My husband recently found the need to buy a new air compressor. He already had one but it is currently at my mother in laws where is is used to pump up the tires on the boat trailer, tractor, 4-wheelers, etc. Another words, it has become a community air compressor for the whole family to use. And he thought this was a great excuse to get a new "toy". The model he chose was the Brute 15 Gallon Air Compressor made by Brigss & Stratton.

Brute 15 Gallon Compressor

This is a stand up version air compressor that is on wheels, making it easy to move around. It has a 2.5Hp electric motor and is rated for 125 PSI. It retails for $189.00 to $199.00 per unit.

Other features include:

- 1 year warranty
- Adjustable pressure regulator
- Oil lubricated pump with direct drive
- Push button start motor
- Easy to read pressure gauges
- ASME certified tank

While this is not a heavy duty air compressor, it is recommended for smaller jobs requiring power for air tools used for remodeling homes, hobbies in woodworking, running various mechanical tools and of course inflating tires.

The Brute 15 Gallon Compressor came with a bonus 71 piece air tool kit in a nice case with a carry handle.

Why We Chose the Brute

My husband had another air compressor picked out at Harbor Freight. When we went to pick it up another man was unloading and returning the same model as we got out of the truck. We went inside to see what else was available and found nothing. After talking with the man who returned the air compressor, he learned that a switch had gone out. He decided he would try that model anyway. The other man said he had another one at home and hasn't had a problem until now. However, there was only one unit left in stock and it went out the door for the one being exchanged. Since he needed a new air compressor right away, we went to another store.

My Thoughts on the Brute 15 Gallon Air Compressor

We have enjoyed this air compressor in the last few months. My husband drives a Ford 4500 which has 6 tires and it is a pain in the rear to add air to the tires at a service station. By the time you get to the inside tire, your time has run out. If you need to inflate more than one tire, be prepared to put more money in the machine.

My husband has found that this unit does not deliver the 125 PSI (pound per square inch) that is promises, but more like 80-90 PSI. It is a great unit for small jobs but for larger jobs, it doesn't cut the mustard. For instance, he found that it would not give enough power to loosen up the lug nuts on the tire when he got ready to do a brake job on the truck.

I like the stand up unit better than the regular model because it takes up less space in the storage room. It also seems easier to move around. The bonus air tool kit that comes with this unit is nice. It contains assorted sockets, extensions, a 1/2 inch drive impact wrench, 1 3/8 inch air ratchet, a chipping hammer, and bits.

Recommendation

This is a good unit for the price and great for miscellaneous things around the house. I would classify it as a mid-side air compressor at a decent price, especially if you get the bonus 71 piece air tool kit with it.

Recommended: Yes