Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited has extended its range of compressors with the recent launch of the new 7/170 family of portable compressors covering the free air delivery range from 11.3 to 17.0 cu m/min widely used in the plant hire, construction, quarrying and general industry segments.

The three models in the new family - the 14/115, 10/125 and 7/170 – provide compressed air at output pressures of 14, 10.3 and 7 bar, respectively, says a company spokesman.
“This encompasses not only standard pressure applications such as powering breakers and tools in road repair, demolition and refurbishment, but also more specialist uses including drilling, abrasive blasting, spray painting, optical fibre blowing and standby and temporary compressed air for industry,” he adds.
The new compressors are powered by the Ingersoll-Rand 6IRF8TE six-cylinder diesel engine, which provides the fuel efficiency, quiet running, easy maintenance and high reliability and durability required for this application. The Ingersoll-Rand 6IRF8TE diesel engine is water-cooled and has a power output of 126.0 kW (170 hp) at a full load speed of 2,400 rpm.
“Like all Ingersoll-Rand portable compressors with free air deliveries from 8.5 to 45.0 cu m/min, the new 7/170 family meets the rigorous standards of the EU 'Stage 2' emissions legislation,” the spokesman points out. “This is facilitated by electronic control of the 6IRF8TE engine, resulting in increased engine performance, coupled with reduced fuel consumption, emissions and lower running and maintenance costs. Allied to the engine is the Ingersoll-Rand electronic ‘wedge’ controller, a microprocessor-based unit, with analogue and digital outputs, which monitors engine management and also provides information on compressor operation. Further benefits of the ‘wedge’ controller are diagnostic data collection, alarm and control functions.”
The new 7/170 family – under the Platinum Series of compressors – are protected by a special optional five-year or 10,000-hour powertrain warranty covering the airend and engine.
Complementing the standard two-year or 4,000-hour warranty on the powertrain, this unique package provides the peace of mind of full parts and labour cover with enhanced resale values through the ability to transfer the warranty from one owner to another, the spokesman says. The extended warranty is conditional on the continued use of only genuine Ingersoll-Rand parts during the warranty period and the compressor being serviced properly and at the correct specified service intervals.
Ingersoll-Rand has rationalised maintenance procedures on the 7/170 family of compressors, aligning service intervals for different compressor components and replacing them with a single, comprehensive service at 500 hours, further reducing associated costs for the customer and increasing utilisation in the rental industry, says the spokesman.
The new compressors are fitted with a low fuel shutdown system that eliminates the need to bleed the engine and helps prevent pump and injector damage caused by the attempted pumping of residue at the base of the tank.
Recognising that a majority of engine problems on construction sites result from poor fuel, Ingersoll-Rand has equipped the new compressors with an in-line primary fuel/water separator and secondary fuel filter as standard. This reduces the risk of engine breakdown owing to contaminated diesel, giving excellent reliability and less downtime, he says. The working life of the IR starter motor has been optimised through the use of grid heaters for improved cold weather starting and reduced starter motor wear.
The engine and other internal components are easily accessed by simply lifting the canopies on the robust package, which are each held open by two gas struts for operator safety. All service areas have been carefully designed for ease of inspection, maintenance and repair. In addition, for environmental protection, the new compressors have a drip proof base, which prevents the spillage of fluids on-site.
Modular in design, the new 7/170 family of compressors has been engineered to accept a wide range of options which allow the machines to be tuned to a specific application. These can be as diverse as the fitting of an aftercooler system for abrasive blasting to a personal paint scheme in the company livery.
Based on a pre-treated, zintec-coated steel enclosure, the new compressors have a textured surface finish with an electrostatically-applied powder paint coating, offering excellent resistance to corrosion and abrasion, he adds.
The new compressors have a simple, intuitive, key start sequence, reducing the risk of machine abuse by operators. The control panel offers an open layout of instruments and warning indicators, an emergency stop button and a low radiator water warning light as standard. All machines have lockable canopy and instrument panel covers.