In drilling, every meter counts—and so does every drop of fuel. With fuel and operating costs rising, drilling efficiency isn’t just about speed anymore. It’s about performance per liter and gallon. So, how do you know which portable air compressor really delivers in the field—not just in the specs?

We set out to find the answer.

We designed a real-world field test to see how three of our high-pressure portable air compressors perform under demanding drilling conditions. 

The compressors tested were:

• X-Air⁺ 750-25: Atlas Copco’s newest DrillAir model, engineered for medium‑depth drilling with a compact footprint. Thanks to patented AirXpert control and dynamic flow boost, it delivers at least 10 % greater fuel efficiency than its predecessor—all without sacrificing airflow or pressure. Fully trailer‑transportable, it offers unmatched mobility for ground engineering, water‑well, geothermal, and foundation drilling.

• Y35: A robust and well-established DrillAir portable air compressor with 35 bar maximum pressure and a free air delivery of around 34.8 m³/min (1230 cfm). Built for versatility, it combines steady performance and drilling reliability across a wide range of geological conditions. Its compact design allows single-truck transport with compatible drilling rigs.

• X-Air⁺ 1200-40: The powerful DrillAir flagship designed for deep and demanding drilling applications. Compared to the Y35, it delivers 15% more pressure and up to 20% faster drilling, while reducing fuel use by approximately 11% per drill cycle. Features include pressure optimizer for no‑load fuel savings, robust hardware, and advanced remote monitoring via smart sensors.

Each compressor was assigned to drill a defined section of ground. Throughout the test, we measured fuel consumption in liters, drilling time in hours, and total meters drilled.

To make sure nothing was hidden, the entire process was recorded as a time-lapse video—so you can see for yourself.

The X-Air⁺ 1200-40 and Y35 achieved the same drilling distance, but the X-Air⁺ 1200-40 completed the task 30 minutes faster while using 58 liters (15.3 gallons) less fuel. Over time, this efficiency difference can translate into significant operational savings, particularly in large-scale or fuel-sensitive projects.

The X-Air⁺ 750-25, while operating at a lower pressure, showed strong efficiency for mid-depth drilling applications—highlighting that compressor selection should be tailored to site-specific requirements.

Milan Avramovic, Sales Engineer at Atlas Copco Power Technique Nordic, who was on-site during the test, summed it up:

The benefits of choosing the right compressor extend beyond fuel savings. Improved drilling efficiency can also lead to fewer refueling interruptions, faster job completion, and lower total cost of ownership.

Over time, choosing the right compressor gives you a real competitive edge in a market where margins are tight.

Every drilling application is different. Factors such as required pressure, depth, geology, and mobility all influence compressor performance in the field.

If you're evaluating your next investment—or simply want to benchmark your current setup—our team is ready to help. Contact us for a personalized consultation or to request a demo.