Those are really good machines. I have a 1996 model. Wonderful generators on them, but I understand that the old 1800 rpm models were more fuel efficient. Opinions?

 

.... isnt going into the field for repair, it would be used as a generator for the house, and for the projects for my son and I.

Obviously we don't know your whole situation, but I personally wouldn't choose a welder for a generator. Instead I'd buy a real generator, something like an older 1800 RPM Onan for example. These machines are loud and hard on fuel, and one with that amount of hours probably shouldn't go into a job where it's going to have to run for hours on end under load.

Again, I don't know your situation, but can you explain why you're seeking out engine drives? If you're not going out into the field with it, why not spend $1000 to $1200 on a used 240V multiprocess machine like an XMT 304? You'll never have issues running out of gas or the engine wearing out with something like that, plus it won't wake the dead when running and the arc quality frankly leaves the Bobcat in the dust. Finally, the cost per running hr of an electric machine vs an engine-powered one is dramatically less expensive.

On this specific welder, again I think the price is too high. 3k hrs is running on borrowed time for one of these, despite those here or there that defy the odds. If I were a hobbyist in the market for a gas-powered engine drive, I'd be looking for something with half that hours, max. The odds would be more stacked in my favor for getting something I could use for awhile that way. If I needed to, I'd buy an old Miller Thunderbolt or Lincoln tombstone to get me by while I saved money for the right engine-drive.

 

I believe propane machines go to hell if not used regularly

 

Thanks for that info "count".
I ask because I like the info before i blow the money.

 

Tbone-
The major reason I am searching for a engine drive currently:
I feel on some hard times after a surgical procedure almost killed me. Coma for 2 weeks kinda deal. I had to leave my old home and move into a rental house that doesn't have power I am allowed to change (installing 240 for a welder for instance) so rather than dink around with a 120 volt box, i thought the idea of going back to the old engine drive would allow me to work out next to the shed that doesn't have power either. Just one of those "this is my situation deals."
I use to weld with a 250, so it was partial nostalgia deals: the smell of the exhaust, melting rods, sweat, and loud.
Question is, at 1100, what is a good price to offer if this was your choice?

 

Doug,
How is the fuel efficiency on a propane unit compared to an 1800 lp unit?

 

Same as my unit but I've got mine set up to run on NG as well. That 30# cylinder will last about as long as a full tank of gas on a carb unit. Engine should be spotless inside.

Not sure why numbers believes what he does regarding LP machines though.

A little steep on the price though IMO.

 

3200 hours is high on hours. If it's been run on propane that long it might be a good enough get you by machine. Until you can get back on your feet.

 

Since you asked my opinion on price, if you're bound and determined to own that Bobcat, I'd be looking to spend in the $500 range for it. The seller isn't going to like that, but:

A) It's running on borrowed time.
B) It's a Bobcat.
C) It's LP. Less efficient than gasoline (although price may offset that -- I haven't run the numbers) and the fuel isn't available just anywhere at any time of day. There are pluses to LP as well, such as the fuel not going bad, but you really don't see LP-powered welders except in specialized settings, usually where other fuel sources are not allowed. The long-lasting fuel *could* be a significant advantage for a hobby machine, but if you're looking to buy it there's no reason to let the seller know that if he doesn't already.

I realize that the value I put on that machine may be less than others would. It's just that even as a hobbyist, I would not be looking for any of those three highlights. Duane obviously feels differently and if I were you I'd listen very closely to his opinions. I've found his reasoning to always be well-founded and while it may differ from mine from time to time, I believe it's equally valid.

 

Thanks guys. Good points made by all. Worst he can tell me is no on the price, and I am not any worse off than when I started this post.
It will all work out eventually. My kid told me "I guess trying to find a welder is like trying to date, you may not like what your find, or you can like them and it just doesn't work out". At least the 12 year old gets it. All in due time.

 

Sounds like your kid will do just fine with welding equipment and or girls!

I've come across many Onan's with 3000+ hours that were in good shape. But, that's right around the time they need an overhaul or rebuild. $500-$700 would be a fair range for a welder with that many hours on it. If the gas tank is still installed it can be converted back easily and cheap if propane was not wanted.

If you can get by without CV then a Miller Legend/AEAD is the way to go for a duel purpose welder/generator. Excellent 200-225AMP stick welder at 3000RPM and....5000 watt 120/240 AC genset at 1800RPM. This is what I use for my backup genset/go to welder. My neighbors don't complain if it's running at 3AM!

All other models in this class are 3700RPM screamers while welding or generating.

 

tbone makes good points and I don't disagree with him at all even though his exhaust clamp skills are lacking . My LP Bobcat chucked a rod at a little over 1600hrs (no fault of running on LP) and I picked it up for $100 then bought a running/burnt up generator unit for $250 as an engine donor but doing the work is nothing for me. I still have the original engine and required replacement rods so I could put it back together if ever needed.

TJ (onanparts.com) also makes an excellent point of the lower 1800 RPM auxiliary power generating speed of the Legend (same goes for the older AEAD-200LE).

Bottom line, your boy hit the nail on the head and is wiser beyond his years.

 

Duane, have you ever figured out the cost of running your LP machine vs a gasoline-powered machine? That's something I've always been mildly curious about.

 

Nope. Don't have a gas unit to compare but I read somewhere a long time ago that a 30# cylinder will typically run approximately as long as a full tank of gas.