Hill EC-3000

Sorry guys, no review here yet.

I posted a little over a week ago that my compressor never showed up even though it showed delivered. Well, it arrived a few days later when someone in my large community dropped it off. They were out of town for the weekend. I actually ordered another before it showed up; I didn’t want to miss out just in case the first one was never found.

So, I haven’t yet dug into it. I haven’t put the oil in yet, or powered it up. One thing I noticed is how it has more “handling marks” than I would expect for a new $1,000 item. Heck, I have noted where $50 items from Home Depot, Target, etc. are packaged better and are in immaculate condition than the Hill. The box seemed to be original and didn’t seem to be re-taped. I am quite of a stickler regarding new items looking “new”. There is some minor scratching and scuffs here and there, nothing alarming, but there nonetheless. If it were a new airgun in the same condition, I would probably reject it. 

So any of you notice the same sort of condition? I wonder if they are refurbs selling as new? I would think this is not the case, but who knows..

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Mine came extremely well packed with high density foam around the mounting pipe work and the rest wrapped in lower density stuff.

Did the control face still have the peel off plastic attached?

Yes, mine has the sticker on the readout plate. It also has blue pool noodle zip tied around the steel cage.

I noticed how the silicone reservoir seems to have residual silicone in it. This makes me wonder if it was tested prior to shipping, or if it was a return/refurbished.

I recall reading a post or two in the past regarding questionable “new” items being shipped by PA. 

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Check out "Kenneth Boyd" you tube channel, he has a number of Hill compressor videos, (and other compressors)

His first Hill (a clue there) came with a few marks on it.

Kenneth Boyd

Hello Harry,

Thanks for the insight. I will review the videos after work is done today.

I’ve tried calling PA 4 times now since last week for details.

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Mine came extremely well packed with high density foam around the mounting pipe work and the rest wrapped in lower density stuff.

Did the control face still have the peel off plastic attached?

Yes, mine has the sticker on the readout plate. It also has blue pool noodle zip tied around the steel cage.

I noticed how the silicone reservoir seems to have residual silicone in it. This makes me wonder if it was tested prior to shipping, or if it was a return/refurbished.

I recall reading a post or two in the past regarding questionable “new” items being shipped by PA. 

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All units are tested by Hill before they ship to the US. That is why there may be some residual oil in the unit. PA does not open them before shipping to your door.

I know Hill has improved the packaging since the compressors initial release, but they are always open to suggestions for further improvement.

Tyler
 
I watched the second video of Mr. Boyd filling a 480cc bottle with his new Hill. It shuts down from overheating before the bottle fills. Why? He has it wedged in a corner which violates compressor 101 operating rules. No one sticks baby in the corner. Restricted air flow to an air cooled compressor will overheat it every time.

This is normal behavior for the compressor. It has a temp sensor that will pause the fill for cooling when it gets too hot. Restarts the fill automatically when the unit cools a bit. None the less, definitely better to allow the unit ample room for the cooling fan to work.
 
Mine came extremely well packed with high density foam around the mounting pipe work and the rest wrapped in lower density stuff.

Did the control face still have the peel off plastic attached?

Yes, mine has the sticker on the readout plate. It also has blue pool noodle zip tied around the steel cage.

I noticed how the silicone reservoir seems to have residual silicone in it. This makes me wonder if it was tested prior to shipping, or if it was a return/refurbished.

I recall reading a post or two in the past regarding questionable “new” items being shipped by PA. 

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All units are tested by Hill before they ship to the US. That is why there may be some residual oil in the unit. PA does not open them before shipping to your door.

I know Hill has improved the packaging since the compressors initial release, but they are always open to suggestions for further improvement.

Tyler

PA called me back today and confirmed that the unit I received is as new. They also confirmed your comment about the compressor being tested prior to being shipped out.

Thanks to all for your input. I have high hopes for this compressor.

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I watched the second video of Mr. Boyd filling a 480cc bottle with his new Hill. It shuts down from overheating before the bottle fills. Why? He has it wedged in a corner which violates compressor 101 operating rules. No one sticks baby in the corner. Restricted air flow to an air cooled compressor will overheat it every time.

Lol, good one buddy.

Guys it's good it shuts down if too hot. Better than breaking down. 
I'm getting another Alkin but I fill my SCBA & anyone around me with E-quality air. 5-10 minutes.
 
I watched the second video of Mr. Boyd filling a 480cc bottle with his new Hill. It shuts down from overheating before the bottle fills. Why? He has it wedged in a corner which violates compressor 101 operating rules. No one sticks baby in the corner. Restricted air flow to an air cooled compressor will overheat it every time.

This is normal behavior for the compressor. It has a temp sensor that will pause the fill for cooling when it gets too hot. Restarts the fill automatically when the unit cools a bit. None the less, definitely better to allow the unit ample room for the cooling fan to work.

Better yet, invest in a cheap squirrel fan. I have a Lasko blowing on mine. Doesn't shut down when filling 100 cu in omega or any gun. 
 
 It's nice that the Hill compressors have the safety feature and will restart after cooling down. Isn't it better to avoid overheating in the first place? A user will get faster fills minus most of the shutdowns if they get proper ventilation by placing the compressor in an open space at least a foot away from the walls. The motor gets air from fan blades drawing air from the back which is restricted if its in a corner.
 
If the house A/C had shut off if it reached its thermostat called for temp, then that unit sitting in the corner against the diffuser is no good. Air movement works best with nothing directly against the fan, diffuser, or the air flow point of origin. That’s typically why most air moving equipment show clearances to be met on equipment sides when installing, and also clearances to combustible materials.

it would be like putting your palm 1/8” against your mouth and trying to blow. It would be best if it was at least a few inches away