Lets take a close look at the Dewalt D55168 and see how it stacks up against a closely priced competitor the Makita MAC5200. Both models come from reputable companies in this market and both are certainly worth considering when looking for a new air compressor.
Makita Mac5200
The Dewalt D55168 vs. The Makita Mac5200
When comparing the Dewalt d55168 vs Makita Mac5200, make sure you have enough room to store an air compressor of this size. Each one would do very well in a large garage or automobile shop. Make sure that the one you choose will be powerful enough, but not too powerful.
Pump Design
The Dewalt d55168 has an oil-free pump design. This makes it easy to care for the pump because the oil does not need to be changed every so often. This is not the case with the Mac5200 by Makita. It uses 181122-A compressor oil which needs to be maintained regularly.
The Makita Mac5200 wins by a mile with the pump efficiency though. It can run at a maximum of 3.0 HP if need be. It usually runs around 2.1 HP though. That is still quite a jump from the 1.5 HP that the Dewalt runs at. If you need that extra torque to take off stubborn bolts, the Makita is the clear winner.
Aesthetics
The Dewalt d55168 is an attractive machine in every sense of the word. It sports a bright yellow color so that it can be spotted from a mile away. This is great if you have a lot of tools and other equipment piled up in one corner. It stands straight up, instead of a lengthy design like the Makita Mac5200. This provides more free space for the area.
The rolling wheels allow the tank to be rolled to any spot in the garage while working. This is fantastic if you do not want a large hose running everywhere. It has a metal console panel which will keep the controls from breaking down over time. This happens sometimes if the back panel is made from hard plastic, which many machines are.
The Makita Mac5200 has the traditional Makita green design. It can still be spotted from a far distance, but not as much as the Dewalt. The design is more elongated than the Dewalt, but this helps it stay put better. It can still be transported to any position with the included wheels. The back panel is also metal on this one.
Final Comparison
Each machine has its strengths and weaknesses. When looking at the Dewalt d55168 vs Makita Mac5200, it will depend on how much power you need. If you need to take off large bolts on a large tractor, the Makita Mac5200 will get the job done much better than the Dewalt.
If you are looking for an everyday compressor to use for various purposes, check out the Dewalt d55168.