Opinions on the best engines offered by Miller

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Note: I put this thread here in the "general" category in order to get more opinions from the less viewed "Miller" category.I was browsing through Miller's website and they offer 6 different engines for some of their engine driven welders:CatDeutzKoehlerKubotaMitsubishiPerkinsAll other things being equal and knowing very little about these, which engine in your opinion is considered to have the best reputation and which one has the poorest for performance/reliability?  I realize that many opinions are just like the "Ford, GM or Dodge" debate, but I'd still like to know what most here think. Just curious to hear from those that have experience with the above choices  Thanks.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:Kubota PerkinsDuetz MitsubishiKohlerCatThats what I would pick in that order. Mitsubishi and Perkins both built CAT engines over the years. The C7 is a Perkins for example.
Reply:Is Kohler a Diesel engine ???????
Reply:Originally Posted by SmoothOperatorIs Kohler a Diesel engine ???????
Reply:Originally Posted by Mcm308Kubota PerkinsDuetz MitsubishiKohlerCatThats what I would pick in that order. Mitsubishi and Perkins both built CAT engines over the years. The C7 is a Perkins for example.
Reply:Millers with Kohlers!!! Don't get me started !!!!!!!  That old saying "the quality of a  product  is only as good as the quality of its service....."Last edited by BrianC; 01-04-2016 at 05:59 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by SmoothOperatorI agree w/ your order for diesels...... The Kohler is a good small welder gas engine ...IMO
Reply:I'll mention in this thread that after Sandy hit and I was without power for over a week, I've been wanting a Diesel powered generator. I have been thinking of buying a Diesel welder and dropping it on my patio which is right behind my garage. It gets me a generator and I can run the welding cables through my garage and into my driveway if I needed...lol
Reply:Originally Posted by Mcm308Kohler are gassers. Probably in the smaller engine driven units
Reply:I have ran diesel welders with Kubota, Duetz and Perkins motors. I'll take a Perkins above the rest. Next would be the Duetz.The Perkins seemed to start the best in extreme cold weather.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I'm sure that you already know this but I'll throw it out there any way. Your interest in Miller power plants is very generic, for as far as I know all of the domestic engine drive manufacturers purchase power plants rather than build their own. As far as what is a good engine there is in my opinion a generational issue. In my case I own 2 different model Perkins powered engine drives, One 3 cylinder and one 4 cylinder. While I have been very satisfied with them they are older model units with a long track record in construction equipment, marine equipment and welders. The newer Perkins are tier 4 compliant and are a totally different animal that hasn't been around that long, and may not have the world wide support as not everyone is into the whole emissions issue like we are. On another note, the units that I have are genuine Perkins power, CAT at some point acquired Perkins and I believe may have an interest at Deutz also but I'm not sure and I don't know how that may have affected the quality of the units or the price and availability of parts. I do know that I am on the search for a SAE 300 with the non turbo Perkins 4 cylinder as it was the last pre tier 4 Perkins that I know of.
Reply:The Deutz diesels are air cooled. The rest of the diesels (Perkins, Kubota, cat) are liquid cooled.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:The Perkins will run for a couple of days on a tank of fuel. The Deutz is not far behind. Myself I would go with either one of those. Own several engine drives with both motors. No complaints with either one.