Compressors
Air compressors are at the heart of every workshop - powering the majority of equipment and increasing productivity and profitability. We supply, install and maintain all four main types of compressor for commercial premises across the UK.
Call or email us to discuss compressor supply, installation and maintenance for your workshop.
Air Compressors
Air compressors are the backbone of any professional workshop. From powering pneumatic tools and tyre inflation equipment to operating spray guns and vehicle lifts, a reliable compressor is essential to keeping your technicians productive and your workshop running efficiently.
At Premier Garage Equipment, we supply, install and maintain all four main types of compressor - screw, piston, vane and portable. We'll help you choose the right compressor for your workshop's size, air demand and budget, and back it up with a full aftersales service.
Screw Compressors
What is a screw compressor?
Screw compressors (also known as rotary screw compressors) are the most popular choice for busy automotive workshops. They use two interlocking helical rotors to compress air continuously, making them ideal for high-demand, high-duty-cycle environments where air is needed constantly throughout the working day.
Unlike piston compressors, screw compressors run quietly and smoothly without the pressure fluctuations associated with reciprocating machines. They are energy-efficient, low-maintenance and built for long service life - making them a sound long-term investment for any professional workshop.
- Continuous duty cycle - ideal for busy workshops
- Quiet, smooth operation
- Energy-efficient performance
- Low maintenance requirements
- Long service life
Piston Compressors
What is a piston compressor?
Piston compressors (also called reciprocating compressors) are the most widely recognised type of air compressor. They work by drawing air into a cylinder and compressing it using a piston driven by a crankshaft. The compressed air is then stored in a receiver tank, ready for use.
Piston compressors are available in single-stage and two-stage variants. Two-stage models achieve higher pressures and are better suited to demanding workshop applications. They are a cost-effective and reliable choice for workshops with moderate air demand.
- Single-stage and two-stage variants available
- Cost-effective entry point
- Wide range of sizes and outputs
- Suitable for moderate-duty applications
- Easy to service and maintain
Vane Compressors
What is a vane compressor?
Rotary vane compressors use a series of vanes mounted on an eccentric rotor to compress air. As the rotor spins, the vanes slide in and out of their slots, trapping and compressing air between the vane faces and the housing. The result is a smooth, pulse-free air supply.
Vane compressors are compact, quiet and well-suited to applications where space is at a premium. They are a popular choice for smaller workshops and service bays where a consistent, low-noise air supply is required without the footprint of a larger screw or piston machine.
- Compact footprint - ideal for smaller workshops
- Smooth, pulse-free air delivery
- Quiet operation
- Consistent output pressure
- Low vibration levels
Portable Compressors
What is a portable compressor?
Portable compressors are designed to be moved around the workshop or taken to site. They are typically smaller, lighter units that can be wheeled or carried to wherever compressed air is needed - making them ideal for mobile mechanics, tyre fitting operations, bodyshop work and any situation where a fixed installation is not practical.
Despite their compact size, modern portable compressors deliver impressive performance. They are available in both oil-free and oil-lubricated variants, with oil-free models particularly suited to applications where air quality is critical, such as spray painting.
- Fully mobile - use anywhere in the workshop or on site
- Oil-free and oil-lubricated variants
- Ideal for spray painting and tyre fitting
- Compact and lightweight
- No fixed installation required
What type of air compressor do I need?
We can help you determine which air compressor is most suitable for your workshop. There are several factors to consider.
- Where in your workshop will you need the air compressor?
- Might you want to use it at more than one location?
- What will you be using it for?
- What power requirements do you have for your tools?
The last point is particularly important. Compressor size is established from tank size and airflow. Airflow measurements are expressed in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or cubic litres per minute (L/min) and pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) or Bar. Only when you know the CFM and PSI requirements of your power tools can you choose the right compressor to ensure they function at peak performance.
Compressed air treatment
To produce high-quality air which is consistently reliable, you will almost certainly want to consider some form of compressed air treatment. Issues arise with air quality due to the air, which is pulled into the compressor, containing dirt or other pollutants and water vapour.
This is avoidable thanks to treatment technology which includes a combination of air generation, filtering, drying, condensation and purification.
- Air generation
- Filtering
- Drying
- Condensation management
- Purification
Supply & Installation
We provide a complete supply and installation service for all compressor types. Our engineers will carry out a site survey to assess your workshop's air demand, layout and power supply before recommending the most suitable compressor for your needs. We handle everything from delivery and positioning to pipework, electrical connection and commissioning.
- Site survey and air demand assessment
- Full pipework and electrical installation
- Commissioning and handover training
- Compressor room design and ventilation advice
- Air receiver and dryer supply
Maintenance & Repair
A well-maintained compressor is a reliable compressor. Our aftersales team offers planned preventative maintenance contracts to keep your equipment running at peak efficiency, as well as rapid breakdown response to minimise downtime when the unexpected happens. We service all major brands.
- Planned preventative maintenance contracts
- Rapid breakdown response
- All major brands serviced
- Genuine parts and consumables
- LOLER and PUWER compliance checks
"We have worked with PGE for the past 8 years designing, supplying and installing garage equipment for numerous bodyshop projects throughout our many dealerships in the South East. We always have confidence in their extensive knowledge which continually makes the best use of our workshop space."Commercial Director, Citygate
Ready to upgrade your workshop compressor?
Talk to our team about the right compressor for your workshop - we'll carry out a site survey and recommend the best solution for your air demand and budget.