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As you know, we're building our retirement ranch and our trusty, old 7500 watt generator gave up the ghost. We need to replace it and know that technology has progressed significantly in the 20 years since our old one was made. So, any recommendations from first-hand knowledge? I need to be able to run  our Lincoln 180 and the plasma we're getting together with the pancake compressor to feed the cutter. So, both 220 and 110, 30a / 20a with at least 7500 watt and portable.
Reply:I would check, I don't think you will run a plasma and compressor off a 7500 watt, unless that is a small plasma.  I posted on this a month ago or so, about using gas welders as aux power sources.  My bobcat (8000 watts) will not run my plasma, especially if it's trying to run a compressor.  My trailblazer (10,000 watts) will. Once you get to a 10,000 watt generator, the price of a gas powered welder/generator is not that much more.  The new model bobcat does 10,000 watts plus 12,000 surge.
Reply:James if you have a ranch, i'm sure you have a tractor. If you have one with a loader than I would make a set of loader forks and kill two birds with one stone and go with a engine drive. Get big enough to power your whole house in case of a power outage, and with a loader you can put it in your truck like I do and go portable. Just a suggestion bud.  Attached ImagesI hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Also check out YorkiePap's welding trailer with generator in this tread. He uses a Generac xg8000e. The pics are great.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...enerac+trailerWeld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Thanks for the replies. The ideal thing has been tossing my 7k in the back of the Gator with my Lincoln and it worked like a charm. The JD tractors great but the Gators easier. You might have a point about the plasma and the pancake. I didn't even believe a pancake would keep up with a plasma until Ws brought his compressor over and it seized. We popped the pancake onto with the Longevity plasma and it worked flawlessly. I think I like the 10k/surge 12k idea. It's really not that much more and Briggs and Stratton has one so that might work. Great ideas as always guys and thanks. I'm in LA to p/u my MBPS tomorrow Terry so ill call you when I'm getting close to chatsworth so I can give you your adapter back.
Reply:Originally Posted by jlamesThanks for the replies. The ideal thing has been tossing my 7k in the back of the Gator with my Lincoln and it worked like a charm. The JD tractors great but the Gators easier. You might have a point about the plasma and the pancake. I didn't even believe a pancake would keep up with a plasma until Ws brought his compressor over and it seized. We popped the pancake onto with the Longevity plasma and it worked flawlessly. I think I like the 10k/surge 12k idea. It's really not that much more and Briggs and Stratton has one so that might work. Great ideas as always guys and thanks. I'm in LA to p/u my MBPS tomorrow Terry so ill call you when I'm getting close to chatsworth so I can give you your adapter back.
Reply:I have three 7500 generacs as well. They seem to be better than some of the cheaper generators.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldermikeJames if you have a ranch, i'm sure you have a tractor. If you have one with a loader than I would make a set of loader forks and kill two birds with one stone and go with a engine drive. Get big enough to power your whole house in case of a power outage, and with a loader you can put it in your truck like I do and go portable. Just a suggestion bud.
Reply:Mr James,They also make some PTO generators for tractors.   Have them at northern tools.  Alot more output and much cheaper than stand alone units.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Stay away from Generac ( AKA GenerCrap)  Onan is top of the line  So is Cat and Kohler.The duce detroit diesel generator is a  bullet proof beast and rather cheap given how beastly it isHey~!! It's a hobby. It's not supposed to make sense~!!
Reply:Just about the best of all setups small and portable..But powerful enough to do most everythingThe only thing i don't have is a Tig setup..Don't really have a need for itGetting a new plasma cutter soon..Trying to decide between the Hypertherm PM45 and PM65The biggest problem with this is the cost of the TB302 AirPak and the price of a new tier 4 compliant  has doubled the cost i paid for this in 2010 which was way up thereAnd the new TB's don't have AC output on the welder now Attachment 413231Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Hi, get a TRAILBLAZER ,BOBCAT, or even a Lincoln like what poor WELDERMIKE posted. He is a awesome member but like stated that KEYSTONE LIGHT, well I just don't know. I bet when he bought that pretty LINCOLN WELDER  they must have thrown in the beer.  Anyway , if you got a Gator, here is what I did for my TRAILBLAZER. I made a cart for it to keep in garage for emergency power and a trailer that I can set cart and machine on . Then I can hook up to my POLARIS. Works great . Plus I can tow with my truck.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=163241
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Hi, get a TRAILBLAZER ,BOBCAT, or even a Lincoln like what poor WELDERMIKE posted. He is a awesome member but like stated that KEYSTONE LIGHT, well I just don't know. I bet when he bought that pretty LINCOLN WELDER  they must have thrown in the beer.  Anyway , if you got a Gator, here is what I did for my TRAILBLAZER. I made a cart for it to keep in garage for emergency power and a trailer that I can set cart and machine on . Then I can hook up to my POLARIS. Works great . Plus I can tow with my truck.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=163241
Reply:I saw an SA 200 with leeds in GARDENA, CA a few months back for way cheep. Keep your eyes open for an engine driven even if its only a MILLER.  As far as using a PTO to drive a welder, the welder will only work with the tractor on it.  My opinion, get plasma torch with built in compressor for fence post work in the field and run it off the welder. Get a second plasma w/out air for the garage and get a bigger compressor. BTW, if the SA 200 (essay, funny) in Gardena is still around, take back up just in case but remember, they got UZI's in the ghetto , Gardena, CA.
Reply:The SA 200 is not a good candidate as a generating unit.  Although they are great welding units, they are limited to about 1000-2000 watts of generator power.  Just enough to run a grinder and a few lights.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by smawgmawThe SA 200 is not a good candidate as a generating unit.  Although they are great welding units, they are limited to about 1000-2000 watts of generator power.  Just enough to run a grinder and a few lights.
Reply:Just learn how to use a torch.
Reply:An OA torch is kind of a 3 in one machine. You can cut, heat and weld or braze. One important thing to know jlames is. Try not to lay your acetalyne down.  If you have to, remember to leave it upright for the same amount of time you laid it down or 30 minutes before turning on the gauge. If you dont, you will get (media?) stuff in your gauge that will ruin the gauge. Oh two can be used laying down.
Reply:My Hobart 10m watt gen/ welder works well for some of the same things I have. Mine is a 2003 model with Kohler 18hp gas motor. I understand the new ones are 23 hp. Good luckSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by RaulStay away from Generac ( AKA GenerCrap)  Onan is top of the line  So is Cat and Kohler.The duce detroit diesel generator is a  bullet proof beast and rather cheap given how beastly it is
Reply:If you want just to replace your portable unit this one got good review and plenty of power for the price (Over 9000w surge)http://powerupgenerator.com/westingh...erator-review/You can have the best engine in the world but without a quality electric generator and voltage regulator you have crappy sine wave and poor voltage stability. Here some reading, I wish this help you:http://www.arrl.org/files/file/QST%2...einschmidt.pdfPS: for your task a 3600rpm AVR unit is your best bang for the buck but if you want the best of the best, you need a 1800 rpm 4pole diesel water cooled unit.Last edited by OldSkull; 11-24-2013 at 08:37 PM.Miller MM211Esab Mini Arc 161LTSEsab Handy Plasma 380Duck tapeTy- rapKool-aid
Reply:Originally Posted by InsanerideAn OA torch is kind of a 3 in one machine. You can cut, heat and weld or braze. One important thing to know jlames is. Try not to lay your acetalyne down.  If you have to, remember to leave it upright for the same amount of time you laid it down or 30 minutes before turning on the gauge. If you dont, you will get (media?) stuff in your gauge that will ruin the gauge. Oh two can be used laying down.
Reply:Thanks all. I think I'm going to be going with a plasma and an O/A set up. There are so many benefits to both of them on a ranch that you've opened my eyes to so, both it is. When you look at it, O/A really isn't that expensive for the bang you get out of it for your buck. I had no idea about laying it on its side though. Thanks. As for the generator, thanks to Ed loaning me his generator through the Christmas holidays, I've been able to get a great deal of work done on the ranch with my 180HD before winter sets in and it's convinced me to go the engine-driven route for the long run so it'll be a Ranger... or a Bobcat; still haven't made up my mind...for Christmas. We've been able to save up for it as my "present" and Joyce is forgoing her usual list of gifts for me to make up the different between what I "save up" and the final cost. Sounds strange for a 56-year old retiree but we're now on a "fixed income". Our savings and 401k, pensions and such provide a good, monthly income but alot of it is going toward caring for my 90-year old father that we hadn't counted on so we have to be frugal and I think the engine-driven will also give me the most bang for our buck. Family comes first. It's been a long, investigative process and the folks here have been so helpful in settling on a Ranger or a Bobcat. If anyone is looking into the same considerations, I may be still a beginner welder but I have learned a thing or two about what works on a ranch for the money. So thank you again to all of you and especially Ed.
Reply:Thanks for the correction Tanglediver. It makes sense that the acetone would leak into and ruin the gauge. I learned the hard way.Jlames, remember to carry a fire xtinguisher ,shovel and helper to keep fire watch whenever you use your plasma or O/A out on the ranch. We dont need to read or hear about any more LA fires.
Reply:Originally Posted by jlamesThanks all. I think I'm going to be going with a plasma and an O/A set up. There are so many benefits to both of them on a ranch that you've opened my eyes to so, both it is. When you look at it, O/A really isn't that expensive for the bang you get out of it for your buck. I had no idea about laying it on its side though. Thanks. As for the generator, thanks to Ed loaning me his generator through the Christmas holidays, I've been able to get a great deal of work done on the ranch with my 180HD before winter sets in and it's convinced me to go the engine-driven route for the long run so it'll be a Ranger... or a Bobcat; still haven't made up my mind...for Christmas. We've been able to save up for it as my "present" and Joyce is forgoing her usual list of gifts for me to make up the different between what I "save up" and the final cost. Sounds strange for a 56-year old retiree but we're now on a "fixed income". Our savings and 401k, pensions and such provide a good, monthly income but alot of it is going toward caring for my 90-year old father that we hadn't counted on so we have to be frugal and I think the engine-driven will also give me the most bang for our buck. Family comes first. It's been a long, investigative process and the folks here have been so helpful in settling on a Ranger or a Bobcat. If anyone is looking into the same considerations, I may be still a beginner welder but I have learned a thing or two about what works on a ranch for the money. So thank you again to all of you and especially Ed.Great minds think alike. Al "killdozered" said the very same thing a few months ago and set me about doing just that. It'll stay loaded and "parked" centrally in the new shop so it can service the under-roof jobs I'm doing and then when it's field time, I can just back the Gator up to it and away we go.
Reply:Bobcat, Trailblazer, Lincolns are all good choices.  Your going to use the generator aspect a "helluva" lot. Handy, helpful and something you must have on a remote place. 10k will run a lot of your household for a long while(as long as you can afford fuel). One of the lawnmower gens will leave you holding the bag over extended periods, plus not welding. I lived in the peoples republic south of you for a long time and everything is an emergency and an accident waiting to happen. Fire that torches your sub station, douche bag hitting a pole or anything causing an extended outage. Condor sightings can cause an outage too if they fly to close to the lines, those taste like chicken by the way. Scenario#1:  Dads 90, the powers out and the wife is overheated." Why didn't you buy an effing welder with a generator big enough to power the 12 ton hvac" the wife screams! " I gotta keep unplugging your dads oxygen generator cause its trippin the GD breaker on that harbor freight POS."....... OK, I've gone to far...again...sorryArcon Workhorse 300MSPowcon 400SMTPowcon SM400 x 2Powcon SM3001968 SA200 Redface1978 SA250 DieselMiller Super 32P FeederPre 1927 American 14" High Duty LatheK&T Milwaukee 2H Horizontal MillBryan
Reply:Since you're getting  plasma, forget the O/acetylene and consider O/propane.  It cuts great, costs less and no worries about laying a propane tank/cylinder on its side.  Nor is there worry about the "1/7" rule either. Stay with a stick welder for your ranch needs and forget the o/a welding too. Too much hassle, especially where you live (Agua Dulce WIND TUNNEL).  If you have the need for welding thin metal, a small mig machine will do you better  (on the one or two days per year the wind doesn't blow up there) connected to your generator, versus o/a welding out on the ranch.  Just my opinion anyway. "Hey I didn't come to look and learn, I came to turn and burn.... If I can't light up, I'm gonna light out!"-JodyIdealarc 250 "Fatman"MM 252MM 211 "Little boy" Victor Torches
Reply:Originally Posted by jlamesGreat minds think alike. Al "killdozered" said the very same thing a few months ago and set me about doing just that. It'll stay loaded and "parked" centrally in the new shop so it can service the under-roof jobs I'm doing and then when it's field time, I can just back the Gator up to it and away we go.
Reply:When I have to get outside on my horse farm and do a bit of work (things that I cannot easily bring in my shop). I use:-Bobcat 225 engine drive welder. (Bought on Craigslist for $1200 with new 150' leads and low hours (stole it)). This has an 8000 watt generator output that easily runs my Powermax30 or Powermax45 and a small Porter cable compressor. Stick welding is a dream with this unit....requires a bit of experience and some practice as compared to Mig.-Powermax30 plasma for most jobs, Powermax45 plasma if I need more power.-Hobart Handler 210 mig (for its portability) if it is not windy where the welding is needed.-small set of oxy-fuel torches. Only used for heating things....I have not cut with them in years.-3.8 cfm Porter Cable   (from Home Depot)  compressor. I have a larger 8 cfm Speedair if I need more air.....I would prefer a gas powered compressor for field use....just have not found the right deal on Craigslist yet!- Also have a smaller (4200 watt) craftsmen generator when I don't need to weld....just need power for saws, etc in the field. Easier to load than the Bobcat!All the above will fit in my Kubota RTV900 utility vehicle if necessary  (overhead trolley lift and electric/hydraulic pallet lifter in shop to load) The generator output is also used (wiring is in place in my shop) for auxiliary home power when needed.Bring on anything that requires fixing on the ranch....or power outages. Jim ColtLast edited by jimcolt; 11-26-2013 at 08:50 AM.
Reply:Hey all- The trailer's still a pile of uncut "c" channel, flat bar and hope that I'll start as soon as I'm comfortable with my welds. I started building one but really wasn't happy with my results. I have the axle, wheels, leaves and hitch components but I've been out in the field fixing the 3" corrals, laying concrete for the new shop building and the thousand other things like pipe corral and such we're doing. Oh and the wood for the deck; got that. I'm pretty close to being comfortable with my MIG welds' penetration to know that it'll hold together but as I said in another thread; there's no way I'm posting a picture of the trailer I'm building yet after I saw that custom job that everyone (deservedly) went crazy over. I forget who did it with the spare tire and all but darn, that was nice!!!Like Jim, I'll only use the O/A for heating but we already have a 20 gal propane tank so it'll be O/P instead of O/A and, again like Jim, I have a smaller MIG, my 180, for in-shop work with gas and a small compressor and small generator. Missing is my plasma cutter, Bobcat or Ranger and 60-80 gal compressor but all in due time. And FIRE EXTINGUISHERS; 2 of them things. Longevity is loaning me a 42i and 200 that I'm learning stick and TIG on and using in the upcoming series and, as I've said, Ed is loaning me his 6500 Honda generator until Santa drops off my Bobcat or Ranger which is a God-send so, with the learning help of everyone here, the ranch is coming along. My woodworking setup is pretty strong after 10 years or so of gathering and hobby-building so together, it's all working. Oh yeah; That and caring after my 90-year old father, the days are pretty full
Reply:What went wrong with that Generator? There aint much in there that's not replacable.Except it the Armature get's chewed up.