Do your weld at remote places with zero or limited access to electricity? Or you often find yourself wasting time at the worksite due to power outages or fluctuations? If yes, the solution to all your welding problems is a welder generator combo. These machines produce power to run the welders and other equipment as well. A welder generator combo machine can do wonders for a construction site welder, welders in remote areas, ranch owners, and farmers with big farms and limited electric supply. When you own a combo machine, you don’t need to keep and transport two separate machines. It avoids hassle, saves time, increases efficiency and work speed. Welder generator combos are rugged machines that can work for a long time without any problems. With strong motor capabilities and high duty cycles, these machines enable you to make stick, MIG, and TIG welds without any issues.
Finding the right welder generator combo is a daunting task. When you have hundreds of machines available in the market, picking the best one becomes difficult. It is where we step in. We have done considerable research on the machines available, analyzed the user reviews, and then developed this guide. Along with the best welder generator combo machines, you will also find a buying guide and a FAQ section in this review to answer all your questions and address all your concerns about the combo machines.
Let us now review the best welder generator combo machines.
Table of Contents
Engine Driven Welder Generator Comparison Chart
Terms used in the below table along with their meanings:
Duty Cycle: It is the time at the amount a welder can be operated without exceeding the temperature limits of its components.
Peak and Rated Watts: These define the output of the generator. It is useful to know about the strength of the generator so that you can use it for other purposes as well.
Generator/Welder Combo | Welding Capacity | Duty Cycle | Peak Watts | Rated Watts | Tank Size (Gallons) | Dimensions (inches)/Weight(pounds) | More Details |
Lincoln 225  | TIG, MIG, and flux-core welding | 10 min | 10,500 | 9,000 | 12 | 42.3 x 21.5 x 29.9/563 | |
Miller 250  | TIG & Stick welding | 10 min | 11,000 | 9,500 | 12 | 20 x 30 x 4/501 | |
HOBART 500562  | Stick welding | 10 min | 11,000 | 9,500 | 12 | 41 x 28 x 20/514 | |
Miller Trailblazer 325  | TIG/Stick, MIG, fluxed-core, CAC-A cutting | 10 min | 12,000 | 10,500 | 12 | 28 x 41 x 20/460 | |
Lincoln Bulldog 5500  | Stainless steel, steel and cast iron | 3-minutes @125A & 6-minutes@100A | 5,500 | 4,000 | 1.9 | 38.1 x 24 x 26.2/198 | |
Lifan WeldPro  | up to 0.1875-inch welding electrodes | 5-minutes @200A | 4,500 | 4,000 | 6.5 | 28 x 23 x 23/210 | |
Hobart Champion 145  | up to 3.96mm welding electrodes | 3-minutes @130A | 4,500 | 4,000 | 6.25 | 20 x 24 x 31/222 |
1. Lincoln Electric Ranger 225 Multi-Process/Welder Generator– Overall Best
- Engine: 23 HP Kohler engine
- Welding Capacity: TIG, MIG, and flux-core welding
- Duty Cycle: 10-minutes
- Output: Peak: 10500 watts, Rated: 9000 watts
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank Capacity: 12 gallons
- Noise Level: 76.4 dBA @ 23 feet, 100.7 dBA at rated power
- Starting Mechanism: Electric & Recoil
- Dimensions: 42.3 x 21.5 x 29.9 inches
- Weight: 563 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years parts and labor, Engine: Separately warranted by the manufacturer
Lincoln’s 225 welder generator is built around a 23 HP 2-cylinder gas-powered Kohler engine. The air-cool mechanism keeps the engine cool during extreme working conditions. A fully enclosed enclosure protects the sensitive parts of the engine with 3 access doors for servicing and maintenance. The machine is capable of doing TIG, MIG, and flux-core welding.
The welding amperage range is 50 to 225 amperes, and the duty cycle is 10 minutes. It means that you can run the welder continuously for 10 minutes at the given amperage.
The generator produces 10500 peak and 9000 rated watts. When the welder is not in use, you can use this power to run other tools and machines. As this machine is best for homeowners, they can use this in place of a generator. However, due to its heavy weight, you won’t be able to move it around it much unless you place it on a sturdy trolley.
The fuel capacity is 12 gallons, and the unit produces 76.4 dB noise at a distance of 23 feet. The electric start model increases convenience and saves time when you are busy with your welding tasks. The outlets on this machine are two 120V AC outlets and one 120/240V AC outlet for running heavy machines.
- Auto idle feature
- Low sound
- 3 years warranty
- Affordable price
- Fuel efficient machine
- Not fit for heavy industrial tasks
- DC only welder
Lincoln Ranger 225 is best for small to medium welding needs. It is a user-friendly machine with an electric start, digital meter, easy to set up and maintain. When we consulted welders using this machine, all of them gave satisfactory reviews. The only issue with this machine is that it can’t withstand heavy industrial welding.
Who is it best for? Lincoln Ranger is best for lightweight users, homeowners and DIYers.
2. Miller Electric Engine Driven Welder, Bobcat 250– Fuel-efficient Engine
- Engine: 23 HP Kohler
- Welding Capacity: TIG & Stick welding
- Duty Cycle: 100%
- Output: Peak: 11000 watts, Rated: 9500 watts
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank Capacity: 12 gallons
- Starting Mechanism: Electric
- Dimensions: 20 x 30 x 41 inches
- Weight: 501 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years warranty
Bobcat 250 comes with a 23 HP CH 23 gasoline Kohler engine with a production capacity of 11000 starting and 9500 running watts. The engine runs at 3600 RPM for welding tasks. You can use this machine for stick and flux-core welding, aluminum, steel, and stainless steel welds. Its engine is powerful than Lincoln Ranger 225.
The machine can be started with a push start electric starter and provides a 100% duty cycle at 250 amperes. The amperage range is 40-225 amperes.
The unit runs at 73 dBA. The noise rating is slightly lower than Lincoln 225. The outlets on this machine are 120V and 120/240V GFCI outlets. GFCI outlets help protect your appliances by automatically turning off current upon sensing fluctuations.
The fuel capacity is 12 gallons. It is the same compared to Lincoln 225. The machine weighs 501 pounds. It is lightweight than Lincoln Ranger 225.
- AC & DC welding
- Heavy-duty industrial machine
- Reverse airflow
- Digital meter and control panel
- Costly
- Welding leads not included
Who should buy it? First things first, Miller Bobcat 250 is not for non-professionals. It is not for DIYers who are not pro at welding, and it is not for irregular workers. It is a powerhouse and only best for professionals. Even if a non-professional buys it, he will either use it as a home generator or waste its potential.
Why should only professionals buy Bobcat 250? It comes with a 100% duty cycle at 250 amps for MIG and flux-cored welding and a 60% duty cycle for TIG welding. Homeowners scarcely need such a high power and welding capacity. Hence they must leave this machine for professionals and consider the one reviewed above.
3. HOBART 500562 Welder Generator– Champion Elite Welder
- Engine: 725cc, 23 HP Kohler 4-cycle OHV engine
- Welding Capacity: Stick welding
- Duty Cycle: 100% @ 225 amperes
- Output: Peak: 11000 watts, Rated: 9500 watts
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank Capacity: 12 gallons
- Starting Mechanism: Electric
- Dimensions: 41 x 28 x 20 inches
- Weight: 514 pounds
- Warranty: 5/3/1 Industrial Warranty
- Certifications: CSA Certificate of Compliance
Hobart 500562 comes with a 725cc, 23HP gas-powered Kohler engine. The machine can produce 11000 peaks and 9500 rated watts. It is an ideal machine for homeowners and DIYers and can perform stainless steel and galvanized steel welds. You can also do stick welding with it.
The amperage range is 40 to 225 amperes, and you get a 100% duty cycle at 225 amperes. The machine allows you to make welds up to 0.5-inch thickness.
Just like Bobcat 250 and Lincoln Ranger 225, the maximum fuel capacity is 12 gallons. The outlets consist of four 120V 20A GFCI outlets, one 240V 50A outlet, and a 120/240V 50A outlet. The outlets are versatile and much better than the two machines reviewed above.
It is an electric start welder generator combo and weighs 493 pounds. It is less heavy than the 2 models we have discussed above.
- Lightweight
- User-friendly
- Easy to maintain
- Good fuel economy
- Only DC welding
- No storage cover
Who should buy it? It is an ideal machine for DIY welders and professional welders alike. The generator supplies enough power to run your heavy machines when you are not using the welder. The outlets, warranty, high power output, industrial warranty, and compact size make it a perfect option for mounting it on your vehicle and getting your work done.
Users have termed this combo a “beast and a powerhouse” and “an excellent choice.” We interviewed a couple of welders about this machine, and they were fully satisfied with runtime and other features.
4. Miller Welding Hobart Trailblazer 325 Engine-Driven Welder– Wider Amperage Range
- Engine: 23 HP Kohler ECH730 engine
- Welding Capacity: TIG/Stick, MIG, fluxed-core, CAC-A cutting
- Duty Cycle: 100% @ 325 amperes
- Output: Peak: 12000 watts, Rated: 10500 watts
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank Capacity: 12 gallons
- Starting Mechanism: Electric
- Dimensions: 28 x 41 x 20 inches
- Weight: 460 pounds
- Warranty: Engine: 3 years
Hobart’s Trailblazer 325 is a super powerful welder generator with a 23HP ECH730 gas-powered Kohler engine which can deliver a power-packed punch of 12000 peaks and 10500 rated watts. It is a lot of power to run your heavy appliances.
You can perform stick/TIG welding, MIG welding, flux-cored welding, and CAC-A cutting. CAC-A stands for air carbon arc cutting and uses an arc for melting metals with the heat of a carbon arc. It is a versatile machine with a wide amperage range from 10 amperes to 325 amperes. Another excellent feature of this machine is providing a 100% duty cycle at 325 amperes.
The maximum fuel capacity of this machine is 12 gallons, and it weighs 460 pounds. It is one of the lightest welder combos currently available, with extremely powerful features. There is only one outlet (120/240V 50A) on this machine. You will need a power extension to connect multiple appliances to the generator. The sound rating of this machine is 74 dBA. It is almost the same compared to other welder generators combos.
- Compact and lightweight
- Best for industrial tasks
- Overload protection
- Auto-speed output
- Tough to maintain
- High price tag
Who should buy it? It is a professional machine and only suited for big contractors and welding specialists. It is way more powerful than a DIY machine. What’s the point of paying more and not utilizing the full potential of the machine?
For contractors and professionals, Trailblazer will go a long way with them. It has enough power and outlets to support other machines at worksites and run heavy tools. Its consistent and reliable arc, along with wide amperage, gives a better welding disposition rate, enabling you to get the work done faster.
Overall, it is an excellent machine, provided you can put its power to good use.
5. Lincoln Electric Engine Driven Welder, Bulldog 5500– Lightest Welder Generator Combo
- Engine: Kohler CH395
- Welding Capacity: Stainless steel, steel, and cast iron
- Duty Cycle: 30% @ 125 amperes & 60% @ 100 ampere
- Output: Peak: 5500 watts, Rated: 4000 watts
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank Capacity: 1.9 gallons
- Noise Level: 78.2 dBA
- Starting Mechanism: Recoil
- Dimensions: 38.1 x 24 x 26.2 inches
- Weight: 198 pounds
Warranty: 3 years parts and labor, separate warranty on the engine by the manufacturer
Bulldog 5500 is a lightweight and compact machine. The unit is designed for homeowners, hobbyists, and DIYers. Bulldog 5500 comes with a Kohler CH395 gasoline engine and can deliver 5500 starting and 4000 running watts. The unit is best suited for AC welding. You can do stick welding, stainless steel, steel, and cast iron welding. It can support welds up to 0.125-inch electrodes.
The amperage range is 70-140 amperes. The duty cycle is 30% at 125 amperes and 60% at 100 amperes. The tank size is 1.9 gallons. The outlets are two 120V outlets and one 240V outlet. The unit produces 78.2 dBAnoise. Unlike other generator welder combos, this one doesn’t have an electric start system.
The weight of this machine compared to other units is very low. It weighs only 198 pounds. Its tank capacity is very low. You will have to refuel the machine frequently.
- Affordable
- AC welding
- Lightweight and compact machine
- Only suitable for light welding works
Who should buy it? Lincoln Bulldog 5500 is an affordable welder generator from Lincoln. It is best for people who don’t undertake heavy welding projects. If you are a homeowner, hobbyist, or DIY person, then Bulldog is the right choice. It has enough power to help you deal with steel projects and regular welds.
It also offers enough power to run your home’s essential appliances during an outage. We recommend that professionals and contractors don’t buy this machine as it won’t fulfill their work needs. Overall, it is a nice machine with a user-friendly operation and mediocre features.
6. Lifan Pro Series WeldPro AXQ1-200a Portable Generator– 200 Amp Welder Combo
- Engine: 15 HP Lifan OHV engine
- Welding Capacity: up to 0.1875-inch welding electrodes
- Duty Cycle: 50% @ 200 amperes
- Output: Peak: 4500 watts, Rated: 4000 watts
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank Capacity: 6.5 gallons
- Noise Level: 74 dBA
- Starting Mechanism: Electric
- Dimensions: 28 x 23 x 23 inches
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
The combo gets its power from a gas-powered 15 HP OHV Lifan engine with 4500 starting and 4000 running watts. The unit can support up to 0.1875-inch welding electrodes. These features make this machine perfect for lightweight and household tasks.
The welding amperage range on this machine is 50-200 amperes with a 50% duty cycle at 200 amperes. The outlets include one 120V AC and one 12V DC outlet for battery charging. The gas tank size is 6.5 gallons. You can start the machine with the help of an electric starter. The unit weighs 213 pounds and comes with big wheels and handles to support portability.
- Portable machine
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- No battery and welding leads included
- Limited number of outlets
Who should buy it? It is an ideal machine for homeowners, DIY, and hobbyists. If you want a reliable welder generator combo with heavy-duty wheels for easy movement while working with the machine, this one is not a bad option. Most homeowners and DIYers need their welder to move according to their will. They want to keep it safe while not working and drag it out when they have some work.
Its lightweight design and wheels allow you to do this. Professionals and contractors will not get the power and welding speed they need from this machine. So, it is better if they avoid it.
7. HOBART Champion 145 4000W Welder/Gene– The Runner Up
- Engine: Briggs & Stratton 305cc OHV 4-cycle engine
- Welding Capacity: up to 3.96mm welding electrodes
- Duty Cycle: 30% @ 130 amperes
- Output: Peak: 4500 watts, Rated: 4000 watts
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Tank Capacity: 6.25 gallons
- Noise Level: 68 dBA
- Starting Mechanism: Recoil
- Dimensions: 20 x 24 x 31 inches
- Weight: 222 pounds
- Warranty: 3 years
- Certification: CSA
The machine is powered by a Briggs and Stratton 305cc 4-stroke gasoline engine. The peak power on this machine is 4500 watts, and the rated power is 4000 watts. You can weld steel, stainless steel, and cast iron with this machine.
The welder generator combo can weld metals up to 0.25 inches thickness and handle 3.96mm electrodes without any trouble. The welding amperage of this generator is 40-145 amperes. The duty cycle is 30% when welding at 130 amperes. It means that the unit can weld for 3 minutes continuously at 130 amperes.
The outlets on this machine are four 120V GFCI protected AC outlets and one 240V AC outlet. The outlets are protected with rubber covers to protect water and dust. The tank size is 6.25 gallons. You can also use the machine to power your essential appliances during outages.
The noise rating (68 dBA) is the lowest of all the generator welder combos. Please note that it is a recoil-starting machine.
- Affordable
- Lightweight and portable
- Negligible running sound
- Versatile outlets
- Not for industrial applications
Who should buy Hobart Champion 145? Let us be very clear; this generator welder is not for professionals. It doesn’t offer enough power to meet a heavy workload. If you are a contractor and looking to buy this, don’t go for it. You will be wasting more money than saving. It is not made for commercial jobs, construction works, or heavyweight welders.
It is best suited for random welders, DIYers, homeowners, or a secondary machine for regular welders. What’s good about this machine is that it can be treated as a conventional generator as well. It comes with never-flat heavy-duty wheels, a carry handle, and a lightweight design.
Buyer’s Guide
In order to buy a welder-generator combo, it is essential to focus on various factors to get the best possible machine. So, what are those factors? In this buyer’s guide section, we are going to discuss them.
Design and Weight
The weight of the engine-driven welder-generator combo depends on the power output. A unit with more power is always heavier and bigger in size.
Now, come to the design of the generator. Enclosed frame generators are best in case of protecting the engine and parts. Also, these units tend to create less operational sound. On the other hand, open frame machines are lighter in weight than closed frames, but they produce more sound and offer less or no protection to engines and parts.
Portability
Using welding generators on job sites needs wheels so that welders can easily move their machines from one place to another. It is really impossible to move a 400-pound machine without wheels. So, the portability factor is always important if you are a professional welder who works at construction sites.
Start System
Manual and electric start systems are common in welder-generator combos. You are required to use your hand power to pull the generator cord and start your machine manually. But the electric start is reliable and a more comfortable option.
Power Output
Power output depends on your welding work. Powerful machines help you to run various processes that include TIG, MIG, and stick welding. Also, some generators allow you to run plasma cutters as well. So, if your welding work is demanding, you should go for a welder generator with higher power output like 10K, 15K, or 20K. Or if your work is less demanding. This means, if you only require a generator to do basic stick welding, then a less powerful generator would be enough for you.
Type of Power
You must also need to decide whether you require an AC welder or a DC welder.
For smooth welding and to produce a stable arc, you need DC power. And For TIG welding or welding magnetized materials, you need AC power.
Keep in mind that DC welding generators are easy to use than AC machines, and they are also affordable.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle refers to the number of minutes a welder generator can operate non-stop out of a 10-minute period.
Your machine will be able to weld for longer at low amperage settings and for a shorter duration at high amperage settings.
Type of Fuel
What type of fuel is best for your welding generator?
Gasoline, diesel, and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) are widely used in engine-driven welder-generator combos.
Gasoline is easy to use, but it is dangerous than diesel. Also, it requires more maintenance. On the other hand, diesel gives more runtime and requires less maintenance than gasoline but a diesel generator is more expensive.
If we talk about propane, then it is less efficient than both the other fuel options, but you can store it for a longer duration.
Fuel Tank Capacity
A big fuel tank will give longer runtime than a small tank. So, if you are a professional welder, you should go for the big tank size.
Sound Rating
The sound rating of a generator also needs to consider. If we compare engine-driven machines with electric ones, then we will find that engine-driven units create more noise during operation. So, you cannot get a less noisy engine-driven welding generator. But try to stick to a machine that operates within 90 dB (A).
Accessories
When you are buying a new machine, you will need some accessories to make your work easier. The common accessories that come with welder generator combos are extension cords, carts for heavy units, cylinder tank racks, LPG hoses, welding guns, and other accessories. If you are selecting such a machine, expect to pay more.
Warranty and Customer Service
Look for a welder generator that comes with a warranty. When a machine is used commercially, its usage increases. In such situations, the chance of components getting heated and malfunctioning is higher. Hence, a warranty cover will come in handy at such time. It is also best to look for a combo that comes with fully responsive and responsible after-sales customer service. It helps in setting up the machine and dealing with any issues that may come later.
Price
When buying a professional machine, price is always an important factor to consider. When you are looking for a high-end machine, you will have to pay more. The basic models with fewer features are cheaper compared to advanced machines. However, it is best to go for a machine that is durable, reliable, and technically advanced. Hence, we suggest that you don’t limit your budget. It is just like making an investment in your business. It will give you a lot of monetary returns in the shape of time-saving, low operational cost, and less frequent maintenance.
FAQs
Which is the best generator for welding?
Lincoln Electric Ranger 225 and Trailblazer 325 are the best in the business. Both of these machines are ideal for professional welders.
What accessories you must need for your welder generator?
To improve your welding job, you must need the right accessories.
- You must keep a fuel can with you to never stop your welding work on a job site.
- High-quality and long welding hoses will make your job easier. They will save your time as you won’t need to move your generator to weld at different locations.
- A protective cover to increase the lifespan of your unit
- Welding clamps will help you to avoid mistakes during welding. They are used to keep metals fixed at particular positions and angles.
Which is the best frame design? Tube frame design or an enclosed case design
The enclosed case design protects the engine and other parts of the generator from external factors. But these generators are heavier. On the other side, tube frame design machines are lighter in weight and compact, but they create more operational sound than the enclosed ones.
How big a generator I need for my welder to run?
The answer to this question depends on your welding needs. If you run big projects, you will need a bigger unit. If you use a smaller generator, the welding abilities will be reduced, and you will have to use smaller electrodes.
What is the difference between an alternator welder and a generator welder?
A generator welder is capable of producing both AC and DC currents. It can be used to power other appliances at the workplace or used at your home during power outages.
On the contrary, an alternator welder is capable of producing only AC current.
What are the maintenance needs of a welder generator combo?
When you have a combo machine, the maintenance is more vigorous. Make sure you read all the instructions given in the user manual. We suggest that you never run your machine on old fuel, keep it protected from rain and extreme sunshine and follow all the safety protocols. It is best to store your machine in a safe, dry place and cover it with a weather cover. It will keep the dust away and enhance the life and performance of the machine.
What safety measures should I follow while working with a welding machine?
All workers must avoid coming in direct contact with the fuel. Always wear personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, work boots and gloves, and heat-protective clothing. It is best to avoid any contact with the heated components. You must always keep fire extinguishing and other safety equipment ready at the worksite.