Ingersoll

- Ingersoll Rand Gas Portable Air Compressor – 5.5 HP, 11.8 CFM At 90 PSI, Model# SS3J5.5GHWB bad customer service – COLETTE GEPPERT – wa
I did not buy this exact model, but I did by an ingersoll rand based on their name. The machine has had problems, that sometimes happens, the real problem is getting someone to fix the problems. The customer service at the distribution and repair center is terrible. I would never pay the extra money fr an ingersoll., you can get a better deal with other products and get customer service too.
I purchased this compressor in May of 2004. Ordered it through Northern Tool.

The Northern Tool company is great in itself, transaction went through cleanly and quickly and the compressor was soon on its way to my home through freight shipping. Ordered a few other tools along with the compressor and those got to my house quickly and at an excellent price. But then when the nightmare began.

I received my air compressor sometime around mid june and broke the engine in as per manufacturer instructions. First day out on the job I ran it for about 10 minutes and it broke down! cost me 200 dollars in lost wages that day!

I called Ingersoll-Rand customer service. After waiting about 20 minutes to actually talk to someone they told me (in a quite rude manner) that I should take it to a specialized certified mechanic in town that fixes all of their products and that it wasnt a problem with the factory.

I took it to the mechanic they had referred me to only to find out they were not an Ingersoll-Rand service center! IR had revoked his certification because he wasnt meeting some kind of quota set by IR!

I called IR back to confirm the place and they told me not to go to the mechanic they had referred me to earlier, instead to go 150 miles south to a shop in Los Angeles! I, rather annoyed, reminded them that I was loosing money every day this machine was down and that I expected better service from them and better quality of product. Well they basicly told me I wasnt important and told me I had no choice but to take it down to Los Angeles or try to fix it myself.

Well I couldnt wait. I took the compressor apart and found out that some numbnut at the factory did not properly tighten the screws on the flywheels that connect the engine to the compressor pump. As a matter of fact it didnt even have the square key thats designed to hold the wheel in place! The wheel on the engine side had been stripped to the point where it was unusable.

Once again I called them to find out if the parts I could order to get this thing up and running again would be covered under warranty, and they told me since I took it apart it was no longer under warranty and that I was up the creek without a paddle.

50 dollars in parts later I had it up and running and I was making money again.

Since then the compressor has been excellent. It has not failed since I fixed it and it has a higher CFM per PSI than other compressors in its price range, and the Honda engine is one of the best and most reliable on the market right now. In all honesty I love this compressor but IRs customer service left a bad taste in my mouth.

Would I recommend this compressor? Yes, just make sure all the parts are tightened and in place becore you start it for the first time, especially the flywheels.

Am I happy with Ingersoll-Rand? Heck no. If push came to shove I will probably buy an Emglo or Dewalt compressor next time. Ingersoll-Rand: Ingersoll Rand gas engine wheelbarrow air compressors are lightweight with a low-profile design providing maximum maneuverability on the job site. Quiet and portable air source provides convenience and power. Built to last, these cast-iron, oil-lube compressors are designed for the toughest 100% continuous duty applications. Includes pressure switch, regulator and gauge. Extended 2-year warranty on the pump when you use start-up kit item# 15920091. U.S.A. CFM at Max PSI: 11.8, Max. PSI: 135, Air Tank Size (gal.): 8, Tank Description: Twin horizontal, Pump: Single-stage, single-cylinder splash lubricated belt-driven, Engine: Honda GX160, HP: 5.5, Start Type: Recoil, Low Oil Shutdown: No, Fuel Capacity (gal.): .97, Air Outlet Size (in.): 3/8, Portable or Stationary: Portable, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 43 x 18 x 25
- Ingersoll Rand Gas Portable Air Compressor – 5.5 HP, 11.8 CFM At 90 PSI, Model# SS3J5.5GHWB