Generator & Air Compressor Types for Mobile Workshop Trucks and Service Trailers

A technical guide to generator systems and air compressor configurations used in mobile workshop trucks and service trailers — including kVA ranges, piston vs screw compressors, diesel vs PTO options, and selection criteria for mining and construction fleets.

Mobile Workshops Power Systems
📅 Published on 2025-11-17 | ✍️ Semi Trailer News Engineering Desk

Image: Integrated generator & compressor installation inside mobile workshop truck body

🔌 Why Power & Air Systems Are the Heart of a Mobile Workshop

Mobile workshop trucks and service trailers rely on two critical systems to perform field repairs: the generator (for electricity) and the air compressor (for pneumatic tools). The reliability and sizing of these systems directly affect the truck’s ability to service mining machines, construction equipment, and long-haul fleets.

⚡ Generator Types for Mobile Workshops

Generators used inside mobile workshop trucks must handle heavy electrical loads such as welding inverters, grinders, lighting, pumps, and hydraulic power packs.

1. Diesel Generator (Most Common)

• Typical power: 6–20 kVA (general service trucks)
• Heavy-duty setups: 25–40 kVA (mining workshops)
• Low fuel consumption and long lifespan
• Best for remote Africa & Middle East operations

2. Gasoline Generator

• Lighter and cheaper
• Suitable for light-duty roadside workshops
• Not ideal for continuous heavy use

3. PTO-Driven Generator (Truck Engine Powered)

• Driven directly from truck engine via PTO
• No separate engine maintenance
• High efficiency for short interventions
• Common in European body-builder installations

🔧 Generator Sizing Guide

Load Type	Power Requirement
Basic tools + lighting	6–10 kVA
Welding machine (200–250A)	12–20 kVA
Heavy grinders, hydraulic pumps	20–30 kVA
Mining & 6x6 support trucks	30–40 kVA

🛠️ Air Compressor Types for Service Bodies

The compressor powers impact wrenches, pneumatic jacks, tire inflation, cleaning guns and, in mining applications, certain drilling or lubrication systems. Choosing the right type determines workshop efficiency.

1. Piston Compressor

• Best for intermittent use
• Cheaper, simple maintenance
• Pressure: 8–12 bar
• Flow: 300–900 L/min

2. Screw Compressor

• Best for continuous heavy-duty use
• Lower noise, smoother airflow
• Pressure: 10–13 bar
• Flow: 800–2000+ L/min
• Essential in mining workshops and large fleets

3. Hydraulic Compressor

• Powered from truck’s hydraulic PTO
• No additional engine required
• Compact & quiet
• Used on service bodies where generator load is high

4. Diesel-Driven Standalone Compressor

• Independent from generator & truck engine
• Ideal for extreme-duty mining service trucks
• Flow: 1200–2500 L/min

📦 Typical Compressor Capacity Selection

Workshop Type	Recommended Compressor
Basic roadside workshop	3 HP piston compressor
Fleet maintenance (6x4 trucks)	5.5–7.5 HP screw compressor
Mining service truck	10–20 HP diesel screw compressor
Container/mobile trailer workshop	HYD-driven + 300 L air tank

🏭 Leading Manufacturers for Generators & Compressors

🔌 Generator Producers

• Aksa, Genpower, Gesan (Turkey) – widely used in Africa & Middle East
• Pramac (Italy) – premium, long-life components
• Cummins / Stamford (Global) – mining & heavy-duty applications
• Kohler (US/EU) – continuous load industrial generators

🛠️ Compressor Producers

• Fini, ABAC (Italy) – piston & light screw compressors
• Kaeser (Germany) – high-end screw compressors for mobile units
• Atlas Copco (Global) – diesel portable compressors for mines
• Ceccato (Europe) – efficient screw models for service trucks

🔗 Integration Inside Mobile Workshop Trucks & Trailers

Correct installation determines long-term reliability:

• Air intake must avoid dust-heavy zones
• Vibration isolation mounts for generators
• Separate ventilation ducts for hot exhaust air
• Accessible maintenance doors for filters & belts
• RCD-protected electrical distribution

🏁 Summary

Generator and compressor selection defines the capability of any mobile workshop truck or service trailer. Mining fleets, road contractors and logistics companies should choose configurations based on load cycles, tool requirements and environmental conditions.

A correctly engineered system ensures fast interventions, reduced downtime, and long-term reliability in even the harshest African and Middle Eastern environments.

You can also design your own service body by filling out Alura’s Mobile Workshop Configurator: https://www.aluratrailer.com/mobileworkshopconfigurator/

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