Compare Air Compressor, Generator & Welder Combos For Work Trucks In 2023

July 28, 2023

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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.

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VMAC Multifunction on a Finning CAT Service truck

Compressor generator welder systems go by many names, including:

  • 6-in-1
  • All-in-one
  • Multi-power
  • Power system
  • Power pack
  • Multifunction system
  • And more (including many combinations of the words above!)

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:

Compressor Generator Welder Comparison Chart

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
*100 psi/**100% duty cycle/***specs provided prior to release; not confirmed

Compressor Generator Welder Bonus Features

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

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How To Choose The Right Air Compressor Generator Welder System

1. Identify Your System Needs

The first step in choosing an air compressor generator welder system is to determine your needs for each component:

  • How many CFM do your air tools need?
  • What amperage do you need to weld at?
  • How much AC Output do you need on your generator?

Once you answer these questions, you can use the charts above to narrow down your best available options.

Air Compressor

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:

  • How much CFM do you need?
  • Rotary screw vs. reciprocating
  • Tow behind or vehicle-mounted?
  • What’s your ideal fuel/power source?

If you need more help determining your air needs, call VMAC at 1-888-514-6656 to talk with our air compressor experts.

Welder

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.

Amperage Needs of Common Stick Electrodes
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
(Source: Lincoln Electric: Stick Electrodes)

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.

Generator

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.

2. Consider Size & Weight

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:

  • More weight/space for other tools & equipment
  • Increase payload capacity
  • Maximize revenue
    • Reduce fuel costs
    • Reduce vehicle maintenance costs
  • Potentially eliminate inspections & certificates

You can read more about why size and weight matter in this article:

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A Finning CAT service truck with the VMAC Multifunction

3. Look at System Warranties & Support

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.

4. Learn More About Air Compressor Welder Generators

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:

  • Whether simultaneous operation of the air compressor, welder, and generator is possible
  • Control features & options
  • Extreme heat or cold ratings, if applicable
  • If positive air shutoff is included, if applicable

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:

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