Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2-GM 2hp 30 gal Two-Stage Compressor (230/1)

I bought this through Amazon for my home garage. I am a retired professional mechanic and wanted a decent portable compressor without having to go to 220v service. It arrived quickly and was well packaged. I added the special oil and fired it up. It runs very smooth and quiet and pumped right up to the cut out pressure of 125psi. I checked the pressure an hour later and noticed it had dropped about 25psi so I got out the soapy water and found an air leak at a fitting on the regulator. I tightened it up and bled enough air out of it to trip the cut in pressure switch and it struggled to keep running and tripped the breaker ( 15amp ). I bled the air out of it, reset the breaker and started it again. I pumped right back up to 125psi and held the pressure overnight. Unfortunately it trips the breaker each time it cuts back in with pressure in the tank. Works fine when there is little or no pressure in the unit. I had it on a rather expensive contractor grade 15amp 15' extension cord. I ended up moving some things around in my garage so I could plug directly into the wall outlet and that seemed to solve the problem. My issue is now the unit isn't as "portable" as I hoped it would be. I tried it with a 20amp breaker and the extension cord and same issue so now it is in a permanent place in the garage and I have to use a longer air line. I sent an e-mail to Ingersoll Rand support and they were to get back to me in 24hrs but it has been almost a week with no response. Red flag time? I like the compressor and will keep it to avoid the hassle of a return and just use longer air lines and plug it directly into any outlet I move the compressor to which is a limiting factor if you are buying this unit. I will post any updates I learn of or if I hear back from the company. It took 3 weeks but finally got a call from Ingersoll Rand and the customer rep was very nice. I had figured out that the cut in pressure was 20psi too high, making the compressor struggle more than it should, so they sent me another pressure switch. I installed it and the cut in pressure was dead on. I still can't use an extension cord without tripping the breaker but at least it works fine when plugged into the wall socket.

I'm very disappointed with the shoddy quality of the air compressor and the modes of shipping. First air compressor had to be left at the bottom of my driveway because the driver couldn't back up the hill; when I got the compressor up the hill into my garage, I followed the instructions (lubrication, etc.) and started it up-the air filter apparatus came apart and further investigation revealed that the air filter apparatus was crushed. I notified amazon and they were prompt in sending a different shipper to pick up the old compressor and replace it with a new compressor-again the driver was unable to back up the hill due to a faulty transmission in the truck. Again, I followed the instructions and started it up-as the compressor built up air pressure, the air regulator apparatus blew apart with pieces going everywhere; again, the compressor is useless. I contacted amazon for a return and full refund this time last week, I contacted the main number of the shipper and obtained a confirmation number for the return, and, per their instructions, I contacted the local affiliate and was told that my confirmation number wasn't recognized and that they need the internal number to authorize the pick-up. I re-contacted the main shipper and relayed my experience at which time I was told that I would get a call within the hour for a scheduled pick-up (06/26/12). As of this writing, I haven't heard from anyone (07/02/12). I've known the Inglesoll-Rand brand for decades as being the industry standard...not this time...2 strikes and I'm still in the hole for $$$ and have a piece of junk taking up space in my garage.Update: I ordered and purchased the Regulator Apparatus here in town and fixed the compressor myself; after an email exchange with Amazon, they credited me about 20% for my trouble. I now have a good air compressor and my parts and aggravation costs were covered. It's good to know that Amazon makes every attempt to look out for their customers...I will continue to use Amazon and cast this latest negative experience as a fluke.

I just purchased my second IR garage mate, the first was purchased 25 years ago. The first one was a 24 gallon vertical tank with the SS-3 compressor (discontinued). The new one's the 30 gallon hot dog garage mate with the SS-3 compressor. The compressor units are identical (they've downsized the new vertical tank garage mate and it no longer has an SS-3). I'd estimate I have over 1500 hours on my old one and it's just like new. The new one came with no flaws or leaks and was delivered very promptly. The only reason I bought another one is I got tired of hauling my old one from my garage to my farm site. These compressors only turn 580 rpm, are all cast iron, and are very quiet. I've run them on various 15 amp gfi circuits with no problems. There's plenty of air for tools and spray guns. Mine came with the disconnect coupler already installed unlike the picture. I added a shut off valve.