Diesel Welders

A welder generator is a versatile piece of equipment that combines a welding machine and an electrical generator into a single unit. It's dual purposes in both welding capabilities and electrical power for tools make them indespensible at remote locations or in areas without access to a power grid.

A welder generator works by harnessing the mechanical energy of either a diesel or petrol internal combustion engine. Generating electrical power, which can then be used for both welding and auxiliary power applications. This integration of functions makes welder generators versatile and indispensable tools for a wide range of welding and construction tasks.

When comparing a diesel welder to a gas welder (gasoline or propane), several factors come into play. These include fuel efficiency, power output, portability, and operating costs.

For example, diesel welders are considered more fuel efficient than gas engine welders, providing longer runtimes. Diesel welders also have a higher torque output, and combined with their fuel efficiency, makes them ideal for heavy-duty applications and powering larger equipment and tools.

Gas or petrol welder generators are more compact and lightweight, making them ideal for portable work. They also have lower initial outlay costs, and are a more affordable option compared to diesel welder generators.

Ultimately, the choice between a diesel welder and a gas welder depends on factors such as the welding application, fuel availability, operating conditions, and personal preferences. It's essential to consider these factors carefully to determine the most suitable option for your needs.

The cost of a diesel welder can vary depending on several factors like brand, model, power output, features, and condition (new or used).

Entry level units with lower output capabilities can start around £500.00 for a used machine on the likes of eBay, to new machines at around £4000.00.

For an industrial welder generator with higher output capabilities (400 amp +), you can expect to pay anywhere in the region of £7000.00 for a good used machine from the likes of Miller, to around £30,000.00 for a brand new diesel welder from Lincoln.

It's essential to take the time to evaluate your welding needs, budget, and preferences when selecting a diesel welder to make sure you get the best value for your investment.

The fuel consumption of a diesel welder can range from a few gallons per hour during idle, to several gallons per hour during welding, depending on the specific unit and operating conditions. Diesel welders often have auxiliary power generation capabilities in addition to welding. If additional electrical loads are connected to the welder, such as power tools or lights, this can increase the overall fuel consumption of the unit.

It's essential to consider fuel consumption factors when selecting a diesel welder and budgeting for fuel costs during operation, however they are considered more fuel efficient than their petrol/gasoline equivalent.

If you're experiencing issues with your diesel welder not welding, there could be a few potential causes. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help diagnose and resolve the problem:

• Check the power supply: Ensure that the welder generator has sufficient fuel and that the engine is running smoothly. Lack of power can prevent the welding process from initiating. You can also check the battery voltage and connections to ensure they are in good condition, as a weak or faulty battery can affect the welder's ability to function properly.
• Inspect welding leads and connections: Check the welding cables and leads for any signs of damage, wear, or loose connections. Faulty connections can disrupt the flow of electricity to the electrode and workpiece. Also, clean the welding cable connections and terminals to ensure good conductivity.
• Verify welding parameters: Make sure that the welding parameters like amperage, voltage, and wire feed speed, are set correctly for the process and materials being welded. Incorrect settings can result in poor weld quality or failure to initiate the arc. Consult the welder's manual or welding procedure specifications for recommended parameters.
• Inspect grounding: Check the grounding connection between the workpiece and the welder. A poor ground connection can prevent the welding circuit from completing, resulting in no arc initiation. Cleaning the connections will also help!
• Inspect welding electrode: Check the condition of the welding electrode (e.g., stick electrode, wire spool) to ensure it's in good condition and properly installed in the torch or electrode holder. Replace if worn, damaged or contaminated.

These are some common troubleshooting tips if your diesel welder isn't welding. For more information, refer to your diesel welder's operating instructions/manual.

Determining the "best" diesel welder depends on various factors such as your specific welding needs, budget, desired features, and preferences. However, several top-rated diesel welder brands are renowned in the industry for their performance, reliability, and durability.

These include:

• Lincoln Electric
• Miller
• Mosa
• Kubota
• Genset

Lincoln Electric have a great guide to choosing the right diesel welder for you, view it here.

Generator welders are designed with portability in mind, making them convenient and practical solutions for welding and power generation needs in a variety of settings in the field. However, the specific level of portability may vary depending on the size, weight, and mobility features of the individual generator welder model.

Petrol/gas welder generators are more portable than diesel welder generators due to their size. However diesel welder generators can be mounted on a truck or rig to make them more portable.