Donate an air compressor that has been sitting since the shop changed hands

Where donated compressors come from

Rental yards and utility contractors send the towables. A 185 cfm diesel compressor is the workhorse of that fleet and it comes off rent on a schedule while still running well.

Shops, plants and estates send the stationary units. A two-stage reciprocating compressor with a vertical tank, or a rotary screw unit from a plant that closed, both have buyers. The obstacle is weight and rigging, not demand.

We also accept small portable and pancake compressors. Individually the value is low, but they ride along with anything else going on the same trip.

Towable or rigged, both arranged

A towable diesel compressor on a trailer frame hitches to a pickup and goes. Cheap haul, fast pickup. Tell us the hitch type and the tire condition.

A stationary compressor is a rigging job. A vertical tank unit is top-heavy and a rotary screw in a plant may need to be disconnected from hard piping and an electrical feed. The disconnect is your side; the rigging and haul are ours. Tell us where it sits, what floor it is on, and whether a forklift or a pallet jack can reach it.

Air receivers and tanks travel with the compressor when they are part of the unit. A separate ASME tank can go too, and it is worth including because buyers want the set.

What decides what a compressor brings

• cfm and pressure rating. The defining spec. A 185 cfm towable and a 400 cfm towable are different products to different buyers.
• Type. Rotary screw units hold value better than reciprocating units of the same age. Diesel towables have the deepest market.
• Hours and whether it builds pressure. A unit that starts and reaches working pressure sells as equipment. One that runs but will not build is a repair.
• Tank condition. On a stationary unit, tank rust and a current inspection matter. A pitted or undated tank limits who can legally use it.
• Trailer and hose. Good tires, working lights, a sound frame and an intact hose reel all add to a towable sale.

Makes and models we accept

Compressors are bought on brand and cfm.

• Towable diesel: Atlas Copco XAS and XATS, Sullair 185 and 375, Ingersoll Rand P and Doosan Portable Power, Chicago Pneumatic, Kaeser Mobilair, Grimmer Schmidt, Airman.
• Rotary screw and stationary: Kaeser, Atlas Copco GA, Sullair, Quincy QGV, Gardner Denver, Champion, Ingersoll Rand UP and R series, Curtis, Boge.
• Reciprocating and shop: Quincy QT, Ingersoll Rand T30, Champion, Saylor-Beall, Speedaire, Eaton and Emglo, Rolair, Puma.

Manufacturer names appear here so you can find your own machine. No manufacturer sponsors, endorses or is affiliated with this program.

The paperwork, and what you can deduct

A towable compressor on a trailer frame is titled in some states and not others. We will tell you which applies and the state title rules page covers the process. A stationary compressor is not titled; an invoice, bill of sale or asset record is enough.

Giving Center sells the compressor and your deduction is the gross sale proceeds on Form 1098-C. Towable diesel units and larger rotary screw compressors usually land between $500 and $5,000, where Form 8283 Section A applies and no appraisal is required. A newer large unit can clear $5,000, and above that the IRS requires a qualified appraisal, which is your expense and your decision.

A shop reciprocating compressor often sells under $500. In that band the deduction is the lesser of fair market value or $500 and we issue a written acknowledgment rather than a 1098-C.