Construction compressors are mobile compressed air generators designed for use on construction sites where off-grid compressed air is required for pneumatic hammers, sprayers, blasting equipment or drilling tools. They are typically mounted on a chassis and are diesel-powered.
Variants include small mobile construction compressors (air delivery from 2 m³/min), medium-sized models (5–10 m³/min for multiple tools operating in parallel) and high-performance construction compressors delivering over 20 m³/min for blasting and specialist applications. Screw compressors dominate the segment, whilst piston compressors are common in small mobile units.
Common manufacturers include Atlas Copco, Kaeser, CompAir, Ingersoll Rand, Doosan Portable Power, BOGE, Sullair and Chicago Pneumatic.
Construction compressors are used in paving and asphalt work (pneumatic hammers), in specialist civil engineering (drilling), for sandblasting and cleaning work, in quarries, for bridge renovation and in mining. Compressors are also frequently hired on a daily basis.