Makita MAC2400 Vs. MAC5200 | Which one for you?

Since 1915, Makita- the Japanese giant had been introducing an inventory full of various power tools. No wonder that they’re still holding tight in the completion of air compressor manufacturing game as well. And MAC2400 and MAC5200 are two of the pioneering compressors that any Makita fan can recall.

Being close siblings of each other, these two models sport quite some similarities. But with a closer Makita MAC2400 vs MAC5200 comparision, you’re going to sort out a handful of mismatches as well.

Throughout this entire piece, we’ll enlighten you with all those comparisons that matter for you as a potential compressor buyer. Let’s start-

Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor Reviews

Product Description

When it comes to low-end compressors around an HP of 2.5, the Mac2400 is one of bangs for the bucks. Being occupied with the 4 pole motor, it still manages itself to be a less noisy machine. To be precise, the device produces 79 dB of noises at the best case, which pretty much lies under the tolerable limit for both the worker and people nearby.

The first impression pops up with solid built quality. The pancake type dual cylinder is made with cast iron, and it decreases the amount of wearing. Also, it reduces any sort of erosion. As an impact, the pump gets a longer and more effective lifespan. And that’s for sure, something every machinery would like to have.

Moving forward to the heart of the compressor, we get to discover the Big Bore piston design. A heavy-duty crank-shaft being equipped with that forms one of the compressors with quick recovery time. As a benefit, you’d get higher CFM and more efficiency in carpentry and fastening work.

Production Specification

• Max 130 PSI output.
• Oil-based Pump Type
• Runs on electric power.
• 2.1 HP running power.
• Twin-stacked type tank.
• 4.2-gallon tank capacity.
• Weighs 77 pounds

Advantages – Explained

A Compressor Meant to be Long Lasting:-

As a quality release from Makita, the lifespan of this compressor is expected to be more than average. But the copper finned discharge tubing had taken the heat management to the next level, and so does the durability. When you have the heat spread out while the compressor is high on workload, that turns it to be one of the most durable machines around.

Low Amp and Rarely Tripping Breakers:-

The machine runs on the very low amp. And one good consequence of such good amp carriage is, the breakers of this compressor often trips. As a benefit, less maintenance is required.

Complete Production from Environment:-

While the job site is outdoors, it’s a must that you keep your compressor somewhere safe. But with MAC2400, it takes care of its safety itself. There is a roll-cage construction that surrounds the delicate parts of the machine. And it can withstand the extreme scenarios that an outdoor job site might come up with.

Disadvantages – Explained

Slightly Overweight:-

Comparing to the similar models of this type of compressors from other reputed brands, we’re concerned about the slightly over-weight of MAC2400. You might have to put some good effort if you have to move it from place to place frequently.

Is This Air Compressor for You?

In case you’re a professional construction worker or carpenter who has to keep visiting sites and get the job done, Makita MAC2400 might be a pretty good pick for you.

In case you’re about the safety and durability, we’ve got this machine to check both of them. And the overall price-quality ratio is quite friendly for an entry-level carpenter or construction worker.

Also, because it’s a quite model of twin stack compressor, you can use it on your garage too, even without bothering the neighbors. For the same reason, it’s regarded as one of the best pancake compressors for framing nailer.

Summary

Decent motor power, ample storage, compact size, durability, and less noise– these had been the key selling points of Makita MAC2400. In case you want to blend them all for a budget price, this one is the pick that we’d recommend strongly!

Makita MAC5200 Big Bore 3.0 HP Air Compressor Reviews

Product Description

This successor model from the inventory of Makita is the big-bore version of the previously talked compressor, which had been in the market since 2007. Although more than a decade had passed since the release, this model had still been able to hold its popularity among mechanics and carpenters.

With 5200, Makita basically enters into the genre of high-end air compressors. And that’s why they call it the ‘poster child’ of industry-standard compressors. Specially made for the semi-professional construction workers or carpenters, it serves almost every tool under the rack that you need for carpentry, flooring, roofing, woodworking and many more!

MAC5200 can handle two nailers at the same time. But in order to do that, you have to keep the compressor tank full and so does the compression level. So if multitasking is one of your concerns while buying a good quality air compressor, this specific one can be your go-to choice.

In case you need some extra horsepower, there is a scope to customize the compressor with homemade cylinders. But this process sincerely needs professional surveillance anyway.

Production Specification

• 140 max psi output.
• 3HP maximum horsepower.
• Uses a 120V electric output.
• Oil-lubricated type pump.
• Tank size of 5.2 gallons.
• Weighs 88 pounds.

Advantages – Explained

Built for Professionals:-

It’s no more of a secret that the MAC5200 is built for professional usage. It’s accompanied with industrial standard power, where other essential features like a lasting lifetime, limited wearing joins the club. Heavy tasks like automotive repair, carpentry crews, etc are quite acceptable challenges with the 6.5 CFM @90psi and 6.9 CFM @40psi output.

Fast Compression Time:-

While you’ve got a handful of workload to do with a compressor, you’d expect it to minimize the refill time. And that’s exactly what this machine does. The wide bore cylinder piston pump refills its 5.2-gallon tank in just 2 minutes from 0 to 140 PSI. Considering such high end compression time, it can easily be the best portable air compressor for framing nailer that needs fast reloading.

Disadvantages – Explained

Prone to Oil Leak

A basic consequence of any oil-based compressor is its tendency to leak oil. As the MAC5200 is dedicated for high-end use, the chance is even more here. But Makita- the brand had been careful enough to provide it with a set of high-quality pressure seals. Rest assured, it won’t leak oil at least for general usage.

Is This Air Compressor for You?

The straightforward answer to this question is- if you’re 2 persons who’d work with the same source of compressed air, and if the uses are quite heavy, then the MAC5200 is just the right pick for you.

When it comes to professionals, they can easily power up their sanders, ratchet wrench, impact grinder, spray guns, orbital sanders, etc with this device.

Summary

As a bottom line, we’d definitely label the Makita MAC5200 as one of the most convenient industrial grade, portable compressors the brand has ever produced. Not to break the bank of yours, the price tag also lies just under 600 bucks. So, it’s a fair play in terms of price-quality ratio as well.

Buying Guide for Makita Air Compressor

Before you make up your mind to invest after a particular air compressor, here are some crucial buying points that you must consider-

What’s the Motor Power(HP)?

The HP rating is a direct indicator of how powerful of a motor lies within the machine body. But unfortunately, it’s often misled with the exaggeration of the marketing guys. Specially in case of hobbyist compressor models.

Means what?

Well, it’s a 101 that an industrial 5HP air compressor is way bigger and stronger than a hobbyist type compressor that’s labeled as 5HP. A quick way to understand the real HP is to look for the electric power it draws in.

A true 5HP motor will draw around 24 amps of power, while a hobbyist one would draw about 15 amps. Also, the first kind would run on both 110V or 220V circumstances, while the second kind would only go with 110V sockets. In most of the cases, the ‘True HP’ of the second kind is 2HP.

The Tank Size

Yeah, size matters a lot in the case of portable air compressors like both MAC2400 and MAC520.

The rule of thumb is- the larger the tank size is, the less frequently you have to refill it up. Also, with larger size tanks, the weight and size go up and the mobility and portability go down.

In case you’re going to use the compressor for occasional carpentry or construction work that engages lightweight tools, go for more portable and less tank size. You can find the best portable compressor for framing nailer models to check this requirement. In the case of semi-professional or even professional cases, the advice is vice versa.

PSI and CFM

Although two of these abbreviations mean completely different things, but both happen to be quite important buying factors.

PSI indicates the air pressure that the compressor can deliver. But to run an air tool of that same psi requirement, the source air pressure from the compressor should be a bit more. As an example, if an air tool requires to be operated at 90psi, the compressor should have a shut-off pressure of 125-130psi.

On the other hand, the CFM indicates Cubic Feet Per Minute, which is a representative term of the volume of air that the compressor can deliver. The CFM rating can be different at different pressure levels.

Space and Portability

Air compressors can be anything from small, portable to static. Based on your necessity to lift the compressor from places to places, you have to be selective about it.

First of all, the tank size is a big determinant of how much lightweight the device will be. Less weight like 60-70 pounds will let you transport from place to place without any hassle. If the weight goes up to 70 pounds, you might need another person to carry it with you.

Verdict

That had been the head to head comparison of Makita MAC2400 vs MAC5200. Hopefully, you’ve found the right indication of which one is the right fit for you in practice.