Home / Industries / Transport
Air Compressors for Transport Industry
Compressed air is the fourth utility of the UK’s transport industry. The ubiquitous ‘invisible utility’ is relied upon just as much as electricity, water and gas, yet few appreciate that the air going into the air brakes of a 44 tonne HGV or a pneumatic drill in a busy rail depot is a utility in itself.
- Atlas Copco Premier Distributors
- 50 Years Experience
- Accredited installation and commissioning
- Preventative maintenance plans backed by OEM parts
The Two Worlds of Compressed Air: On-Board and In the Depot
Uses of compressed air in transport are divided into two related sectors: the on-board (Mobility) Systems and the Depot and Workshop Systems that service them.
On-Board (Mobility) Systems: The primary role of these systems, which are fitted into vehicles, is to run all the vital safety and operating components and systems such as air brakes, air suspension, door operating systems and the pantograph on electric trains.
Depot and Workshop Systems: The depot system is where all maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities take place and this is where the heavy-duty, fixed systems supply the compressed air to drive the pneumatic tools, tyre inflation bays, vehicle lifts and paint spraying booths.
50
Years Experience
On-Board Compressed Air: Powering the Vehicle
It is the quality of air used to service on-board systems in the workshop that determines the reliability of these high-tech systems. Introducing moisture or oil from a poorly maintained depot compressor can lead to sticking valves, seal degradation, and on-road failure of a safety-critical system. An investment in high-quality workshop air is a direct investment in the safety of your entire fleet. On-board compressors must be compact, robust, and built to withstand constant vibration and harsh road conditions.
Public Transport & HGVs
For buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles, compressed air plays a central role in the safety architecture. It provides the consistent force needed for air brake systems and governs the air suspension that ensures stability and ride comfort.
The Electric Vehicle Revolution
The shift to electric and hybrid vehicles presents new challenges. With no internal combustion engine, compressors must be electrically powered, lightweight, and exceptionally quiet. This has driven demand for electrically powered mobility compressors like the Atlas Copco oil-free scroll SFR series, engineered to be exceptionally quiet, lightweight, and battery-efficient, ideal for the silent operation requirements of e-buses and electric HGV fleets.
Rail Systems
On modern rolling stock, compressed air is the second most important energy source after electricity. It operates safety-critical braking systems, pantographs, and advanced suspension, demanding absolute reliability and adherence to strict air quality standards.
Choosing the Right Compressor Technology
Selecting the correct compressor is a strategic decision that impacts productivity and operating costs.
For the Workshop: Rotary Screw is the Professional Standard
Comparison: Piston vs Rotary Screw Compressors
- Feature Piston Compressor Rotary Screw Compressor
- Duty Cycle Limited (50–60%) 100% Continuous Operation
- Energy Efficiency Lower Higher
- Air Quality Higher Oil Carry-Over Cleaner Air Delivery
- Noise Level High (80+ dB(A)) Low (65–75 dB(A))
- Lifespan Shorter Significantly Longer
Atlas Copco Solutions for the Transport Industry
As premier distributors for Atlas Copco, Control Gear provides access to industry-leading technology tailored for transport applications.
- GA Series (Oil-Injected): The workhorse for bus depots, rail workshops, and HGV maintenance bays.
- ZT/ZR Series (Oil-Free): Essential where air purity is non-negotiable, such as paint shops and brake system testing. They are ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certified, guaranteeing no oil contamination. To decide which is right for your needs, see our Oil Versus Oil-Free Air Compressors Guide.
- Portable Compressors: Compact, towable units for on-site rail track maintenance, roadworks, and mobile fleet servicing.
The VSD+ Advantage for Energy Savings
Energy makes up more than 70% of the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a compressor. Atlas Copco’s Variable Speed Drive (VSD+) technology is market-leading. By matching its motor speed to actual demand for air, it eliminates energy wastage and can save up to 50% on energy compared to fixed-speed compressors. Think about heat recovery too – up to 94% of waste heat can be recovered from Atlas Copco compressors and reused for space and water heating, further reducing your energy footprint.
Remember, price is only one part of the buying decision. Calculate the TCO, which also factors in servicing, lost production from breakdowns and energy use over the life of the system. VSD+ technology, air treatment and right-sizing all help reduce TCO.
Solving the Top 3 Compressed Air Challenges in Transport
Directly addressing the most common pain points with the right technology and strategy is key to an efficient operation.
01
High Energy Costs
Solved by right-sizing your system after a system audit and installing VSD+ technology to eliminate waste energy during ramping demand.
02
Moisture Contamination
Solved by using a properly specified air treatment system. Refrigerant or desiccant dryers, along with multi-stage filtration, protect on-board vehicle components, pneumatic tools and ensure perfect paint finishes.
03
Unexpected Downtime
Solved with a structured preventative maintenance plan from a specialist partner. This ensures the workshop’s “powerhouse” is always reliable, preventing costly interruptions to MRO schedules.
50 Years Experience
Why Work With Us?
- One of the largest independent Fluid Power companies operating in the United Kingdom
- Atlas Copco Premier Distributors
- Diverse Market Coverage including 9 key specialisms
Navigating UK Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with UK health and safety legislation is a legal requirement.
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)
Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR)
This is a critical regulation for transport operators. While a vehicle’s integrated braking and suspension systems are exempt, your workshop’s stationary compressed air system and any compressors on mobile service vans are fully covered by PSSR
To comply with PSSR, transport operators must:
- Have a Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) drawn up by a Competent Person.
- Ensure periodic inspections are carried out in line with the WSE.
Failure to comply is a breach of UK law and can lead to prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
HSE and Tyre Inflation Safety
HSE and Tyre Inflation Safety
The inflation of HGV tyres is a high-risk activity. A compliant compressed air system isn’t just about output; it must enable safety-critical procedures, particularly for tyre inflation zones governed by HSE regulations. The HSE mandates the use of a robust safety cage and remote inflation equipment to protect technicians from catastrophic failures.
Why Choose Control Gear?
With over 50 years of experience, Control Gear is a trusted compressed air partner for the UK transport sector. As a Premier Distributor for Atlas Copco, we provide:
- Expert system design and right-sizing audits
- Accredited installation and commissioning
- Compliance support (including PSSR Written Schemes of Examination)
- Preventative maintenance plans backed by OEM parts
- 24/7 emergency support across South Wales and the West
Whether your fleet is based in sites requiring Air Compressor Servicing in Hereford, or Air Compressor Servicing in Llanelli, we keep your compressed air systems engineered for uptime, compliance and efficiency.
BOOK YOUR TRANSPORT AIR COMPRESSOR CONSULTATION TODAY
Get in touch
Your Expert Partner for a Safer, More Efficient Fleet
Efficient compressed air management can cut energy costs, avoid failures and keep your transport business running safely. Working with an expert will deliver a clear return on investment, reducing your costs, maintaining uptime and ensuring compliance.
- Visit us Heol Groeswen, Treforest Industrial Estate, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF37 5YF
- Call us 01443 843126
- Email us enquiries@control-gear.com
Mon–Fri · 09:00–17:00
24/7 emergency call-out available
The quality and reliability of the compressed air system you use has a direct correlation to downtime on the roads, the safety of your fleet and your bottom line.
We’ve put together this easy-to-read guide to help transport professionals understand compressed air from an all round vehicle and depot application perspective, covering the technology required, the challenges you’ll face and the regulatory and standards landscape you need to meet in order to run an efficient and compliant operation.
Get in touch with the Control Gear team today to book a system audit or to arrange a consultation with one of our transport sector experts.
For an overview of compressor applications, take a look at our What Is An Air Compressor Used For?.