Engine driven welders?

[2drx4]

Who has experiences with what models?

I 'think' I need an engine driven welder. Maybe not right now, but at some point.

There is a used Miller Bobcat for sale locally, seller says it's a 255 G NT, 2004, 320~ hours. Any advice on deciphering the model number to determine which engine/options it has? Is there any engines that are less desirable (the subaru engine has been mentioned)?

I'd like to run a wire feed with it (briefcase welder ideally, or perhaps just plug my millermatic 180 into it if it came down to it), will this unit be up to the task?

I'm also thinking that my life might make a change in the future... I'm half tempted to move to a cabin in the woods... In regards to usage as a generator, which units are best?

It's already been mentioned to me that I probably want a Trailblazer rather than a Bobcat, if I want a miller...

 

[hilld]

The trailblazer can run a variety of suitcase feeders, I don't believe the Bobcat has many options as it doesn't have the 22 pin connector needed.

That is what I remember when I was looking at this same setup last year. I ended up sticking with what I had and will rent a portable one when needed.

Derek

 

[sberry]

There are places where wire is needed for portable work but,,, rigging up all the extra equipment is a poor substitute for stick welding skills, if you need wire you need it but unless I had to absolutely have it for portable I wouldn't want to tote the extra junk around.

 

[Salem747]

This question would be much better answered over at welding web: http://weldingweb.com/ There have been many discussions about this topic there. As I remember one of the two TB vs BC is a better welder and not such a good genny and vice versa, just can't remember which.

If you plan on moving out to the bush why not spend money on a good portable genny and buy a Lincoln tombstone for stick ($500 used) and if you ever need to run wire use your little 180?

 

[Zrexxer]

I've owned three Bobcats, a couple of Lincoln Rangers, and a Trailblazer, plus I've run a half dozen or so others. You start out talking about needing a welder, then you talk about going off the grid - you're kinda all over the map here.

First off, if you want specs on any machines you find for sale, the manuals are generally available on the Mfr's website, especially Miller. There were several iterations of the Bobcat 225 NT's, but all had 225A welding current, AC/DC capability, and between 8000W - 10,000W of auxiliary power. This machine is probably 10,000W since it's a 2004 model.

A Subaru wouldn't bother me in the least, but I avoid Onan engines at this point, not because they're not good engines but because parts availability is drying up on them and parts are $$$$.

If you need occasional wire in the field, just plug into the auxiliary on the machine; it will power most portable MIG machines fine. If you need constant wire capability you will need to run a voltage-sensing suitcase feeder on a Bobcat. You can run a remote RC feeder on a TB which has the circuit to control it.

Now all that being said, if you need auxiliary power in the field on a welding job, these machines are great. HOWEVER, if you're talking about going off the grid, these would be a terrible choice for main power. They're loud, run at high rpm's, and will go through gasoline pretty fast at 3600 rpm. For main power where you have no electric service I'd be looking at a low rpm diesel generator that's designed for that type of service.

 

[sberry]

As Zrex said, these are great generators but greedy. The TB is a slightly better welder and will run feeders. For general work its negligible though. I have couple "red" ones, I forget what the charts say, it isn't listed to, but the 6k watt one will start a 4 hp motor, and I use a 8k to power the place (with large demands turned off) but my well is 3 hp, couple fridges, freezer, I do turn off any electric water heat and air comps, big coolers, etc.

 

[sberry]

If you plan on moving out to the bush why not spend money on a good portable genny and buy a Lincoln tombstone for stick ($500 used)

You need a lot of gen set to run a tombstone.

 

[speed bump]

What do you think you need it for? Depending on what you are doing you might be all over the place. Personally I wanted an engine drive because it was either than going to three phase for air carbon arcing so I bought a big one.Some guys want a really really nice arc so they buy a SA200 or a pipeliner. Some people just need a light, cheap and portable unit so they buy a bobcat or ranger.

BTW any of them will run a suitcase (and if you do buy a suitcase buy a Lincoln they are a much nicer unit than the Miller) its just without the controller the gun will always be hot.

 

[sberry]

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forumdisplay.php?f=3 Here is the Miller forum, you can find everything you want to know about them. One of the top welding sites on the web.

 

[2drx4]

If you plan on moving out to the bush why not spend money on a good portable genny and buy a Lincoln tombstone for stick ($500 used) and if you ever need to run wire use your little 180?

I have a tombstone already. I actually wanted to buy a generator initially, and just use it to run the MM180 or the tombstone (as needed) but everyone I asked told me I was a *****, and that I should just buy an engine driven welder and 'do it right'.