Engine for welder

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Wondering about info on engine makes below for engine driven welders.Onan or Kohler, what do you like? An Oil burner is out've the question due to $$$.Thanks in advance"after a long day of doing nothing...its gooood to kick back" Pumbaa
Reply:Planet X:I have a Miller Bobcat with an Onan engine. I am impressed with the fuel economy of the engine. I am always surprised how long it runs between tanks. The bad thing about it is that it starts a little hard.  I live in  North Dakota so all engines start a little hard in the winter but I have used Kohler engines on other equipment that started easier. I have been using a gas treatment called Sea Foam which was recommended by a small engine mechanic which helps with starts and the engine runs smoother also. So far no oil consumption. I think Onan makes a tough long lasting engine. I would buy it again.Electricity provided by Miller Bobcat, Flames by Smith EquipmentMember, Secret Society of Carbon Arc Torch enthusiasts
Reply:X,I've been running an onan on my bobcat. Never had any trouble with it untill it died (my fault ) . This is a big topic on the miller board right now. The consensus is kohler will be better than the new onan/robin/linamar engines.  One of my mechanics says he'll never switch from onan/ robin. IMO, they're both reliable engines. Kohler parts are MUCH easier to find though. Seems the majority are going kohler right now. Tommorrow, who knows? Honda maybe?
Reply:I remember my grandfather having kohler engines on some of  his smaller equip.I had a hobart with a kohler that stayed up with an an old Lincoln SA250 at 180+or- amps all one week on a job.I bought a new 225 Bobcat spec'd. w/ a Kohler a few years back. Still doing fine. I now have the 250 Bobcat with a Kohler. As you may notice, I'm partial to Kohler. They're also easy to find parts for, even in Okla.I say that because the only problem I had was with the Hobart machine I mentioned. I let alot of water get in the fuel tank & I lost the bowl gasket to the carb when I cleaned it out. I found one a the local (one of those real) auto parts store. That being said, I would rather have a Kohler even though they're not idiot proof.
Reply:I have a Ranger 8 with a Kohler, that has given me good service. You might try Honda also.I know that Franz disagree's with me, But I run Amsoil in mine.
Reply:Thanks fellas. I know nothing about engine driven welders other than they look cool on a truck or trailer"after a long day of doing nothing...its gooood to kick back" Pumbaa
Reply:My Bobcat has an Onan, and I don't run Amsol in it, I just change the oil regularly.  Oil is a lot cheaper than parts.Oh yea, mine is also propane driven.Kohler, I ain't overly enfatuated with them since they no longer make cast iron engines.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-