Welder Generator Information

In instances where power is not available, welder generators are an excellent piece of equipment to invest in.   In agricultural settings or where no mains power is available, a generator welder can make welding possible for the operator.

Using a petrol or diesel powered engine, these machines can generate both power and welding current.

Their uses don’t end there: in some instances, power may be available, say at a customer address but that power supply may not meet the needs of a large welding machine or other equipment. For example, a residential property is unlikely to have a 3-phase supply suitable to run a large welding machine for structural welding. Also, a farmer may not be able to get power to his furthest field to weld a gate post.

Whilst a welder generator generates a welding current, they also generate auxiliary power to supply other equipment. Powering other equipment such as grinders, lighting and even the kettle can be essential for on site welding.

What to consider before buying a welding generator

Petrol or Diesel

Welder generators come with either petrol or diesel powered engines. Diesel engines offer greater fuel efficiency, increased running times and a longer lifespan. However, diesel engine welders are generally more expensive and are almost always heavier and less portable than their petrol counterparts.

Your decision may be made for you if you choose a larger machine, because petrol engines are generally not used on large welder generators.

Welding output

The lesser expensive welder generators, such as the SIP 180 amp welder generator (hyperlink) supply an AC welding output. Better quality machines tend to generate a DC welding current which is perhaps the industry standard and works with most electrodes.

It’s possible to use a wire feed unit with a DC welding current from a generator welder. The MIG wire feed unit essentially turns the welder generator into a MIG welder. This can greatly improve efficiency of long or production type welding. A good example of this is the use of wire feed units in hard facing. Often the welder generator is an inaccessible location e.g. a quarry. The speed of laying hard facing material on to digger buckets etc can dramatically increase productivity.

We supply the TecFeed wire feed units (hyperlink) which will work with almost any DC welding constant current or constant voltage output. More complex wire feed units such as the Mosa WF4 unit and some Lincoln wire feeders require CC/CV power sources only.

Auxiliary power

Smaller, portable welder generators like the Mosa Magic Weld (hyperlink) provide a single power socket (usually 110V) to run a tool like an angle grinder. Larger machines supply 110V, 230V and even 3 phase. Its worth working out your likely power requirements prior to purchasing a machine to check the generator side of the machine will run your equipment. Mosa have produced a very handy power requirement table (hyperlink) to assist with this process.

Welding and power requirements are likely to dictate the size and weight of a welder generator.

Our sales team have a very good working knowledge of our range of welder generators and are able to offer expert advice if required.