First, we need to tip the hat to our agricultural industry and the hardworking, down-to-earth individuals and families who dedicate their careers and lives to the land. Australia has been seen as a pioneer in the agricultural industry. Inventive, creative, and ultra-resourceful are words that come to mind when discussing farmers, growers, and livestock professionals.
Pilot Air has long been entrenched in the industry through our distribution network, with nationwide representation. Customers from inland New South Wales and Queensland have produced some of our more interesting and unique stories, and we are proud of our association.
A story from the sector involving one of our air compressors prompted this article on how rotary screw air compressors and portable air compressors influence and contribute to agricultural operations and the benefits these systems provide.
“From dairies to grain silos — rotary screw compressors keep Australian farms running.”
Agriculture contribution for context
Agriculture is a big business that contributes to the Australian economy. As I write these words, the numbers were out for the third quarter of 2024, and the agriculture sector, including crop and livestock production and cultivation, had reached $19.7 billion.
The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector employs over 420,000 people, and exported products from these three sectors were valued at approximately AUD$75 billion in 2023/2024. As you can see, the industry contributes much more than just ensuring domestic food security.
So, where do rotary screw air compressors come in?
I’m glad you asked.
An industry of this size is heavy on equipment, and the humble air compressor is part of a suite of infrastructure the sector relies on to achieve its output and keep the wheels turning.
You’ll find rotary screw air compressors working hard in grain and seed facilities. In this environment, rotary screw air compressors power the pneumatic conveying systems. These conveying systems use compressed air to transport bulk materials through pipelines minimising product damage and reducing labour.
While still in crop production, rotary screw air compressors ventilate glasshouses regulating temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels, and air compressors are highly valuable in the spraying of fertilisers and pesticides.
Rotary screw air compressors are an essential tool in the dairy industry. Diary farmers employ these units to power pneumatic automated milking machines. Automated milking saves time and labour and enhances diary hygiene creating wins for the dairy farmer and the consumer.
Growers turn to pneumatic pruning tools; compressed air is the most convenient and efficient power source. Portable air compressors that can run on diesel or petrol are invaluable. Pilot Air has a range, including ute-mounted options, that solve the problems of using impractical manual or electric pruning tools.
Cattle farmers have turned to Pilot Air to customise a compressed air solution to power cattle yards for drenching and sorting tasks.
Farm workshops and shearing sheds
Shearing sheds can run a rotary screw air compressor to power the shearing handpieces, and most farm workshops rely on air compressors to run their drills, spray guns, and other power tools. Pilot Air offers 240V and 3-phase air compressor options for workshops and sheds that cater to either electrical configuration.
Key Takeaways
Broad Agricultural Applications
Rotary screw compressors support grain handling, dairy automation, greenhouse ventilation, pruning, spraying, and shearing — providing reliable power for critical farming tasks.
Built for Harsh Conditions
Designed to handle heat, dust, floods, and droughts, Pilot Air compressors are engineered for the challenges of Australian agriculture.
Portable Solutions
Options such as ute-mounted, petrol, diesel, and portable compressors give farmers flexibility to work in remote or off-grid locations.
Custom Fit for Farms
Pilot Air designs custom-built packages to match energy demands, space, and duty cycles on farms of all sizes
“Engineered tough for the land. Trusted by Sydney and farmers nationwide.”
Farmers are practical, and so is Pilot Air
Farmers are naturally practical, and the agriculture sector requires a practical approach. Reliable, versatile, and robust equipment is non-negotiable for those working the land, which suits Pilot Air to a T.
We have a range of portable, reciprocating and ute-mounted air compressors, 240V and 3 Phase, petrol and diesel models, and our legendary fixed and variable speed rotary screw air compressors that have stood the test of time for our agricultural customers.
We are specialists in customising compressed air solutions. Our extensive distributor network, onshore service and maintenance, spare parts inventory, and old-fashioned service—all of which you’d expect from an Australian, family-owned business—make us the ideal partner for your compressed air needs.
Experience the best in rotary screw air compressors
Pilot Air is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of air compressors including rotary screw for the agriculture industry. Our team is qualified to conduct a diagnostic assessment and install the most suitable compressed air infrastructure for your immediate needs with scalability built in. Pilot Air is proudly Australian-owned and independent, with onshore maintenance and service, skilled technicians, and a large inventory of spare parts. Contact our team today.
