trailblazer airpac w/ kubota

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I am in the final approach to purchasing a new TB airpac w/ Kubota for $7999.00.  I am a new entry into the welding field and have decided this is a good machine to start with.  Many capabilities but I would prefer a older mechanical diesel at 1800 rpms.  Don't really like the new EPA set ups.    Any opinions.. good, bad or indifferent are appreciated.
Reply:How many different welding machines have you used?  Have you done any gouging? Do you plan to start out on your own or work for a company first and get some time under your belt?  Do you really need a machine at the moment?
Reply:Gouging I have not done but would like the option.I have only been using inverter machines and a few wire feeds.  I will most likely start out working for someone.  I currently don't have any work that requires the machine.  I have the financial ability to get started with out causing any monetary stress.  Technically I don't need the machine now but how else do you get started.... I probably don't need most the stuff I have.Thanks for the time.
Reply:Originally Posted by sixTechnically I don't need the machine now but how else do you get started.... I probably don't need most the stuff I have.
Reply:I have an air compressor in the garage but it hardly runs my pneumatics for changing car tires...  Maybe it is the cheapo air tools I have.  I liked the CFM of the air pac, but I am a little wary of the all in one unit also.  I have gotten somewhat used to all in one components with a bigger than average fishing boat I run and own.  My new electronics are 3 in 1.. did not like at first but getting comfortable.. same with new Tier 2 diesel engines and high pressure rail systems.  It seems like it is a give and take all the way around.  I have really enjoyed what I have learned in this field and don't see the end of my equipment list yet.
Reply:the TB 302 cost 4 k why would you pay$4000 more for a air comp i dont see how miller sells the airpac i dont seethem around much longer and it onlycomes with a 30hp kohler gas enginego with the 302 TB gas and a IR compor if you want a diesel the 300 pro 1800 rpm engine Attached ImagesLast edited by ed mac; 03-16-2010 at 12:13 AM.
Reply:Thanks EdMac.  You are the second to propose the 300 pro.  I have been looking at it.  I would not pay 4k for the compressor... I was quoted a kubota w/ airpac.. maybe an honest mistake.. I have the estimate here for the diesel airpac TB but lots of folks say it does not exist.  I will call them tomorrow.  Thanks again.
Reply:Out of the newer machines I've used the 300 Pro is my favorite.  Since your using inverters, its arc would be familiar to you because reguardless of what people say I love how my TA 185 runs when it comes to stick welding and the 300 pro I believe is inverter based.  You'll have no problem running 1/4" carbons when gouging.  You also have CV so you can run a wire feeder.  It runs rods really nice but if I were to do pipe I think I would prefer a Lincoln sa200 on an old sae350.  There is just something about how an older lincolns can run 6010 rods.  If your worried about having air with you for work,well if the company you work for is big enough there should be no reason why they wouldn't rent you what you would need.   Also being where you are at with the cold weather compressors can freeze up and cause all sorts of problems.
Reply:Originally Posted by ed macthe TB 302 cost 4 k why would you pay $4000 more for a air comp
Reply:there is no TB airpac diesel 4k for gas
Reply:Just reading thru this thread leaves me scratching my head.First off, I'd like to know where the OP has found a TB/Airpac/Kubota Diesel for $7,999.Do they even make this machine?Sounds like the price (good at that) for a gas powered machine.Not going to debate the virtues/pitfalls of an all in one machine, but it seems to me that the OP hasn't done a very good job of researching what's available and how much it will cost.  Sounds like he's gotten a good price on a 30HP KOHLER 302 Air Pak.  Hope he doesn't plan to run it on diesel fuel.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:one thing, far too many people forget, it is easier and cheaper, and with less weight, to make the same power with a 3600 RPM machine, than an 1800 rpm machine.   One is not necessarily better than the other, both are made to fit certain specific markets.    I've been reading various boards for years,,,,  "why can't Miller make a 1800 RPM trailblazer .....     Well, they could.   Just look at Lincoln's Vantage 300, same capabilities as the Lincoln 305, but weighs almost twice as much.    Life is full of compromises,,,,,    you just have to pick your "best fit", given the parameters you have to work with.
Reply:I know there is NOT  a diesel air pac...  My original price was $7999 for a diesel TB Airpac. ( i now know they are not available.)  I have the printed invoice on my desk.  Air Liquide of anchorage printed me the invoice and quoted me the price and that is how I got my information.  I asked for such and such machine while I was in their store and they printed me out an invoice.  I called them yesterday and had them look up my estimate and said there was a mistake because the DIESEL air pac does not exist...  I too thought $7999 was a great deal and that is what started this whole discussion.I do have 1/2 a brain at least.. I think.  Maybe a 1/4..  Anyhow, I am back to the drawing board and may have to keep digging till I let go of my inflated American $$$.Thanks for everyones participation.
Reply:The miller air pak is built for a purpose. Its not for the hobbyist. It takes alllot of air to air ark. The air pak provides that. I see many air paks on railroad trucks, and out west in the mines. The tb air pak is a scaled down version. I dont see a diesel version, If they do make one I would be interested in it. These welders are made to be put on a truck. Any time you have a service truck space is a premium. That is the advantage to the all in one unit. The other option is a hyd. comp. witch arent cheap and you have to run the truck to use it. When you look at it that way the air pak makes sense.thermal arc mst400, va4000 feeder, lincoln 175 min, victor torches, miller s32p feeder, air arc k4000 for work.