Sanborn air compressors were manufactured originally by the Sanborn Manufacturing Company in Springfield, Minnesota. Their brand of compressor then was the Black Max air compressor. After some years Sanborn Manufacturing was acquired by Coleman Powermate, Inc.
Subsequently, the Black Max air compressor line was discontinued as the original Sanborn brand.
What’s here on this Sanborn air compressors page?

- a bit about the origins of Sanborn compressors
- website where additional info may be available
- Sanborn manuals for complementary download
- links to additional pages of Sanborn compressors found on this site
- spot to ask new questions and get help with your Sanborn
The Black Max then became the Powermate brand of air compressor.
MAT Industries, LLC then purchased the Coleman Powermate plant in 2008. According to the www.nujournal.com, “MAT Holdings, Inc., is a $600 million privately held company supplying hardware, air compressors and automotive parts and accessories in North America and worldwide. MAT Holdings, Inc. is currently headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill.” You can get more information about MAT industries by visiting their site: www.matholdingsinc.com.
Now, Powermate appears to be offering the Sanborn air compressor brand Black Max again.
Then, in late 2017 there was rumor floating around the internet that Sanborn / MAT holdings, makes the Kobalt brand of air compressor for Lowes, too.
Tracking down information on the Sanborn compressor is quite convoluted. If you are seeking information about support for your Sanborn, you could try contacting them at www.powermate.com to see if they can help.
Having an issue with your Sanborn air compressor? Need a little help from other Sanborn air compressors owners? Here is where you can ask a question about it and find help.
This is the Sanborn air compressors information page allowing owners and users of Sanborn, Black Max or Powermate air compressors an on-line location to ask questions relating to their Sanborn air compressor operation or problems as well as to provide each other advice if they can.
If you could take a moment to scan the existing questions and answers below you may find an answer to your questions already there.
Can your provide advice for any of them? If so, please add a comment to that question.
Can’t find an answer? Please scroll to the bottom of the page to ask yours.
Sanborn Air Compressors manuals
The following Sanborn manual and parts lists are courtesy of site visitors that took their time to scan and send, or email their electronica copy of Sanborn air compressor information to me for adding below.
If you have a digital file of any Sanborn, Powermate or Black Max compressors, and would like me to make it available to all, please contact me for directions. Thank you!
- Sanborn 104A200 manual
- Sanborn 109BL300 manual
- Sanborn 44A75 / 44A100 manual
- Sanborn 400B 500B 500BP Operator Instruction and parts manuals
- Sanborn Series 500BL & 500BPL compressors manual
- Sanborn Series 500BL & 500BPL compressors parts list
- Sanborn Series B07F350 manual
My thanks for the questions and for all the help responding on this Sanborn air compressors forum.
Bill
More pages with questions asked and answered and more information about Sanborn air compressors on this site:
- Determine make of Sanborn compressor to find parts
- Repair a Sanborn Model 500A60 belt drive air compressor.
- New Sanborn will not start
- Sanborn Black Max oil capacity and grade
- CFM rating of Sanborn Black Max air compressor
- Sanborn will not turn on
- Need manual for older Black Max compressor
- Information needed about a Sanborn Magna Force m109c400-20 compressor
- Sanborn Magna Force slowing way down
- Sanborn Magna Force manual search
- Sanborn Magna Force 5 HP oil check
I have a Sanborn 80 and it just can’t keep up with the sandblasting. It is good for less than ten minutes so basically a complete waste of money. Does anyone know if you can beef up or replace this little motor so it actually keeps up with sandblasting projects?
I have a Sanborn SLA7006056 with a 755H pump. It is a well used compressor. It has been cold here lately below freezing. I walked into the garage and the 220 breaker was tripped for the compressor. ??? I reset it and the compressor fired up fine. It cycled and ran as normal. After a while working in the garage the compressor started, ran for 30 seconds, then I heard a clunk and belt squealing. I shut off breaker until I could look at it. I took the belt cover off today and the pump turns fine. Turn on the… Read more »
I have a Sanborn model no. 500BPL60V and it is rated for 140psi. max. When it reaches 140psi. the unloader valve opens and the compressor continues to run! I don’t think that’s a safe operating compressor?! What do I do? Please and thank you!
I have a Sanborn 5 gallon 2 stage air compressor
Model—021-0145 made 1994 serial # 455050
The compressor is leaking oil from the bottom.
Can it be fixed
If not how much is a new one
I have a Sanborn 104A200-22 2hp 22 gallon compressor that has developed a couple of pin holes in the tank due to corrosion . It’s about 30+ years old. If I was to try do repair it using screws and epoxy, what is the chance of a catastrophic failure of the tank? Alternatively Does anyone know of another tank that could be adapted? How about an Industrial Air IT20ASME 20 gallon tank $200 on Amazon?
Thanks to all for this information!
I have a sanborn portable air compressor that i need a owners manual and parts diagram/list for repairs. Its a magna force 3/4 HP 8 gallon 100 PSI…The serial # H1550370 and Model is 44C75-8 115 voltage thats on the label. Would appreciate all the help I can get very much….
I have a portable Sanborn air compressor, model 104B200-22, 2hp, 120 psi. Would appreciate it if someone could estimate it’s value to sell.
We are a nonprofit that acquired an in the box Sanborn V-Twin Cylinder Compressor pump 100 PSI, 960 RPM with 9″ OD Flywheel. Anyone know it’s value to sell on eBay?
what kind of an how much oil does a sanborn 44a100 14 take. it was manufactured in 1979. like to find a manual too. thanks
I’m wondering if there is any where to get a replacement 22 gallon compressor tank for a Sanborn 84A100-22. The unit runs great, but the tank has two small pin holes in it.
Hi , I have a Black Max 5hp 60 gallon tank, model B500BPL60V , and would like to know CFM rating on this compressor ? To determine if this will be adequate for painting my car
Thanks Will
Trying to find a switch 034-0091 for a sandborn bo7f350 or a universal replacement that will work with the regulator… switch died.
Hi.. I have an old compressor that has a Black Max sticker on it. The model and serial number plate is still there, but the printed numbers are no longer visible. The compressor pump locked up yesterday and I am trying to see if a rebuild kit is available for this pump, but that is hard to do without knowing what I am looking for! I was wondering if anyone would be able to help identify this pump? About the only thing I know about it is the information that is on the motor itself. The motor’s part number is… Read more »
Looking for a Canadian source for replacement parts for a Sanborn 130 ~1995. Need a valve plate assembly 043-0142 and a base gasket 046-0263.
I’m replacing the motor on my Sanborn BlackMax compressor model# B165B500-25. It had a Magnetek 8-18253-21 230volt 15A motor(probably 3.5 actual hp). I wired it up to run off my new generator, but ended up running it at 120volts. It of course burned the windings. Besides which my generator wouldn’t likely have been enough for the start up amps this motor needed. So I am replacing the motor with one that is 120/240 capable and is rated at 2hp. It is 15amps @120volts and 7.5amps @ 240volts. Can you tell me what the minimum voltage this motor can safely handle… Read more »
I am hoping that someone can help me out. I have an Old Farm & Fleet Air Compressor which looks like it was made by Sanborn Manufacturing Co. I am trying to replace the Safety Valve and I am having a hard time finding a replacement.
Thanks for any Help
First I want to thank everyone who took your valuable time sharing information here! I was about to throw in the towel searching for information on my 44 Gal Single Stage Model G500BP44U. Almost 1:00am finding this I thought it was a dream ha ha. I purchased my compressor a few years back, didn’t know a thing about it but the gentleman gave me a great deal on it, one small business owner to another and just getting my shop up and running at the time. Long story short it had a few challenges & continues to throw tantrums here… Read more »
Howdy, I just bought this Sanborn Magna Force 3HP 120PSI 22 GAL compressor and am trying to find as much information as I can about it. Unfortunately the tag is very worn. I am able to get all the information of it except the model number. I believe I have figured it out but could sure use some help confirming it. The information I have is: Model M109BL300-22 – Need confirmation Serial J2610085 HP 3 SP? L I think Voltage 115 Amp 15 Phase 1 Tank 22 Gallon Tank 120 PSI Rang 120/90-120 PSI Stage 1 Stage Could someone confirm… Read more »
Can anyone help me identify the model of this Sanborn air compressor? I only have the serial number. Everything else is to worn down. I need to get a pressure release valve. Thanks.
(Post moved to Sanborn page – Moderator)
How do I obtain a Manufacturer’s Data report for a Sanborn machine Mounted air receiver?
I need compressor pressure switch on model 104a- 200-22 ser 62106
What is the air pressure in the tank?
If the tank check valve is not holding back tank pressure it will do this.
Someone has repowered it with a Champion pump. Sanborn never put a Champion pump on any of their units.
Part of the broken parts out of the old pump could be in the check valve.
When the pressure switch unloads, do you hear a faint pssssst and then it stops?
I have a Sanborn rocket that when plugged in it doesn’t run but 20 seconds then shuts down.
Looking to find a air pressure regulator control valve for model # B09J500-20 5hp 120psi. Did not see manual or parts list for this model. Thanks in advance
Hi and Thank you for this web page and help.
I am looking to find part # 092-0011 Knob Assembly for a Sanborn 3.5 hp 07FL350-20 Compressor. It appears that the part is no longer available. Does anyone know differently?
Thank you again, Mark Sands
PS here is a link to the PDF parts and manual for this unit. https://www.arkansas-ope.com/B07F350-13.pdf
My recomendation is not too buy Sanborn Compressors. I have model SLA198301 for less than a year and the shaft between the piston and the motor snapped and they would not warranty it .I barely used it,only used to air up my tires.They tried getting me to buy the replacement kit for more than half of what I paid for the whole unit. The customer service rep was very rude when I finally was able too speak too one.My last compressor lasted me several years,this was my first and last Sanborn product that I will ever buy.
Unfortunately the problem wasn’t tight belts but lack of oil in the pump…in my trouble shooting I busted the insides of the pump irreparably – thanks for all of your help anyway! Real problem is I need a better brain!
What diameter is the pulley on the motor of your 500A60? Mine is lost.
P.S. Motor bearings are sealed and cannot be lubed. Replace only.
Sounds like bearings are going tight. My motor bearings in my 500A60 went tight. TURN BREAKER OFF! Remove belt, turn compressor pulley by hand, then turn motor pulley by hand. Whichever does not turn easily is the problem. Bearings in motor can be replaced.
It looks like the capacitor cover on the left in the picture has been moved the screw is not through the cover and you can see the clean spot where it should be , it’s possible the capacitor cover is touching the connector’s and has it shorted out .
How do I rewire my Sanborn 104A200-22 motor from 115v to 230v? There are no diagrams on or in the motor. There are 4 terminals on the motor. Currently, power goes to terminals 1 and 4 with a wire commons out of the motor connected terminal 2.
I have a pinhole size leak at a weld in the tank of my Sanborn compressor, is there any acceptable way of repairing this other than having it rewelded?
I have 30 gallon Sanborn. Air compressor will not turn on, outlet is hot but no noise. A o smith motor, the compressor less than a year old.