Here is some useful information to help you decide what equipment you need to finish the job and get it done right.

Compressors

Air Compressors 5 CFM – 25 CFM
Portable Air Compressors are commercial grade units designed for the rigorous demands of the construction industry. They are ideal for powering all types of small air tools. PTS rentals offers both electric and gas-powered models in several sizes to provide rental solutions for a wide range of air requirements. All models include a pressure regulator.

Air Compressors 90 CFM – 375 CFM
Ingersoll-Rand Towable Air Compressors are designed for the rugged demands of contractors in numerous applications, including demolition, road and bridge building, sandblasting, and general construction work. They feature single-axle trailer mounting for towing at speeds up to 55-MPH. PTS Rentals offers several diesel-driven models ranging from 90-CFM to 175-CFM. Smaller models include two 3/4″ discharge outlets; 375-CFM models include one 1-1/4″ outlet.

Rules of Thumb

  • For every 20° that compressed air drops in temperature, half of the water vapor will change to a liquid.

  • A 100-CFM air compressor can produce 55 gallons of water in 24 hours of straight run time.

  • 1800-CFM at 100 PSI is approximately the maximum air that can pass through a 3″ hose.

  • For electric air compressors, multiplying HP times four (HP x 4) gives you the approximate CFM.

  • As the pressure increases, the CFM decreases. Conversely, as the pressure decreases, the CFM increases.

Compactors

Soil Compactor Basics
What is soil compaction? Compaction is the process of applying energy to loose soil or other material in order to increase its density and consequently its load-bearing capacity. This is accomplished by moving or rearranging particles closer together, eliminating trapped air and voids.

Why is soil compaction necessary? Nearly all man-made structures are supported by some type of soil. Both residential and commercial construction can benefit from soil compaction in numerous ways. Benefits include the following:

  • Increases load bearing capacity

  • Prevents soil settlement

  • Decreases water seepage

  • Reduces swelling and contraction of soil

  • Prevents frost damage

What type of compaction equipment should I use? The primary factor in determining the type of compaction equipment suitable for a given application is the type of soil involved. There are 3 types of soil used in construction application: granular, cohesive, and mixed soil.

  • Granular soil consists mainly of sands and gravels with particles down to .002″ diameter.

  • Cohesive soil consists mainly of silts and clays with very fine particles.

  • Mixed soil consists of varying combinations of granular and cohesive material.

There are three basic types of force used to compact soil: static, impact, and vibration. A fourth type, impact/vibration, is very effective in many applications.

  • Static force – achieved using only a machine’s weight to compress soil particles together without vibratory motion. Static machines compact very thin layers of material and are generally utilized on asphalt or base materials. Examples are static steel wheel and pneumatic rollers. Static compaction force is measured in lbs. per square inch.

  • Impact force – achieved by a ramming shoe alternately striking and leaving the surface at high speed. Impact machines, such as jumping jack rammers, are best suited for compacting cohesive soils. The weight of the machine, the stroke (distance the ramming shoe travels vertically), and the percussion rate (blows per minute) determine impact compaction force, measured in lbs. per blow.

  • Vibration - achieved by applying a high frequency vibration to the soil. Vibratory machines, such as plate compactors, are best suited for compacting granular soils and asphalt. Two factors that determine the compaction force of a vibratory compactor are its frequency (vibrations per minute) and amplitude (one half the total vertical distance that the vibrating drum or base plate travels). Vibratory compaction force is measured in lbs. of centrifugal force.

  • Impact/Vibration – achieved by applying vibration to the static weight of a machine. Vibratory rollers are examples of this combination, available in both single and dual drum models with either smooth or padfoot drums. These machines normally operate at a higher amplitude and a lower vibration frequency than plate compactors, making them effective at compacting soils with greater cohesive content. Smooth drum vibratory rollers are best suited for compacting granular soils and asphalt. Padfoot vibratory rollers are more effective compacting cohesive soils and clay. Varying combinations of vibration frequency and amplitude are applied for specific applications. The impact/vibration compaction force applied is measured in lbs. of centrifugal force.

Diamond Core Drill Rigs
Diamond Core Drill Rigs are designed for precision wet drilling applications in reinforced concrete, brick, block, and stone using diamond core drill bits. PTS Rentals offers one type of model of core drill rigs that has a wide range of drilling applications up to 10″ diameter. they feature multi-speed operation to optimize performance with various drilling diameters.

  • Milwaukee models feature an electronic control unit that maintains constant motor speed, maximizing bit life and performance. Units also include a combination vacuum/anchor base for secure mounting.

  • This model achieves a level of performance and precision that is beyond the capability of hand-held core drills.

Note: Diamond Core Drill Bits are available from PTS Rentals for use with core drill rigs. Wet diamond core bits are offered in sizes from 2″ to 10″ diameter. Core bits are offered for both rental and sale.

Concrete Scarifiers
Concrete Planers (or Scarifiers) utilize rotating circular cutting wheels to perform a variety of surface preparation functions, including milling misaligned sidewalks and joints, removing coatings and traffic lines, grooving, and texturing. Planers effectively remove up to 1/8″ of surface material per pass. Various styles of interchangeable cutter assemblies are available to match applications.

PUMPS
Self-Priming Centrifugal Trash Pumps provide an efficient solution for applications where the suction lift is less than 25′ and the discharge head is less than 100′. These rugged pumps are capable of passing up to 25% (by volume) small solids (particles of mud, sand, leaves, rocks, etc.), up to half the diameter of the suction port. Hence, a 2″ trash pump can pass up to 1″ diameter solids. Trash pumps also provide easy access to the pump body for cleanout should clogging occur.

Electric Submersible Pumps consist of a centrifugal pump closely coupled to a watertight electric motor with a waterproof power cord. These pumps operate submerged, thereby eliminating the suction lift limitations of other types of pumps. Other features include quiet operation, no engine fumes, and continuous operation without refueling.

If you have questions pertaining to any other equipment please do not hesitate to stop by our store or give us a call so we can answer any questions you may have.