Champion Screw Compressors

Gardner Denver Engineering – the Group Behind Champion

Gardner Denver is a global manufacturer of industrial compression and fluid handling equipment. Champion, CompAir, Hydrovane and Elmo Rietschle are all part of the Gardner Denver group. This means Champion FM Series compressors are built within an engineering organisation that also produces the premium-tier CompAir L-Series – the same group that developed the FourCore two-stage technology and the IE4 motor platform.

For the FM Series specifically, the airends are designed and manufactured in-house at Champion’s facility in Finland, using CNC rotor grinding to maintain tight manufacturing tolerances. The Delcos BD controller is used on larger models; smaller models use the C-Pro 2 controller. This is not a rebadged budget screw compressor – it is a considered design that uses proven components from within the Gardner Denver supply chain.

The FM Series Range

FM 2.2-7.5 kW (KA/KA Plus Series): Entry-level screw compressors for workshops and light manufacturing. Very low noise – suitable for point-of-use installation. Start/Stop operation reduces energy consumption when running intermittently. Available with tank and dryer options.

FM 7.5-22 kW: The core general-purpose band for engineering workshops, automotive facilities, packaging operations and general manufacturing. Fixed and regulated speed models. Available as standalone compressor or elite package (compressor + tank + dryer + filtration) for a complete plug-and-play installation.

FM 30-150 kW: Industrial-duty fixed and regulated speed models for higher-demand applications. In-house manufactured airends with CNC-machined rotors. Yaskawa VFD on regulated speed models. Gardner Denver Delcos BD controller. Hinged side panels for straightforward maintenance access.

Regulated Speed Models – Yaskawa Drive Technology

Gardner Denver Champion’s FM RS models use a Yaskawa variable frequency drive – a Japanese-manufactured inverter specified for high reliability in demanding industrial conditions. The Yaskawa drive eliminates off-load energy waste by matching motor speed to demand, maintaining stable system pressure without the pressure fluctuations associated with fixed speed load/unload cycling, and removing the starting current peaks that can affect site electrical infrastructure.

For operations where energy costs are a priority or where air demand varies significantly through the day, the FM RS models offer a practical route to VSD technology at a competitive purchase price.

Supply and Service from Air Energy

Air Energy is an authorised Champion service partner. Our engineers carry OEM service kits for FM Series compressors and provide planned maintenance contracts across Hertfordshire, Greater London, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire.

For help choosing between Champion and CompAir for your application – or between fixed and regulated speed compressors within the FM range – call us on 01992 238 339. Our engineers will assess your requirements and give you a straight recommendation, not just a price list.

FAQs

What is the Champion FM Series?

The Champion FM Series is a range of oil-lubricated rotary screw compressors from 2.2 kW to 150 kW, manufactured by Champion – part of the Gardner Denver group. The FM Series uses in-house manufactured airends, IE3 motors on smaller models and the Yaskawa variable frequency drive on regulated speed variants. The range covers general workshop applications at the smaller end through to industrial-duty continuous operation at 150 kW. It is designed as a quality alternative to premium-tier CompAir models at a lower purchase price.

What is the difference between Champion and CompAir compressors?

Both Champion and CompAir are brands within the Gardner Denver group and share engineering principles and manufacturing approaches. CompAir is the premium tier – larger range, IE4 motors, Delcos XL controller, iConn connectivity, FourCore two-stage technology on larger models, and CompAir Assure warranty programme. Champion FM Series uses IE3 motors on most models, the Delcos BD or C-Pro 2 controller, and is positioned at a more accessible purchase price. For high-uptime critical applications, CompAir is typically the correct specification. For general industrial use with budget sensitivity, Champion FM delivers reliable performance.

How do I choose the right FM Series model?

The right FM Series model depends on your required delivery pressure (7, 10 or 13 bar across the range), the total volume of air your equipment needs (m³/min or CFM), and your duty pattern – continuous or intermittent. Regulated speed (FM RS) models make sense if demand varies significantly through the day. Fixed speed models are better suited to steady, near-constant demand. Air Energy engineers will assess all three factors and recommend the correct model. Correct sizing is critical – a compressor that is too small for your needs will run at full capacity and wear prematurely, but one that is too large will waste energy at partial load.

What pressure is available on Champion FM compressors?

FM Series models are available at 7, 10 and 13 bar working pressures depending on the specific model. Most standard workshop and light industrial applications run at 7 or 10 bar. 13 bar models are available for applications requiring higher delivery pressure. Running a compressor at higher pressure than necessary increases energy consumption significantly – every bar above what is actually needed adds approximately 6-7% to energy costs. Air Energy will confirm the minimum pressure your application actually requires before specifying the most appropriate model.

Is the Champion FM Series suitable for continuous duty?

Yes. FM Series compressors from 7.5 kW and above are designed for continuous duty operation. Smaller models (2.2-5.5 kW) use start/stop control, which is appropriate for intermittent use in smaller workshops. For continuous duty applications, the FM 7.5 kW and larger models with load/unload or regulated speed control are more likely to be the correct specification. Our team will help you determine the best model for your needs. 

What warranty do Champion FM Series compressors carry?

Champion FM Series compressors carry a standard 12-month manufacturer’s warranty on parts. Extended warranty options are available – ask us for details. Unlike the CompAir Assure programme, there is no standard long-term extended warranty built into the FM Series purchase price. For operations where long-term warranty cover is important, CompAir L-Series with Assure may be the better specification.

Can Air Energy service a Champion compressor we did not buy from them?

Yes. Air Energy’s engineers provide service and maintenance for air compressors for customers in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Greater London. We are happy to service all Champion FM Series compressors regardless of where they were originally supplied. As an authorised service partner, our engineers carry OEM service kits and are trained on the full FM range. We can take over a service contract from a previous provider, review the existing service history, and set up a planned maintenance schedule based on the compressor’s current running hours and condition.