A tractor-mounted compressor takes its power from the tractor's power take-off (PTO) shaft, so the tractor that brings the machine to site also drives it. There is no separate engine to buy, fuel or maintain. That makes it a practical source of air for rock drills, breakers and air tools in villages, farms, quarries and road works where a large diesel portable would be too costly or too big. Reddy Compressors sells tractor compressors matched to your tractor, hires them out for short jobs, and services and supplies parts for them.
How a tractor compressor works
The tractor's PTO shaft turns at a standard speed (usually 540 rpm). A drive shaft with universal joints, and a belt or gearbox, runs a reciprocating (piston) compressor mounted on the tractor's three-point linkage or on a trolley behind it. The compressor fills a receiver tank, and hoses carry the air to the tool. The operator sets the tractor engine to the speed that gives the rated PTO speed, and the compressor's unloader holds pressure while the tool is idle.
Typical specification
| Item | Common range |
|---|---|
| Free air delivery | About 100 to 140 CFM, depending on the model and PTO speed |
| Working pressure | 7 to 10 bar |
| Compressor | Two- or three-cylinder reciprocating, air-cooled |
| Drive | Tractor PTO, 540 rpm, through a guarded shaft and belt or gearbox |
| Tractor needed | Usually 35 to 60 HP, with a working PTO |
| Mounting | Three-point linkage mounted, or on a separate two-wheel trolley |
| Tools it runs | Usually one hand-held rock drill, or one or two breakers, depending on the tool's air use |
These are typical figures. Each model has its own rated delivery and pressure, and what reaches the tool depends on the tractor's PTO speed, hose size and hose length. We confirm the figures for the specific machine when we quote.
Where tractor compressors are used
- Rock drilling with hand-held jack hammers for blasting holes in quarries, foundations and stone work.
- Open-well deepening and cutting rock in wells, where a tractor can reach the site but a truck-mounted compressor cannot.
- Road, trench and pipeline work: breaking concrete, asphalt and rock for cable, water-line and drainage trenches.
- Demolition and secondary breaking of boulders and old concrete.
- Farm and village work: cleaning, tyre inflation and air tools where there is no grid power.
For larger jobs, such as DTH borewell drilling or several tools at once, a diesel portable compressor is the better choice. See diesel portable compressors and DTH drilling compressors.
Buy a tractor compressor
We supply tractor-mounted and trolley-mounted compressors matched to your tractor and your work. Before we quote, we check:
- Your tractor: make, model, HP, PTO speed and spline type, and the three-point linkage category.
- The tool: rock drill, breaker or other tool, its make and model, and how many will run at once.
- The work: rock or concrete type, hole depth, hours per day, and how far the hose must reach.
- Mounting: on the linkage, or on a trolley so the tractor can be released for other work.
Every machine is supplied with the correct PTO shaft and guard, a receiver with safety valve and gauge, and the hose and fittings the job needs. We explain daily checks at handover and support the machine afterwards with service and spare parts.
Hire a tractor compressor
For a short job, such as deepening one well, cutting one trench or a few weeks of rock breaking, hiring is often cheaper than buying. We hire tractor compressors by the day, week or month in Hyderabad, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- Tell us the location, the work, the tool you will use and how long you need the machine.
- We confirm the machine, the hire period, delivery, and whether a tractor or operator is needed, when we quote.
- Hoses, breakers and rock drills can be arranged with the compressor where needed.
Not sure whether to buy or hire? See hire or buy, or send a hire enquiry.
Matching the compressor to the tool
The tool decides the air needed. A hand-held rock drill or a heavy breaker can use most of a tractor compressor's output by itself, so check the tool's air use (in CFM at its working pressure) against the compressor's delivery before you start. Too little air means slow drilling, stalled breakers and fast wear. Long or narrow hoses lose pressure, so the pressure at the tool is what matters, not the gauge on the receiver. Read breakers, rock drills and air tools, breaker air supply and air hoses and connections.
Safety
- Keep every PTO guard in place. A rotating PTO shaft can catch clothing in a moment. Never step over a turning shaft, and stop the PTO before any adjustment.
- Use the right PTO speed. Never drive a 540 rpm compressor from a 1000 rpm PTO or through an adapter.
- Look after the receiver. It is a pressure vessel: drain it daily and keep the safety valve working.
- Secure hoses with whip checks and do not disconnect a hose under pressure.
- Protect people: ear, eye and hand protection for the operator, and water or dust control when drilling or breaking rock and concrete.
For daily, weekly and monthly checks and common faults, see tractor compressor maintenance, faults and safety. For drive matching in more depth, see tractor and PTO-driven compressors.
Service and spare parts
We service tractor compressors of all makes: valves, piston rings, gaskets, bearings, PTO shafts, universal joints, belts, unloaders, safety valves and gauges. Send a photo of the nameplate and the problem, and we will identify the parts. Use find my part or call us.
Ask for a price
For a sale or hire quotation, call +91 99590 60718 or +91 92468 88812, WhatsApp us, or email reddycompressors@gmail.com. Tell us your tractor model and HP, the tool you will use, the job, the location and, for hire, how long you need the machine. You can also use the equipment enquiry.