Suggestions for a Generator/Welder?

[sea2summit]

I found a bobcat 250 with 2,592 hours on it for $2750. It is a 4 hour drive one way. It was a rental unit and looks a little rough. No leads.

The more I look, the more I think a new Hobart would make more sense.

With the rebates Miller is running for another ~$800 you could have a new one.

 

[HCJtractor]

Mark, you make a very good argument.

 

[K5lwq]

Yes, no way I would buy the machine I posted. I was just giving an example of what I am seeing used.

Mark,

You definitely make some good points. I did look at the Powerhorse 13KW unit @ Northern Tool. The specs don't look bad on the generator, but I am concerned with the quality of the unit. Maybe just fine, but not sure about parts and reliability of the engine. :confused3:

 

[Stimw]

Check out this post about a generator on ebay that keeps getting reduced for short periods of time.
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/405271-duromax-xp10000eh-10000-watt-electric.html
There is also a post where a member load tested and ran fuel usage tests.
I bought one at $699. but sometimes it will be listed at $499.
Go to the generator on ebay and put it on your watch list then keep checking for the reduction.
With propane use (gas or PP) you can easily store it until you need it.

 

[K5lwq]

Stimw,

Thank you for sharing. I just ordered 2 of them. One for my project and one for my Dad's birthday. He has been wanting a generator for his house. He will be wanting me to figure out way to convert his to run on Natural Gas.:laughing:

My thinking, at the price of $699 + free shipping for 12kw, I will find a use for it even if I don't like it for powering a welder. We will see!

 

[Stimw]

Mine was shipped pretty fast and when I got it a forklift fork had gone through the box and stabbed the battery.
I figured me replacing the battery was easier than shipping back so I called them and they sent me a battery very fast!
S--- Happens but they were quick to respond. I'm happy with it.
Mine also came with an assortment of plugs! Maybe a $60-100. bonus!
NG should just need re-jetting. ???

 

[Stimw]

Also comes with propane hose with 20 lb tank fitting! Another great bonus.

 

[K5lwq]

That is great! This will be an interesting project.

For my Dad's needs, this generator should power his whole house. He has gas heat and water heater.

For welding, I don't know if will be clean enough power for the newer inverters. :confused3:

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Stimw,
Thank you for sharing. I just ordered 2 of them. One for my project and one for my Dad's birthday. He has been wanting a generator for his house. He will be wanting me to figure out way to convert his to run on Natural Gas.:laughing:

My thinking, at the price of $699 + free shipping for 12kw, I will find a use for it even if I don't like it for powering a welder. We will see!

That unit blows up welders. Not clean.

As far as the durability.. they are highly rated and many, many of our customers use them with no issues for years. Its a honda clone. Engines are solid and stable.

 

[K5lwq]

I was able to run both Generators today and they are very nice. When the weather is a little nicer, I am going to put the scope on it under a load and see how bad it is.

I did buy a Hobart 235 AC/DC welder as well. It is just a transformer and no electronics to worry about. I doubt that machine cares if the electricity is a little dirty.

Thanks everyone for your help!