demand.
