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It’s not easy to compare systems that combine an air compressor, generator, and welder into one tidy package, but we’re here to help! In this article, we compare several of the most popular air compressor generator welders. Then we'll tell you everything you need to know to make a smart buying decision.
Air compressor generator welder combos are an excellent option for mobile operators who perform various tasks on the go and never know exactly what’s waiting for them on a remote job site. These combo systems are popular with mobile mechanics, heavy equipment repair technicians, and other multi-talented operators who are frequently out in the field.
VMAC Multifunction on a Finning CAT Service truck
Compressor generator welder systems go by many names, including:
Most of these systems include an air compressor, a generator, and a welder, but it’s also common to add a battery booster, battery charger, hydraulic pump, and specialty features as well.
Let’s take a look at the 17 most popular compressor generator welders in North America:
Brand | Engine | Air Compressor Type | Compressed Air Output @ 90 psi | DC Output @ 60% Duty Cycle (Weld) | Max AC Output – Continuous, Single Phase (Generate) | Weight | Size (cubic feet) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMAC Multifunction 6-in-1 (Kubota) | Kubota D902 (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 45 CFM | 190 A | 8 kW | 560 lb | 12.7 |
VMAC Multifunction 6-in-1 (Cat® Power) | Cat C1.1 (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 45 CFM | 190 A | 8 kW | 710 lb | 15.6 |
VMAC Multifunction 5-in-1 (Honda) | Honda iGX800 (Gas) | Rotary screw | 40 CFM | 190 A | 8 kW | 500 lb | 12.8 |
VMAC Compressor Generator Welder | Kubota D902 (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 45 CFM | 190 A | 8 kW | 560 lb | 12.7 |
Mi-T-M AGW-SH22-20M | Honda GX690 (Gas) | Two-stage reciprocating | 30.5 CFM | 190 A | 4.5 kW | 803 lb | 32.6 |
Miller Bobcat™ 200 Air Pak™ | Kohler ECH730 (Gas) / Kubota D722 (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 30 CFM | 140 A | 6.5 kW | 514 lb / 618 lb | 15.4 |
Miller Trailblazer® 302 Air Pak™ | Kohler CH750 (Gas) | Rotary screw | 31 CFM | 350 A | 11 kW | 771 lb | 23.8 |
Miller EnPak® A30 | Kohler ECH730 (Gas) / Kubota D722 (Diesel) |
Rotary screw | 30 CFM | 140 A | 6.5 kW | 530 lb / 624 lb | 15.2 |
Miller EnPak® A60 | Kubota D902T (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 58 CFM* | 325 A | 7 kW | 731 lb | 15.1 |
Miller Big Blue® 600 Air Pak | Deutz TD2.9 L4 (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 60 CFM | 600 A | 12 kW | 2,040 lb | 52.7 |
Miller Big Blue® 800 Duo Air Pak | Deutz TD2.9 L4 (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 60 CFM | 800 A | 20 kW | 2,095 lb | 52.7 |
Lincoln Air Vantage® 566X | Deutz TD 2.94L4 (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 60 CFM | 600 A | 12 kW | 1,737 lb | 55.2 |
Lincoln Ranger® Air 260MPX*** | Kohler 26.5 (Gas) | Rotary screw | 40 CFM*** | 260 A*** | 9.0 kW*** | 560 lb*** | 14.4*** |
Vanair Air N Arc® 300 Compact | Kohler 26.5 (Gas) / Kubota 25 HP (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 40 CFM | 270 A** | 6.8 kW | 650 lb / 775 lb | 16 / 19.7 |
Vanair Air N Arc I-300 | Kubota D902 (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 40 CFM | 270 A** | 6.8 kW | 852 lb | 19.1 |
Vanair Air N Arc 330*** | Kubota D902 (Diesel) | Rotary screw | 60 CFM*** | 330A*** | 10 kW*** | 750 lb*** | 15.0*** |
Boss MechanX 250 | Kohler ECH730 (Gas) | Two-stage reciprocating | 23 CFM | 250 A** | 5.0kw | 500 lb | 24.7 |
Many compressor generator welder systems include additional features that may also be important to operators. The following is a basic overview of the most common “bonus” features:
Brand | Cold Climate Protection | Battery Booster / Crank Assist | Battery Charger | PTO Port / Hydraulic Pump | Vehicle Fuel Tank Integration Option |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMAC Multifunction 6-in-1 (Kubota) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
VMAC Multifunction 6-in-1 (Cat® Power) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
VMAC Multifunction 5-in-1 (Honda) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
VMAC Compressor Generator Welder | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Mi-T-M AGW-SH22-20M | No | No | No | No | No |
Miller Bobcat™ 200 Air Pak™ | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Miller Trailblazer® 302 Air Pak™ | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Miller EnPak® A30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (Diesel Only) |
Miller EnPak® A60 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (A60GBH/W models) | Yes |
Miller Big Blue® 600 Air Pak | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Miller Big Blue® 800 Duo Air Pak | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Lincoln Air Vantage® 566X | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Lincoln Ranger® Air 260MPX | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Vanair Air N Arc® 300 Compact | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Vanair Air N Arc® I-300 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Vanair Air N Arc® 330 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Boss MechanX 250 | No | No | No | No | No |
The first step in choosing an air compressor generator welder system is to determine your needs for each component:
Once you answer these questions, you can use the charts above to narrow down your best available options.
You need to know a few things about mobile applications when choosing an air compressor, which we’ve written about extensively in “How To Choose A Mobile Air Compressor For Your Work.”
Check out that article to find out:
If you need more help determining your air needs, call VMAC at 1-888-514-6656 to talk with our air compressor experts.
The welders included in air compressor generator welder systems are typically meant for SMAW or GTAW arc welding in Direct Current (DC), working with mild steel in environments that are likely to be contaminated with dirt, oil, and other impurities. A few systems also allow AC welding, such as Lincoln’s Air Vantage® 566X, but this capability comes with a much higher price tag.
An operator using a welder should be educated in welding equipment and know their specifications before purchasing any system that includes a welder. That said, the amperage needs vary depending on the electrode, but most common stick weld applications are well under 200 amps.
Material | Electrode | Electrode Width | Amperage Needs (DC) |
---|---|---|---|
Mild Steel | E6010/E6011 | 1/8’ | 75-130 |
Mild Steel | E6010/E6011 | 5/32” | 90-175 |
Mild Steel | E6013 | 1/8’ | 100-135 |
Mild Steel | E6013 | 5/32” | 145-180 |
Mild Steel | E7018 | 1/8’ | 90-160 |
Mild Steel | E7018 | 5/32” | 130-210 |
Mild Steel | E7024 | 1/8’ | 100-160 |
Mild Steel | E7024 | 5/32” | 160-215 |
Air compressor generator welder systems will include a welder that can get most remote jobs done. Still, it’s important to note that mobile welders aren’t meant to replace stationary shop welders. Look for a welder in a system that will meet your every day “on the go” needs.
A generator can be a convenient way to power electric tools and equipment on the fly.
To find out how much wattage your generator needs, add up the wattage requirements of each piece of equipment that will run simultaneously. Keep in mind both starting wattage and running wattage in your calculations, and use the highest of the two numbers.
For example, if you’re running nighttime lights and a power washer, your calculations might look something like this:
Running Wattage | Starting Wattage | |
---|---|---|
Night Lights | 300 Watts | 450 Watts |
Power Washer | 1500 Watts | 1750 Watts |
Total Wattage | 1800 Watts (1.8 kW) | 2150 Watts (2.2 kW) |
If you can’t easily find the wattage of your equipment, you can calculate it using this simple formula:
amps x Volts = Watts
ex: 15 amps X 120 V = 1800 Watts
Once you know your equipment’s wattage requirements, select a system with a generator that meets those needs.
Now that you have a better idea of what systems will meet your compressed air, welding, and power generation needs, it’s time to consider the size and weight of the systems.
As a rule, you want the most lightweight and compact system that meets your needs. There are numerous benefits to reducing GVW and freeing up space on your vehicle, including:
You can read more about why size and weight matter in this article:
A Finning CAT service truck with the VMAC Multifunction
Warranties for air compressor generator welders vary across the board. Some systems will have a straightforward (but short) warranty that covers the entire unit, while other systems will include individual warranties for specific components, such as the air compressor, generator, and/or welder.
For example, VMAC’s rotary screw air ends are backed by a lifetime warranty. Other rotary screw manufacturers might have similar warranties, while warranties for reciprocating air ends are short or non-existent.
System and component warranties will give you a rough idea of the general life expectancy of the system, which can be an indicator of the system’s overall quality. Confirm these warranties before making a purchasing decision.
Ensure you also determine the manufacturer support available for an air compressor generator welder before making a final purchase. A high-quality support team will ensure any downtime you experience is minimal, allowing you to spend your time getting work done.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential air compressor welder generators to two or three, it’s time to research those systems in greater detail. Download the spec sheets, watch YouTube videos, learn more about the manufacturer, talk to your local dealer, and look for testimonials online.
For each system, try to discover:
Feel free to contact the original manufacturer directly to ask any questions you have. VMAC, for example, is always happy to answer potential customer questions by phone (1-888-514-6656) or email.
Ready to research your shortlist? Learn about VMAC’s air compressor generator welder systems here: