Does anyone use a Zena?

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Currently, I have an old Hobart Mega-Arc 300 portable with a Perkins diesel. I have developed an interest in the welding generators sold by Zena, as I'd like to "increase the juice" of my welder, for gouging. My plan would be to piggyback the generator to the Perkins & run it in parallel - with a switch to open/close the circuit - for an additional 150Amps. Does anyone have experience with Zena products? I've been talking with the owner of Zena, but would be interested in an unbiased opinion.ThanksMike
Reply:I have a Zena under the hood of my truck.  I have posted previously on this product.  Do a search in the forum for Zena.Since you know what you want to do with it, then get the guy at Zena to give you a price for what the complete outfit will cost.  By complete I mean to get it running for your application. While it is ready to use straight out of the box, though modifications may be necessary if you do not use the stock cables or rpms is not high enough.    I have had no problem with the product.  I have used it for over 2 years.
Reply:Thanks, tapwelder, I should have thought of that. BTW, have you supplied your neighbours with ear tampons for when you rev that puppy to 3,500+?Mike
Reply:Adding the pulley to the alternator and driving it from the alternator reduces the rpm quite a bit.  I have never put a tach on it, but the engine is nowhere near 3500 rpms.  The Idle control resets after 30 seconds of no activity.  If your welder will be stationary, then you can add as large a pulley as your engine will turn.   However, if it is on a vehicle the you must consider the max rpm of the engine at driving speed, hence the welder might turn too fast while you are driving and fail. I use mine in areas where it there is no electricty or I need more than 80 amps.  For the amount of welding I do on-site, it beats carrying a engine driven welder around.You won't be dissapointed with its welding performance.