Expanding its engine-driven welder generator line, The Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland, has introduced the three-in-one Air Vantage 500 welder generator. Serving three power functions, the new Air Vantage 500 unit combines a welder, generator and air compressor into a single compact package for railroad, mining and heavy-duty maintenance and repair. Lincoln has also expanded its Ranger line with the Ranger 250 LPG and Ranger 3 Phase welder generators.

Adding the compressor to the Air Vantage 500 was to meet certain applications where customers want arc gouging, explained Eric Snyder, product manager, engine-driven welders at Lincoln. "They need the combination of the arc that a welder provides and the compressed air, which is used to blow out the melted metal created by the arc," he explained. The Air Vantage 500 welder has a compressed air rating of 60 cfm at 100 psi at 100% duty cycle and uses a direct gear-driven VMAC rotary screw compressor. The compressor also supports plasma cutting, the company said.

The unit has an 240 Vac electrical output of 20 kW three-phase and a continuous 12 kW single-phase of 120/240 Vac. The all-copper, Lincoln-wound alternator is driven by a 3.3 L, four-cylinder, inline, liquid-cooled Cummins B3.3 diesel engine rated 56 hp at 1800 rpm. The engine is packaged with 12 V electric starter, two-stage dry type air cleaner and a furl filter with water separator.

Lincoln uses its Chopper Technology to push 500 amps of de power at 100% duty cycle for stick, TIG, MIG or flux-cored welding processes. The Chopper Technology takes the dc power generated off the alternator and creates a chopping effect by the turning the dc power source on and off at high speed. It is then smoothed through an inductor to control the arc.

Simultaneous welding at up to 250 amps and auxiliary power up to 12 kW, three-phase or single-phase, is delivered using the weld output terminals and 120 V GFCI, 120/240 V full KVA single-phase and 240 V full KVA three-phase receptacles. An output control dial selects output levels and displays the amps and volts selected on two separate display meters. Fore- gauges monitor engine temperature, fuel level, oil pressure as well as usage hours.

Designed for easy hauling, the Air Vantage 500 welder generator includes a stainless steel full enclosure with sliding engine access door. The trait weighs 1690 lb. with dimensions of 50.8 in. long x 31.5 in. wide x 63.1 in. high.