Atlas Copco launches smallest ever portable compressor

Atlas Copco is launching its smallest portable compressor yet and its first petrol powered unit. The new XAS 27 is powered by a Honda GX630 engine and is pitched as "price competitive unit for customers who want a compressor to run just one tool."

The compressor, which can supply 27 l/s at 7 bar, weighs just over 200 kg and is available as a trailer mounted, trolley or boxed unit. It will be priced at around 25% less than Atlas Copco's previous smallest unit, the diesel powered XAS 37 (XAS 70 in imperial regions).

Mr Attila Madarasz, Atlas Copco product manager for small compressors, told IRN that the new compressor was a way of entering the very price competitive market for small compressors. "If a customer wants to run just one tool, then they can use the XAS 27", he said.

"Also, a lot of countries still use manual labour, but if you provide something reliable, small and affordable, then we can convert some of the people that rely on manual labour."

Mr Madarasz said the XAS 27 will give it access to a wider customer base, allowing smaller companies "a chance to experience Atlas Copco products...there are some customers who perceive us to be a ‘Mercedes'. This new compressor gives them a chance to buy a Mercedes at a Toyota price."

He added that the new unit would make a good sales unit for rental companies who like to sell equipment from their branches as well as rent.

The compressor, which is being built at Atlas Copco's Antwerp facility in Belgium, will be ideal for running pneumatic breakers, chippers, hammers, or small hand tools.

It uses a hybrid polyethylene/steel canopy, sharing some components from the HardHat polyethylene cover. The steel is zincor treated to give protection. The fuel tank is part of the canopy and incorporates an electric fan for cooling.

With the hood open, users can easily access the air oil separator, the spin-on filter and all the other filters.