Engine-Driven Welders with Dual-Operator Capabilities Save Space and Fuel

Dual operator engine-driven welder

Completing jobs on schedule and within a competitive budget is increasingly important for many mechanical contractors, construction companies and service truck operators. At the same time, they face external pressures including rising costs for fuel, equipment and materials, and increasing governmental regulations.

A diesel engine-driven welder with dual-operator capabilities offers the versatility needed in today’s working environment. It also provides the capability to do even more in the future — all while boosting efficiency and fuel savings.

With a dual-operator solution, multiple workers can use one machine simultaneously for welding, cutting, or operating lights or grinders. This saves space on a crowded jobsite or work truck.

Dual-operator equipment may also reduce capital equipment purchases, since the machines can meet your needs for many different jobs. These machines also can provide a financial payoff in the long run, since one engine uses less fuel and requires less maintenance when compared to operating several engines.

What can a dual-operator solution provide?

Diesel engine-driven welders with dual-operator capabilities not only provide enough power for the two onboard welding arcs, but also enough power to operate additional inverter-based welding power sources. Weld controls and auxiliary power are completely independent for each arc. Operators can weld and operate a wide range of tools using the auxiliary power — with no impact on arc quality.

Dual-operator solutions are a better option than before for maximizing resources in the field, coupled with greater ease of use. For example, the Big Blue® 800 Duo Pro — is capable of running up to 800 amps for a single weld operator or 400 amps each for two operators, with three-phase power available at the same time.

The increased output eliminates concern about reduced weld power while a second user simultaneously welds or powers another tool. New technology advancements have eliminated past problems with arc interaction.

The ability of some dual-operator machines to weld and offer three-phase power at the same time makes them more of a work platform. For example, up to six operators using 120 amps each can use the Big Blue 800 Duo Pro or Big Blue 800 Duo Air Pak™ at the same time. This boosts productivity without the cost of adding machines.

Manufacturers also are building engines that last longer and require less maintenance. With a dual-operator solution, the time and cost of oil changes and other engine maintenance are lower with fewer engines to maintain and service.

Productivity, safety, space saving benefits

Dual-operator capabilities offers productivity gains, since it meets the needs of so many applications. It also doubles the amount of welding arcs compared to a traditional unit, which only facilitates a single onboard operator.

Plus, operating multiple machines creates a noisier jobsite that can impact worker comfort, productivity and safety. Additionally, multiple units burn through fuel more quickly and emit double the amount of impurities compared to a dual-operator engine-driven welder.

Being able to do more with one machine was a big benefit for Miron Construction Co., Inc., during the expansion at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers.

“The advantage of a machine like this is it’s handy that, when you have to set up and move so many times during the day or week, you don’t have to try and carry two welders around, and it’s able to run all of the grinders and lights you need,” says Jake Wirkuty, an ironworker with Miron. “It definitely simplifies it a lot.”

The flexibility and power to plug in plasma cutters, grinders, lights and additional welding power sources into the equipment is especially key on cramped jobsites where saving space is an important consideration.

Reducing the amount of equipment on a jobsite or work truck — while maintaining or increasing productivity — makes it easy to see the return on investment of these machines. Less equipment equals reduced logistical costs and planning, and also less clutter, which promotes efficiency and improves jobsite safety.

Since many dual-operator engine-driven welders have low-speed diesel engines, they operate at a lower rpm, typically 1,200 to 1,800 rpm, which results in reduced noise. Low-speed diesel engines only operate at a higher rpm when they are under significant load, and they operate at 1,200 rpm (idle) when not under load, adding to jobsite comfort and safety.

An investment that does more

One engine that provides multiple arcs equals a lower cost-per-arc. Fewer engine-driven welders to buy and maintain also results in cost savings and fuel savings in the long run.

The ability to do multiple jobs with one machine saves money and space, and helps complete work more efficiently. A diesel engine-driven welder with dual-operator capabilities is one fuel-efficient machine that provides a full range of jobs and options for multiple users — all without sacrificing arc quality or productivity.