Bobcat Air Pak ?????

admin

Does anyone know anything about this air compressor setup by Douglass Truck Bodies in Bakersfield, CA that fits Miller Bobcats??The info on the website says 28 cfm @ 100 psi @ 1000 rpm and 155 psi max.  Kit comes with 4 cyl reciprocating air pump with 10 gallon tank and a skid that mounts under/behind the welder.I would love to have one of these for my Bobcat 250NT !I wonder how much it costs??Here is the web address-www.douglasstruckbodies.com/iview/?group=62Last edited by DesertRider33; 03-15-2009 at 10:34 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I like the idea, but I can't imagine trying to weld with the welder and have the compressor kicks in.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:If they could price that at about that of a 302 airpac I think they would sell a bunch of them.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:I assume it can be turned off when not needed, like the Trailblazer Air Pak does.  I would mainly use it when using the plasma or air arc or just when I need some air.   I don't usually need air while welding and I weld from the XMT now anyways, so the Bobcat is just a generator for me nowdays.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:i would like to have a good generator, compressor combothat would run tools air or electric and for a plasma cutterand the welder would be for welding
Reply:Originally Posted by tresiIf they could price that at about that of a 302 airpac I think they would sell a bunch of them.
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33You mean half of...?   I agree.   The Trailblazer Air Pak is out-freakin-rageously high priced.I figure a 30 gallon gas powered 28 cfm reciprocating truck mount compressor is about $2000 to $2500.  With this, the 10 gal 155 psi tank is alot cheaper than a 30 gallon 200 psi tank and you're not buying the gas powered motor, so if it sells for say $1500 that would be a good deal.
Reply:According to their information, they also make this to fit Lincolns.   Not sure what models, probly the Ranger line I would imagine.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Remember, you still only have so much engine horsepower available ...   you'll never make full air and full amps at the same time..  Unlike the airpaks, which were designed for the load.Last edited by mark8310; 03-16-2009 at 08:52 AM.
Reply:Mark, that is what I am thinking about.   The Bobcat puts out 10,000 watts, 44 amps at 240v for the generator and 250 amps welding in CC.   The Hypertherm 380 plasma draws max 20 amps on 220v so the generator only needs to run at half load to power the plasma.  I'm thinking the 20hp motor in the Bobcat should be ok for powering both the compressor and a half load on the generator ??  Now for air-arc cutting at high current though, that might be a problem...The regular Trailblazer 302 has 23 hp and 11,000 watts generator output and the Air Pak version has 30 hp and 12,000 watts.Last edited by DesertRider33; 03-16-2009 at 09:59 AM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Most gasoline powered compressors of this size, require a 12 -13 hp gas motor.  The actual power needed to make the air at the specs given, however, is more like 5 - 8 horsepower.  The extra power is there so the engine can take the sudden load, of kicking in at the kick-in pressure.  I suspect one could cheat a little bit, if you put a "spit valve" to discharge air, set just below the high pressure setting, so the compressor is always pumping, never cycling.  16 to 18 horsepower is adequate for producing 250 amps out of the welder.
Reply:Ok that makes sense.  I know my current gas powered 2 stage 2 cyl compressor pump is pumping anytime the engine is running and has an unloader valve that stops air flow into the tank at 180 psi and idles down the engine, then at 145 psi it idles up the engine and directs air into the tank.   My compressor is probly putting out about 15 cfm at 175, according to the compressor shop I took it to when I first got it and needed to buy parts for it.  It is a 1973 model compressor with a 10 or 11 hp Kohler.  It makes plenty of air for my needs, so the 28 cfm of the Douglass unit is actually way more than I need.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I called for a price.  they said it came down in price and that they didnt have the price sheet in front of them.  so ill post it up as soon as he calls back.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stone_ElvisI called for a price.  they said it came down in price and that they didnt have the price sheet in front of them.  so ill post it up as soon as he calls back.
Reply:Elvis, I called for a price too.  He said it went up in price from last year and quoted $3675, which with tax is just shy of $4000, since they're in same state as me.   A bit too expensive for me, but it is a novel idea and might be great for someone else with more money to spend.  Oh well...MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:what the most expensive part on there?  an awsome idea,  gotta give them credit.  it looks like  they mated an ac clutch to the compressor head and belt tensioner.
Reply:I keep looking at it and can't figure out what the big flat piece is that goes under the miller machine. I know the miller sits ON it, but does it do anything? If not.....why have it?Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by Joker11I keep looking at it and can't figure out what the big flat piece is that goes under the miller machine. I know the miller sits ON it, but does it do anything? If not.....why have it?
Reply:I was thinking about that too, but couldn't they just align it from the front using existing bolts and such on the miller? I don't know why I asked though, it's not like I really care....hehehehLincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:The salesman I talked to said there is a clutch between the pump and the engine so the pump is not turning if it's not being used.  It is engaged by the operator via an electric switch, from what I understand.   He was unclear whether the clutch is directly mated to the end of the engine crankshaft or if there are pulleys and belts between them.  I'm thinking pulleys since reciprocating compressor pumps usually turn at slower rpm's than gas motors.  There are also pressure switches that engage and disengage the pump to maintain pressure in the tank between 100 and 155 psi, if I remember the numbers right.  The frame under the welder is probly there for the reasons Mark stated.  Makes sense to me.   I don't know how the battery would be accessed, since the battery box is right behind the motor on my Bobcat.I did find this interesting generator/compressor/welder combo on another service body company's website...www.air-n-arc.com  sold by www.fleetwest.net the company that sells my truck's service body.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Here's pics of the models of Air-N-Arc.  As I recall it, when I called Fleetwest about it last year, they're about $4000, but you get the whole machine for that money, not just a pump and a tank like with the Douglass one.Well I thought I was going to post pics but they're not in a form I can post.  Anyways, there are various models, starting with a 5000 watt 20 cfm 8 gal one and going up to 10,000 watts 24 cfm 30 gal.   The welding portion is kinda weird, as they use constant current with high frequency for stick welding.   I don't know why HF would be wanted with stick.  The stick electrode holder also has a remote current control in the handle, kinda neat, but precludes using regular stick leads without an extra remote cable.  It does have constant voltage for mig and they sell a spool gun for it too.  Seems like alot more bang for the buck than the Douglass one.Last edited by DesertRider33; 03-17-2009 at 09:34 AM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op