- Folding handle: Low profile for easy storage with handle folded
- Rugged wheels: Job-site portability; One-year manufacturer's warranty
- Built-in storage compartment; Conveniently stores air fittings and accessories
- Air hose wrap: Stores 50 feet of 3/8-inch air hose with handle folded or upright
- 120V; 13.8 Amps and 1800 watts
I agree with the wheel gripes. The wheels are injection molded with a very thin plastic, one of mine had a slash in it and collapsed on first use.
So, I went up to farm and fleet and bought two new wheels with steel center and solid rubber, heavy tread, put them on and it is perfectly mobile over any terrain, now.
I also agree Makita fudges on the specs.
Most important though is the performance in use, and there, it shines. I've used similar double tank units from other manufacturers and much prefer the design of this unit. It stores connectors and a hose, handle breaks down for storage/transport, It is made very well and is quiet for a unit this size.
It does draw power on the initial kick on, as they all do. I'd hoped to run this on my Yamaha 2500 watt generator, which is equivelant to a 20 amp circuit, but no go. It blows the breaker everytime. And the Yamaha runs a portable DeWalt table saw, jet 1200cfm dust collector and a chop saw just fine (not all at the same time!)
So, while it is not perfect, it is a good performer and I'm very satisfied with the comressor at the cost.
Buy Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor Now
Amazon's description describes this as running at 1720 RPM which is equal to Makita's MAC2400 product which runs at half this one's speed (and is quieter as a result).
NOTE THIS ITEM RUNS AT 3420 RPM AND HAS A SLIGHTLY LARGER BORE THAN THE MAC2400 SO EXPECT IT TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY LOUDER.
Read Best Reviews of Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor Here
I purchased this tool in June, 2008. It arrived from Amazon in perfect condition. After the initial 'break-in' period I used it a few times for minor chores around the shop. No problems. The problems began when I took it outside. For a machine this heavy it has lousy plastic wheels which not only bent out of shape, the axle they ride on also bent. I am not abusive with my tools and take reasonable care when handling them. Also, one of the plastic gauge covers cracked. In addition, the plastic shroud that goes over the compressor rattles like crazy and probably makes twice as much noise as this machine needs to make. Simply an observation of mine of poor design. But the real problem was the way in which Makita service treats you when you need help. The parts to replace were simple to swap out, and relatively inexpensive. The service rep I spoke with wanted me to drive this compressor 60 miles each way to have an authorized service center look at them to determine whether they "really failed" or not. In the past if I had a problem with heavy equipment that was easily repaired at my end the parts would be shipped free of charge, assuming the item was under warranty (it is). The rep further argued with me that the wheels simply "wore out" from usage. I explained to him I hadn't used this tool for more than a total of 20 hours and that that was an unreasonable assumption regarding the wheels. His next argument was that "Makita only warrants the motor on these tools and the rest is up to me at my expense, to have repaired." Unbelievable. The warranty clearly states the entire tool is warranted for one year. Makita's have always made good tools in the past, but I would strongly recommend you look elsewhere if considering this tool, or any other from Makita. Their service center is abysmal. I can understand them not having the sharpest tacks handling the phone calls. But at least know your products and their respective warranties. No more Makita tools in this shop. This was a poor choice on my part.
Want Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor Discount?
I bought the Makita 5200 after I had read all the reviews, almost even before it was out of the box the wheels had been replaced (steel core, airtires).
As with all my Makita tools, I'm a happy camper, they perform when they need too.
I really like the storage compartment and the hose storage right on the unit.
Thanks to all who wrote reviews, you've helped to make the MAC5200 better, is anyone from Makita taking notice?
I do have a spare set of originals tires (no miles).
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I purchased the MAC5200, after reading all the reviews including several very negative ones...
To offset those here is mine.
The shipment arrived in a pristine carton by UPS.
The compressor was pristine in every way not a scratch or blemish.
The unpack, setup and initial no pressure break in procedure took less that 30 minutes. The compressor performed flawlessly.
This compressor is SO much better and smaller than those I had in the past, I was shocked.
This lubricated 3hp is much quieter than my former unlubricated 2.5hp, and puts out more air at the higher pressures PSI.
For harry homeowner, it doesn't get much better than this.
It's compact, with sufficient space under cover to store fittings, gages, etc, four corner hooks to handle 50' of air hose and two front hook to hang either a second shorter hose or a couple of air tools.
Handle can be folded down, to put unit into a car trunk, or under a shop table and STILL BE FUNCTIONAL in the handle down mode.
I haven't tried all my tools with this compressor, but it did drive my biggest air hog with no problem at all.
Since my compressor will spend 95% of the time in my garage or nearby I don't anticipate any wheel breakage problem even though the wheels are plastic injection molded.
All things considered Price, Compressor output, built in features, compactness, portability and all controls including easy to use ball valve drain cock accessible from the front -this compressor delivered for ~ $300 is a very good buy.
