Looking at engine drives

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I would like to pick up a small engine drive welder to add to the toolbox.  Today I looked at an old Miller Roughneck 2E (actually, it's badged as an Air Products AC180...) for $300.  It needs a little cleanup and tuneup, but is in good useable shape.  I like the idea of a cast iron Kohler engine and the low price, but really want something that will do DC.I also know of a Miller AEAD200LE that is in good working condition as well.  The price on it is $700.  I like the fact that it's AC/DC, more common, and a little more horsepower.  But, I think a Kohler 1 cylinder would be much more bullitproof than an Onan 2 banger...Last welder I looked at today was at the opposite end of the spectrum.  It's a Miller Big 40 Diesel, and also is in good working shape.  It's much more pricy at $2500, but I might be able to do some horsetrading...  Way, way, way bigger than anything I need - but very nice!Oh, and I missed the deal - I called on a local craigslist ad that was for a Lincoln Ranger 8 and a 5hp briggs powered air compressor - $700 OBO for the pair.  I called less than 2 hours after it posted and it was long gone.  The guy had already come, paid, and hauled them off.  Doh!  The ranger looked pretty nice, too!So, any thoughts, comments, advice on the machines I'm looking at?
Reply:A Big 40 for $2500?  Where do I send the money? I'd sell off my only mode of transportation just to get the cash for that welder at that price.http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...driven/big_40/
Reply:This one is older, and does not appear to have any options installed.  The serial number does not appear to follow Miller convention - I only see one J at the beginning before the numbers start, so I have no idea how to date it.  The panel is hard to read, but it appears to be a CC DC only machine.  Oh, the engine is a 3 cylinder Perkins.
Reply:Tub, don't let the onan's fool you.  I have had several Miller bobcats with the 16hp twin cylinder and for the most part they are extremely dependable.  Everyone I have had ran fine up to over 3500 hrs when I sold them.  I would not buy an AC only unit.  It will limit you to much as far as what you can do with it.  A good AC/DC machine in the 200-250 amp range will be best for what you will be doing.  I have the last bobcat I own for sale now.  It's a Bobcat 225 G+  It's the same machine I had on my truck when I was at your place for the welding meet.  It has about 1300 hours on it, and maintained well.  I really don't want to get rid of it, but portable machines are starting to pile up around my shop, and I really don't like for things to sit and collect dust.  if you are interested give me a shout.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......