Top 5 Best Welder Generator Combo: Tube Frame or Enclosed Case?

If your welding projects require working in a remote area, you might not be able to find a close source of power. In that case, the best welder generator combo will save the day.

In the following article, you’ll find everything you need to know before picking your best welding generator!

Quick Comparison Table

Who Should Buy a Welder Generator?

Welding machines require a source of energy to operate.

In most cases, this source is the electricity grid. In the absence of electricity, a generator must be used to power the welder, or a unit that includes both the welder and the generator is used.

Some people can benefit more from these units than others. Let’s take a look at some of these cases.

A Construction Site Welder

A welder generator will be of good use if you’re working on a construction site. Construction sites require a lot of welding on the spot, such as in framings and structural steel rod support on buildings.

In these cases, if there’s no power source available for the welder, the next best option is a welder/generator to get the job done.

Professional Welders in Remote Sites

While many welding can be done in a workshop, some structures would require professional welders machines to transport.

Like any other work, a generator will come in handy if you use machines that require electric power. In the welders’ case, an amazing welder generator will provide the electric power needed by such a demanding piece of machinery.

Ranch Owners and Farmers

Farmers and ranch owners will always benefit from a welder generator, especially if the ranches are spacious and have limited electric supply reach.

If you’re a farmer, having a welder generator will allow you to quickly repair tractors, irrigation pipes, seeders, and other farming equipment. You’ll be able to use it to fix gates and fencing on barns, wagons, trailers, and more.

Anyone with Limited Access to Electric Power

Since welder generators usually have a larger fuel tank, some can have a longer run time with larger power output.

For that reason, they’re used as an emergency source of electricity in cases of natural disasters like storms, floods, or tornados.

Top 5 Best Welder Generator Combo Reviews

There are many welding generators out there, and some are worth your time more than others. However, finding a good welding generator for you can be tricky.

To make the search process easier for you, you will find below a list of the best engine-driven welding generators available on the market. Let’s see what each one of them has to offer.

1. Lincoln Electric Ranger 225 Multi-Process Welder Generator

One of the best all-purpose welder/generators around. Lincoln Electric is one of the biggest names in the welding machines industry that’s popular for the quality of its products.

The Lincoln Ranger 225 is a multi-purpose generator designed mainly for welding. It works with welding disciplines, such as Stick, MIG, TIG, and flux core welding.

All that is thanks to its powerful 23 horsepower 674-cc Kohler engine. This one can produce up to 210 amps on a 100% duty cycle. The generator has an electric start, which allows you to get the device up and running without yanking or hassle.

Also, it produces a tremendous amount of power to perform all these functions with ease. The generator produces a continuous power of about 9,000 watts, with a peak power of about 10,500 watts.

The generator has a fully enclosed case design to keep the engine protected from weather elements. Yet, it has 3 service doors for easy access when needed.

In addition to welding machines, this device can also power light, inverter welders, plasma cutters, and more.

Features and Specifications

• 674-cc Kohler engine
• Horsepower: 23 HP
• 9,000W continuous power
• 10,500W power peak
• Welding Amperage Range: 50 to 225
• Has an auto-idle feature
• Enclosed case design with overhead air cooling
• 12-gallon fuel tank
• Electric start
• Compatible with all disciplines of welding (Stick, MIG, TIG, Flux)
• Dimensions: 42.3 x 21.5 x 30 in. (L x W x H)
• Weight: 514 lb
• Warranty: 3 Years

Pros

• High power output
• 100% duty cycle at 210A
• Totally enclosed with reduced noise
• Multi-process welder
• Large fuel capacity

Cons

• Lacks a chopper technology in similar price range models
• Requires cleaning the brushes inside more often
• DC only welder

2. Lincoln Electric Ranger 330MPX Multi-Process Welder Generator

The Ranger 330MPX is a top-class welder from Lincoln Electric built with advanced technology. This unit shares similarities with the previous Lincoln Ranger 225 while adding superior features and capabilities.

This machine can perform all kinds of welding disciplines, including flux, stick, MIG, and TIG.

Furthermore, it’s characterized by a remarkable streamlined design that’s much more compact than any welder generator in its class. The generator is approximately 20% smaller and lighter than the others in its class.

Also, this unit has a continuous output power of 10,000 W, allowing it to perform precise welds. The maximum power can reach up to 11,500 W.

The device also has the chopper function, Lincoln’s patented technology, making the welds smoother and reducing spatter.

Moreover, the Ranger 330MPX also has other features that boost its performance, like ArcFX and CrossLinc technology.

Features and Specifications

• Horsepower: 25 HP
• Digital user interface
• 330A/28V for 100% duty cycle
• Chopper technology
• Arc FX technology
• CrossLinc technology
• 725-cc Kohler OHV Command CH740 Engine
• 10,000W continuous power
• 11,500W peak power
• Welding Amperage Range: 50 to 330
• Auto-idle feature
• Ready-Set-Weld function allows quick setup
• Chopper Technology
• Compact enclosed case design
• 12-gallon fuel tank
• Electric start
• Multi-process welding (Stick, MIG, TIG, Flux)
• Dimensions: 26 x 20 x 36 in. (L x W x H)
• Weight: 446 lb
• Warranty: 3 Years

Pros

• Ultra-high continuous power output
• Portable when compared to generators in its class
• Compact size
• Quick and easy setup
• Very useful and functional Digital User Interface
• Easier transportation to the workplace
• Significantly less noise production: 60% quieter than other generators

Cons

• Expensive

3. Hobart Champion 145 Welder Generator

Next up is Hobart’s Champion 145. This welder generator is the go-to option if you’re looking for the maximum bang for the budget.

The unit comes at a relatively affordable price. However, it utilizes an exquisite Briggs & Stratton 305cc 4-cycle OHV engine.

Despite being small, this little beast can produce up to 4,000W of continuous output with a maximum peak of about 4,500W.

It also has a fuel tank that holds up to 6.25 gallons of fuel, so it can technically work for 6 to 10 hours, depending on your workload.

It is the ideal solution for maintenance and repair projects

Unfortunately, this one has a minor limitation: the pull-start engine. While some prefer it over the electric start, it requires a lot of yanking, which can easily cause fatigue.

Features and Specifications

• Horsepower: 10  HP
• Duty cycle: 30% at 130 A
• Briggs & Stratton 306-cc 4-cycle OHV engine
• 4,000W continuous power
• 4,500W peak power
• Welding Amperage Range: 40 to 145
• Output Voltage: 120/240V AC
• 6.25-gallon fuel tank
• Pull start engine
• Welding process: Stick
• Frame Design: Tube frame with running gear
• Dimensions: 31 x 20 x 25 in. (L x W x H)
• Weight: 222 lb
• Warranty: 3 years (Engine: 2 years consumer use, 90 days commercial use)

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Easy to use and set up
• AC and DC capability
• Easy movement thanks to the wheels
• Noiseless machine

Cons

• Some users report that the handles are inadequate for the weight of the machine
• Not suitable for heavy-duty operations
• No electric starter

4. Hobart Champion Elite 225 Welder Generator

Hobart Champion Elite is the high-end version of the Hobart Champion 145. It offers a lot of improvements in both the power and design aspects. Let’s have a quick look at what it has to give.

Hobart Champion 225 Elite can generate up to 9,500W of continuous power, sufficient for most of the tasks required in the workplace, workshops, or ranches. It has enough power to work on galvanized steel and cast iron.

The unit is equipped with a powerful 23HP 725cc Kohler gas-powered engine, capable of welding materials up to 1/2 inch thick. Thanks to the 100% duty cycle at 225A, it can perform long work sessions.

Designed primarily for stick welding with quick and easy arc starts, this unit also performs general scratch-start DC TIG.

In addition, this unit comes with a large fuel tank with a capacity of around 12 gallons. This gives you between 12 to 14 hours of consistent power that can be a bit less if you run it continuously.

Although it only supports DC welding, its continuous power of 9,500W makes it efficient for heavy-duty and is suitable for professionals.

Features and Specifications

• Horsepower: 23 HP
• Duty cycle: 100% at 225 A
• Kohler 4-cycle twin-cylinder OHV 725-cc engine
• 9,500W continuous power
• 11,000W peak power
• Welding Amperage Range: 40 to 225
• Output Voltage: 120/240V AC
• 12-gallon fuel tank
• Electric start engine
• Auto-idle mode
• Welding process: Stick/scratch-start DC TIG
• Frame Design: Enclosed case
• Dimensions: 41 x 20 x 28 in. (L x W x H)
• Weight: 490 lb
• Warranty: 5 years (Engine: 3 years)

Pros

• High power output
• 100% duty cycle
• Electric easy start
• Heavy-duty usage
• Tool-free oil chance
• Compact design
• Simple control panel

Cons

• DC only welding function
• Not constant output voltage

5. Tomahawk Power 15 HP Engine Driven Welder Generator

The Tomahawk welder/generator is the best economic option in this list of five, which costs much less than the top-of-the-range models.

Undoubtedly it has lower performance but still remains a generator capable of performing its task.

It is the ideal machine for light jobs on farms and small workshops and for anyone who needs occasional welding jobs where the power source is unavailable.

The output power is not very high, 2000W, and if you use it only as a generator, it will power one or two devices. Attention, it can only supply DC devices, not AC.

What stands apart from this welder generator, considering the modest price, is its multi-process capability, Mig welding, Flux-core, Stick, and TIG.

It is equipped with an electric starter, it is light and easy to move thanks to the handle and the wheels it is equipped with.

Features and Specifications

• Horsepower: 15 HP
• Duty cycle: 60% at 210 A
• Engine Type: 420 cc Tomahawk Power
• 2,000 W output power
• Amperage output: 210 A
• Output Voltage: 120V DC
• 6.5-gallon fuel tank
• Electric start engine
• Welding processes: Mig/Flux-core/Tig/Stick
• Frame Design: Tube frame with running gear
• Dimensions: 28 x 21 x 23 in. (L x W x H)
• Weight: 202 lb
• Warranty: 2 years

Pros

• Multi-process
• Comes with a Tig torch and leads for stick welding
• 60% duty cycle
• Electric start
• Relatively lightweight and easy to move

Cons

• No AC outlets/Can only power DC devices, not AC
• Limited power output

Factor to Consider When Buying an Engine Driven Welder Generator

While shopping for the best welder generator for you, there’s a wide variety of aspects that you must consider carefully.

In the following list, you’ll find a complete guide on each one of these aspects. Let’s have a brief overview of each one of them.

Price

Before buying a welding generator, you should first consider the price range. The reason behind that is that the price can vary dramatically depending on the class you’re going to.

In fact, a good welder generator starts from $500 and goes all the way up to $8,000, depending on the brand, power, and features!

The price is controlled by many factors, such as engine power and added features and technologies. Fuel type used and tank capacity will also play a role in the final price of the generator.

Moreover, welder generator combos are significantly pricier than single-purpose counterparts. Suppose you don’t need a generator that doubles as an emergency available power source. In that case, you’d better save the extra cash.

Reliable Engine

No matter how many features a welder generator packs, nothing will prioritize having a reliable engine inside.

Higher quality engines produce more horsepower and can supply more than one piece of equipment with electricity simultaneously.

You should also note that a larger capacity engine eats up more fuel, which will cost you more money in the long run. That’s why you should consider the amount of energy you need.

Dimensions and Weight

If you need more welding power, you should expect the generator to be a bit heavier. More power requires extra components added to the generator.

As a result, a generator with a high power production might be heavier than another with the same dimensions.

However, some generators might be bulkier, which is another crucial factor you need to decide against portability.

Also, you have to make sure that the generator doesn’t eat up all the space you have in your workshop. You’ll still need to find space for extra equipment that you might need for your welding work.

Portability

A welder generator is supposed to be a source of power outdoors. So, you need to make sure that you can move the welder anywhere you want.

Some generators have wheels and handle to make them easier to transport. If the generator is too heavy to transport, you can use a cart to move it around.

Power Output

The power output is responsible for the number of equipment that the generator can run simultaneously. Choosing a welder generator that produces enough power to match your welding method is critical.

This aspect is represented in W. Some machines have a total wattage of about 10,000 W or more, which is more than enough even to power additional equipment like plasma cutters and light systems.

Do you need 1000W or 10000W?

The answer to this question depends mainly on how much power you’ll need. You can do it with a medium-powered generator if you’re working on a single method, such as Stick or MIG welding.

However, if you work on multi-process welding, you’ll require a larger power output. Also, if you need to power additional equipment for your job, higher power output will come in handy.

Duty Cycle

The welder generator’s duty cycle indicates how long a welder can run non-stop within a given appearance for 10 minutes. It’s measured in the percentage of the 10 minutes.

For example, the Lincoln Electric Ranger 330MPX has a 100% duty cycle at 330 amps and 28 volts. This means that it can run at its top settings for ten full minutes, and you need to rest it for another 10.

Suppose a machine has a 60% duty cycle at specific settings. In that case, you should rest it for 4 minutes after 6 minutes of continuous welding. Of course, the duty cycle goes up as the settings go down.

A good welder will maintain a 90% to 100% duty cycle on the highest settings, saving you a lot of waiting time while welding.

Starting System

Like regular generators, welder generators have two mechanisms to start the engine.

Pull Start

These generators are less expensive. However, they require additional elbow grease and yanking the engine to get it started. This can be even more difficult in winter.

Electric Start

On the other hand, the electric start generators are pricier. However, they’re hassle-free and save you a lot of time and effort. In my opinion, opting for a generator with an electric start is always a great investment, especially if you’re working up in the north.

Fuel Type

Engine-driven generators work with a wide variety of fuels. To power up, welder generators can use propane gas and liquid fuels like gasoline and diesel.

Gas generators are the most common ones, as they’re the most affordable. However, they also produce the loudest noise.

On the other hand, gasoline and diesel are much quieter, but they’re more expensive. Diesel is a heavier-duty generator that usually produces more power. However, liquid fuels like diesel are only good for a year or two.

Type of Processes

Welding isn’t just a one-method thing. In fact, there are many welding processes with different energy demands.

These processes include Stick, MIG, TIG, and flux wire welding. Make sure that your ideal welder suits the processes that you do. Also, opting for a multi-purpose generator is a future-proof investment that you should consider.

Fuel Tank Size (Run Time)

Fuels tanks are measured by gallons. The larger the tank, the longer the generator can run. For example, a 12-gallon tank can run continuously for 10 to 14 hours. Yet, larger tanks will eat up more space, so you shouldn’t consider that too.

Frame Design

When it comes to generators, there are two main design categories: The open case (tube frame) and the enclosed case. Each one has its pros and cons.

Tube Frame

The tube frame generators are usually more compact in size and weight. However, they don’t provide enough protection to the engine.

Enclosed Case

On the flip side, the enclosed case designs add to the engine’s longevity, as they protect it from weather elements.

Noise Level

Unfortunately, engine generators are usually much louder than electric ones. If your main line of work is in urban areas and neighborhoods, you should consider the generator’s noise level.

Ideally, you need a generator that produces less than 80 to 100 decibels while operating. The design of the frame also influences the noise level. Enclosed cases also have the added perk of being less noisy.

However, if you work in a remote area with few people around, you don’t have to worry about noise. Instead, you might want to invest in adequate ear protection and utilize the extra power of noisy generators.

Accessories

Many accessories come with the welder generator. These bonus tools can make up for the higher package price and save you the trouble of getting them on your own.

Here are some to consider:

• Clamps: to ensure the stability of the weld
• TIG torch and Tungsten electrodes: essential for welding using the TIG method
• Hoses: extend the reach of the gases in MIG and TIG welding
• Extension cords: boost the range of the generator’s functionality
• Cable reels: to store and protect the cords and cables

Warranty

As you already know, welding generators can be a bit expensive. That’s why it’s always a smart move to opt for one with a warranty included. This way, you can enjoy a worry-free investment and make the most out of the generator.

Conclusion and Best Offer

​Suppose you are an average user and don’t weld all day. In that case, the Hobart Champion 145 is the best combination of welding generators. 

Best Offer

It’s one of the most portable generators in its class, extremely easy to use, and provides decent power.

Hobart Champion 145 Welder Generator

The only downsides about it are the pull start technique and the lack of auto-idle features. So, if you don’t mind these two points, you’re good to go!

The Alternative

However, if you need less power, you can’t go wrong with the Tomahawk Welder Generator. You’ll enjoy up to 15 HP engines and 2,000W of power output for a much more affordable price.

Miller 280045 Black Digital Infinity Series Welding Helmet

This unit is good for simple welding works while saving yourself a significant sum of money. Additionally, it is a multi-process welding machine, and it’s equipped with an electric start.

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