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Puma is a short, punchy name that you won’t help but notice pretty much anywhere you search for air compressors.
If you want to learn more about these products, you’ve come to the right place. But let’s take things one at a time…
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best Puma air compressors:
Comparison of Puma Air Compressors
Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Puma Pk6060v  | ||
Puma PUK-5530HG  | ||
Puma PD1006  | ||
Puma PK5020VP  | ||
Puma TE-3040V  | ||
Puma PUK-5530HG  |
Who is Puma Air Center?
Puma Air Center defines an integral air system that promotes air compressors, air tools, and accessories or spare parts worldwide. Their “air center” concept was born in 1979 when they decided to extend the production of air compressors with anything else that they now have on sale.
To these days, the company developed an impressive range of air compressors in some of the most versatile configurations. You’d have to wonder, though…
Where Are Puma Air Compressors Made?
As a private label brand, it is hard to tell where exactly their compressors are made. Nevertheless, some Puma air compressor parts are clearly labeled as made in the USA, while others can be labeled overseas, in countries like Taiwan, as buyers reported so far. In fact, their official website brags about the company’s Taiwan Excellence Awards.
Who Makes Puma Air Compressors?
The answer to who makes Puma air compressors is far from obvious. On the one hand, the company clearly advertises itself to “produce and wholesale” air compressors and their accessories.
On the other hand, it says “we use high quality and certified parts” in the assembly process. Which means that Puma Air compressors are usually assembled by the company. And while some parts may be produced in house, others are produced by external manufacturers.
Review of the Best Puma Air Compressors
With these in mind, time to focus on some of their best models available for purchase. After extensive testing, here are the products we think are well worth your attention:
Puma 60 Gallon Pk6060v Review
PROS
CONS
Our Review:
Puma’s 60-gallon air compressor is very well built. With a solid tank and an overall weight of 300 lbs, it sits on just as solid steel wheels. Quiet and stable during operation, it is also safe to use, designed with belt drive and overload protection. Thanks to the built-in pressure regulator and a quick coupler, the pressure of the outlet air is really easy to control.
Performance-wise, it has an excellent 3 HP motor and can work at 135 maximum PSI. The 2-cylinder pump is made of cast-iron and relies on splash lubrication. Hence, it will keep the unit running quieter and smoother, while prolonging its lifespan.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
As a single-stage belt drive 3 HP 60-gallon air compressor, this model is capable of tackling a wide range of jobs. It’s heavy, which makes it stable. But it also sits on steel wheels with ball bearing. The lack of flat tires you typically get with other models certainly adds to its mobility.
Best Puma 5.5 Air Compressor:
Puma PUK-5530HG
PROS
CONS
Our Review:
This stationary Puma air compressor is a gas model with recoil start, low-oil alert, and a 5.5 HP Honda engine that tackles any job. The robust cast iron pump with oil sight glass is rated with 12 CFM @ 90 PSI, respectively 14 CFM @ 40 PSI. The maximum PSI it can reach is 135.
The generous 30-gallon tank is mounted horizontally. Its outlet is 1/4-inch, which means plenty of different air hoses will fit. And the overall design of the unit allows it to be mounted in truck or trailer beds, not just easily, but also safely.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
With a 5.5 HP commercial-grade engine and belt-drive, splash lubricated pump, this air compressor from Puma works like a champ. Not just for professional use, but also for farm use, or for the demands of serious contractor’s workloads. What’s more, the Honda engine is 50 state compliant, so, no need to worry about where you’ll be using it, either.
Hold up, are you interested in other topics related to air compressors? If so, these might be something to check out:
Best Puma 12v Air Compressor:
Puma PD1006
PROS
CONS
Our Review:
Whether for construction or motorsport, agriculture, off-road, or RV, Puma’s 12V air compressor with 3/4 HP motor and 1.5-gallon tank is a versatile choice. The aluminum pump supports a maximum PSI of 135, with 1.36 CFM @ 90 PSI. And the availability to pair it with a 50aH battery through a 10ft cable (included in the box) makes it even more appealing.
Design-wise, there’s also a lot you’re going to appreciate about it. First, it’s an oil-less, direct-drive design, and the unit can sit in any direction you need it. Then, it features a couple of other design details that keep it cool, silent, and ready to work at its best. Continuous 100% duty cycle makes it perfect for the high-demand tasks.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
This 12V air compressor is small but effective, with an oversized cooling fan that prevents its motor from overheating. Under the hood, it packs a patented pump design, one that also contributes to improved cooling, while keeping the noise level to only 78 dB.
Best Puma 20 Gallon Air Compressor:
Puma PK5020VP
PROS
CONS
Our Review:
Despite being a heavy, sturdy 20 gallon air compressor, the Puma PK5020VP is a consumer-grade model. The portable vertical style, with large wheels and handles, gives it enhanced mobility. And the cast-iron pump is solidly built. The 1-phase motor works at either 120- or 240-Volt AC. And the maximum PSI is 135, with 5 CFM @ 90 PSI.
The vertical tank is a real space saver, the reliable performance is up to the single-stage pump with belt drive and oil lubrication. And the manual reset overload protection contributes to its reliable performance.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
Through it all, this 20-gallon air compressor from Puma offers above-average performances at an affordable price point. It also incorporates special features you’d typically encounter in more expensive models – like the cast iron pump, the Swedish steel valves, or the oil sight glass. And its dual voltage motor is prewired for 120V, but can be easily converted to 230V.
Best Puma 40 Gallon Air Compressor:
Puma TE-3040V
PROS
CONS
Our Review:
Puma’s 40-gallon 3 HP air compressor is perfect for the serious craftspeople or for any light commercial chore you have in mind. It works with a reliable 1-phase motor and a 2-stage cast-iron pump that reaches 985 RPM. And it produces 9.3 CFM at its 175 max PSI and 10.2 CFM @ 90 PSI.
It is quieter than you’d hoped and the oil-lubricated pump will ensure its reliability in the long run. The bulky tank won’t take up as much space due to its vertical positioning. And the fact that it comes with ASME and CRN certifications will give you extra peace of mind.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
If you’re looking for a Puma air compressor that can handle more than the average residential chores, this may be the one. Surprisingly quiet, providing high quality for the money, it looks well and runs equally well. For your convenience, it comes with shut off valves for the outlet and the drain valve.
Best Puma Gas Air Compressor:
Puma PUK-5530HG
PROS
CONS
Our Review:
Want the best Puma gas air compressor? Consider this particular model, a single-stage truck-mountable unit with a 30-gallon tank. 12 CFM rated @ 90 PSI, its tank can go as high as 135 PSI. ASME-accredited, the tank features a 1/4-inch air outlet, good-enough for pretty much any hose you’d want to hook up.
At a glance, the engine benefits from a recoil start with low-oil shut-off function. The cast-iron pump with 100% duty cycle works at a maximum of 1170 RPM. Not to mention it specifically contributes to the durability of the air compressor, thanks to its splash lubricated oil system.
What Makes This Product Stand Out?
With Puma’s PUK-5530HG gas air compressor, no chore is left behind. Built as a contractor-grade unit, it will easily meet the expectations of the most demanding professional users. Its performances are backed up by a reliable, 5.5 HP Honda GX commercial-grade engine. And the truck-mountable design allows you to bring it anywhere you need it.
How Does Puma Air Center Compare to the Competition?
Looking at some of the best Puma air compressors is only showing you a part of the image. To get a whole picture, you’d also have to know how the company, Puma Air Center, compares to its main competitors. To name just a few of the things that make it stand out, we’d have to say that Puma:
Focuses On Vertical Designs
By simply looking into the best Puma air compressors we have tested and reviewed within this buying guide, this detail is obvious. They do seem to have a preference for vertical tanks, which, for a model with a large tank, is quite convenient. A vertical tank, typically accompanied by wheels, allows the operator to move the compressor around and doesn’t take up as much storage space.
Addresses All User Classes
Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist with high expectations from your power tools, or a professional who only wants top-of-the-range products, you can get what you need from Puma. Their availability to address all user classes is truly outstanding, if you think that most of the other air compressor manufacturers tend to specifically develop in a particular direction.
Has A Wide Range Of Units
In line with its desire to cover all market segments, Puma sells both single-stage and two-stage compressors. Not just electric or gas, but also battery-powered units. With tanks from as little as 1.5 gallons to 80 gallons. And with motors from 0.75 HP to 15 HP. It really makes it difficult for its competitors to stand up with all of its product lines.
Conclusion
Made from durable materials, with many parts often manufactured right in the USA, Puma air compressors are reliable and built to last. Unless you want one of their light-commercial or contractor grade air compressors, the purchase won’t cost you an arm and a leg. And the various configurations on the market are guaranteed to help you make a perfect choice.