The first UNDERHOOD70 air compressor was installed in 1997. Twenty-five years later, with over 26,000 units installed, the UNDERHOOD70 system remains one of VMAC’s most popular air compressors with municipal fleets across North America.
“Very few innovative products are still relevant more than two decades after their invention,” says Tod Gilbert, VMAC president. “But VMAC knocked it out of the park with the UNDERHOOD70, and it continues to be a favorite compressed air solution for our customers.”
The UNDERHOOD70 delivers 70 cfm at 100% duty cycle. The innovative air compressor was designed to be as compact and lightweight as possible, empowering fleet managers and vehicle owners to reduce gross vehicle weight.
A lightweight solution
The UNDERHOOD70 is mounted within the engine compartment of a vehicle, freeing up deck space. Meanwhile, the complete system weighs less than 150 pounds, making it one of the lightest air compressor systems on the market.
“The only system that can match the UNDERHOOD’s air output, light weight and small footprint is another VMAC system: the Direct-Transmission Mounted underdeck air compressor,” Gilbert says.
Competitive underdeck systems are at least double the weight of the UNDERHOOD70 and require an additional shaft to connect the air compressor to the PTO, and no competitive air compressor systems use the vehicle’s engine like the UNDERHOOD does, according to Gilbert.
“Nobody has been able to replicate the UNDERHOOD product line. No other manufacturer has developed an engine-mounted air compressor system for commercial vehicles in North America that municipal fleets can purchase year after year.”
UNDERHOOD70 systems must be redesigned as new model-year trucks are released, and the UNDERHOOD70 is application-engineered for specific Ford, Ram, GMC/Chevrolet and International vehicles. The air compressor system is fitted and installed around existing vehicle components and uses the vehicle’s engine to power the air compressor.
VMAC engineers work closely with leading truck manufacturers to design installation kits that fit within the confined amount of space, confirm compatibility as new vehicle model years are released, and maintain OEM warranties.
“Why go to all the effort? Because people love UNDERHOOD air compressors and their benefits. If your truck runs, your compressor works. The UNDERHOOD70 doesn’t require its own engine or power source, which results in significant space and weight savings that are almost impossible to replicate with other air compressor systems,” Gilbert says.
Because the UNDERHOOD70 uses the vehicle’s existing engine, it also reduces maintenance requirements to a quick inspection and service every six months or 200 hours. There is no additional engine to maintain.
In addition, the location of the UNDERHOOD70 air compressors protects the air compressor from the surrounding environment, ensuring it starts in every environmental condition. The UNDERHOOD70 is proven in extreme climates, including freezing arctic winters and unforgiving desert heat, according to Gilbert.
UNDERHOOD air compressors are proven in municipal environments and well-suited for hydroexcavation and jetting, blowing out lines, jackhammering, construction and utility projects.
VMAC has been a leading air compressor manufacturer in North America for over 35 years. VMAC’s mobile air compressors and multipower systems have earned a reputation for extraordinary design, build quality, durability and reliability in extreme conditions among operators and fleet managers worldwide.
250-740-3200 | vmacair.com/uh70 | sales@vmacair.com