Dual-operator engine-driven welder
A diesel engine-driven welder with dual-operator capabilities is one tool that could be part of the solution in meeting these demands. Dual-operator engine-driven welders offer versatility to help accomplish a wide range of jobs in today’s working environment — with the power and capabilities to function as a multioperator work platform — while also improving efficiency and fuel savings.
Dual-operator engine-driven welders allow multiple workers to use one machine simultaneously for welding, cutting, or operating lights or grinders, which saves space and maximizes equipment capabilities on a crowded jobsite or work truck.
A dual-operator machine can also help companies and operators reduce the need for additional capital equipment purchases, because a single machine can now do the work of two. Companies can see additional financial payoff, since one engine uses less fuel and requires less maintenance when compared to operating several single-operator engine drives.
Dual-operator welders offer powerful capabilities
Diesel engine-driven welders with dual-operator capabilities provide enough power not only for the two onboard welding arcs, but also enough power to operate additional inverter-based welding power sources, such as an XMT® 350, CST™ 280, or PipeWorx 350 FieldPro™.
The increased output offered in some dual-operator machines on the market eliminates concern about reduced weld power while a second user simultaneously welds or powers another tool. These capabilities and advanced weld controls allow multiple operators to work with no arc interaction.
Technology available in Miller dual-operator engine-driven welders on the market today allows two independent weld outputs. This makes the machine much more efficient — operating at a higher frequency so that the arc noise from one weld output does not affect the output of the other.
This can help companies maximize resources in the field. The Big Blue® 800 Duo Pro and Big Blue® 800 Duo Pro SF for example, are capable of running up to 800 amps for a single weld operator or 400 amps each for two operators, with 20,000 watts of continuous three-phase auxiliary power and 12,000 watts of continuous single-phase power available to run equipment and other welders.
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. One available machine can be used by as many as six operators at once, at about 120 amps each. This can help companies boost productivity, often without the cost of adding machines.
Manufacturers also are building engines that last longer and require less maintenance. A machine with dual-operator capabilities requires reduced time and cost for oil changes and routine maintenance, when compared to having multiple single-operator machines to maintain and service.
Benefits for productivity, safety and space savings
An engine-driven welder with dual-operator capabilities can offer productivity gains because it meets the needs of many applications and doubles the amount of welding arcs when compared to a traditional unit that only facilitates a single operator.
When compared to a dual-operator unit, operating multiple single-arc machines creates a noisier jobsite that can impact worker comfort, productivity and safety. Additionally, multiple units burn through fuel more quickly and increase the amount of exhaust emissions compared to one dual-operator welder. The cost-per-arc associated with each option is something to consider when looking at the return on investment of a machine.
The flexibility and power to plug plasma cutters, grinders, lights — and additional welding power sources — into an engine-driven welder is key on cramped jobsites where saving space is an important consideration. Some units even have built-in air compressors for additional productivity and space saving gains.
The ability to reduce the amount of equipment on a jobsite or work truck — while maintaining or increasing productivity — also plays a role in the return on investment of dual-operator machines. Less equipment equals reduced logistical costs and planning, and also less clutter, which promotes efficiency and can help improve jobsite safety.
Since many dual-operator engine-driven welders have low-speed diesel engines, they operate at a lower rpm, typically 1,800 rpm, which results in reduced noise generated. Low-speed diesel engines only operate at a higher rpm when they are under load, and they operate at lower rpm (idle) when not under load, adding to jobsite comfort and safety.
Tier 4 Final compliant
Increasing emissions regulations are impacting the cost and capabilities of engine-driven welders that have engines larger than 25 horsepower.
The Tier 4 Final (T4F) emissions regulations are the latest step in a series of increasingly strict emissions standards for diesel engines, mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Under the regulations, newly manufactured diesel engines rated in the 25 to 75 horsepower range require significant modifications over the previous tier, including the installation of exhaust after-treatment devices. Diesel engines below 25 horsepower also need to meet T4F requirements, but the emission requirements are less stringent than those above 25 horsepower. The intent of the T4F emissions regulations is to reduce the amount of airborne pollutants that contribute to poor air quality and potential health problems.
Engines that are compliant with T4F regulations are available now in many engine-driven welders on the market. An engine-driven welder with a T4F-compliant engine will meet the latest emissions requirements and operate more cleanly.
In addition, some manufacturers used the redesign of their machines to accommodate T4F-compliant engines as an opportunity to also change the engine-driven welder, resulting in machines that maximize power output while consuming less fuel.
When engines with higher levels of horsepower are T4F-compliant, companies can help offset the cost of the investment by also choosing a machine that offers dual-operator capabilities, which allow them to take the most advantage of available horsepower and equipment investment. A more efficient operating system and multi-user work platform can offer a greater return on investment.
An investment that can provide cost savings of 34 percent
One engine that provides multiple arcs equals a lower cost-per-arc when compared to multiple single-arc machines. The amount of savings is based on use and the size of the equipment, calculable based on current expenses.
For example, if typical use is 1,000 hours per year, fuel and regular service expenses of one dual-operator machine versus two single-operator machines will result in 34 percent in annual savings. More hours of use will equal more dollars saved.
The ability to do as much as possible with one machine saves money and space on the service truck or the jobsite, and helps get work done more efficiently.
A diesel engine-driven welder with dual-operator capabilities is a tool that can offer fuel efficiency for a range of jobs and options for multiple users — all without sacrificing arc quality or productivity.