More emphasis on workshops' desire for pneumatic tools and compressors
By Kim Lesanner (Translated by Stenhøj)
Conventional piston compressors are increasingly replacing screw compressors, which are more expensive to operate, says Stenhøj, which is experiencing a resurgence and renewed interest in compressed air after a decline.
Klaus Schou Grønvang and Stenhøj are noticing an increased trend toward pneumatic tools and compressors after a period of decline. Photo: PR
Two New Trends in Workshop Tools
Compressed air is on the rise again after a period of competition from hyped battery-powered tools. And small screw compressors are declining in favor of traditional piston compressors.
Klaus Schou Grønvang, Sales Manager for Compressors at Stenhøj, explains:
- "We are noticing that more workshops want to use pneumatic tools, which often have advantages over battery-powered tools that need constant recharging—pneumatic tools are always ready. However, some choose to use both types," says Klaus Schou Grønvang.
He adds that a water separator or refrigerated dryer must ensure that the compressor delivers dry and clean air so that the pneumatic tools do not deteriorate internally.
Stenhøj is a complete supplier for workshops and observes that many workshops are installing pipes and hoses with quick couplings at each lift.
- "The days of hoses being a nuisance that you could trip over are over. Today, compressed air hoses are most often positioned exactly where mechanics need the tools, often in a spring in the ceiling so the hose is out of the way when not in use," says the compressor specialist. He adds that modern pneumatic tools are virtually silent unless they are defective.
Compressed air continues to be serviced and installed in workshops and is used for various applications, including tire changers, wheel wrenches, lifts, and paint booths, as well as for sanding tools in body shops.
Pushing Screw Compressors
Alongside rising sales, Stenhøj is seeing a trend where conventional piston compressors are replacing screw compressors, which are costly to purchase, maintain, and run due to their constant operation. Piston compressors only operate when there is a need to maintain pressure in the air tank.
Stenhøj offers both types of compressors but sells 80 percent piston compressors.
- "Many have bought screw compressors, perhaps pushed by suppliers during a period when they were new and trendy. There is significant savings to be had by switching to a piston compressor where compressed air is only occasionally needed," says Klaus Schou Grønvang.
In terms of price, screw compressors start where the largest piston compressors end—meaning a screw compressor costs from approximately 50,000 DKK up to one million DKK for companies in industries like pharmaceuticals. Annual maintenance for a screw compressor costs about 10,000 DKK, whereas a piston compressor only requires oil and filter changes and a mandatory inspection every two years.
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Size According to Needs
Stenhøj, like other market players, offers service agreements, which many workshops choose. At Stenhøj, this includes a five-year extended product warranty.
Stenhøj's very first product at its factory in Barrit, Jutland, was a compressor back in 1930. Since then, the globally recognized brand has grown immensely, now including lifts and tire changers.
Today, Stenhøj offers 10 in-house manufactured piston compressors ranging from 1-7.5 kW and 10-15 bar, with tank sizes from 50-500 liters—buffer tanks of up to 5,000 liters can be purchased additionally.
The required size depends on the number of people in the workshop and whether they work on cars or trucks. Typically, a 10-bar piston compressor is needed, while large workshops that inflate truck tires require 15 bars to avoid "losing pressure."
- "Surprisingly, many today need large piston compressors—and the trend is only going one way—bigger and bigger," says Klaus Schou Grønvang. Stenhøj also sells to waterworks and plant nurseries, and the company is now represented worldwide with exports from its Barrit factory.
We are always ready to showcase our range of workshop equipment and discuss how we can add further value to your business. Will we see you in our showroom in Barrit?
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We are always ready to showcase our range of workshop equipment and discuss how we can add further value to your business. Will we see you in our showroom in Barrit?
Contact us today to learn more at +45 76 82 12 22
