Trailblazer, Legend 302, & Lets talk Kohler

[lramberson]

I need the help of the forum to help me decide on my next purchase.
I will make a large investment into a gas engine driven unit and need some guidence and support from much wiser folks than me
1) I have looked at so many pages of information I have done the usual and started to confuse myself. In simple terms is there any advantage in purchase of a 302 Legend over a 302 Trailblazer? What are the differences other than the generator power?

2) The Kohler debate is on my mind, I see listed on Millers spec sheet the Kohler engine is LP gas compatable, does this apply to the Onan engine also?

3) I feel Kohler has a strong reputation for quiality and is a good choice due to outside parts availibility, any horror stories?

This is a pretty good jump for some new stuff but the time seems right, give me your feelings and thoughts on this machine.
I really have clouded my own mind on this one & the right direction

I would love to go diesel but the extreme cost is just way too much, so gas it will be..

Thanks,
Laurence

[DDA52]

The TB 302 would be the weldor's welder. The arc force control alone would push it above the Legend. It has a seperate power and weld generator, so there would be no fighting for power between the two. The Legend is basically the same in arc quality ( 4 pole three phase arc). The different speeds that it works on are interesting. My money would be on the TB 302. It just does more tricks for the operator that the Legend doesn't. More bang for the buck if you will.

The Onan is actually a Robin/Subaru engine. It is what my engine guy recommends at present. He has some issues with the Kohlers. The old Onan/Linamar engines are a different animal if you are familiar with them. Both engines have a solid reputation. The Kohler may be easier to get parts for since they are everywhere. IMO, either would be ok.

[Kelly Aitken]

I am using a legend on the job I'm on right now. It has the onan engine. I personally like onan. I've used a couple of welders with the onan and I have had onan generaters in both of my motor homes. They have all performed flawlessly. I would personally use the onan. Having said that, I have never heard anything bad about kohler engines. I don't think you can go wrong either way.

Kelly

[lramberson]

I will be contacting Miller directly in reference to the LP option, I have received conflicting information from distribitors. I was hoping the main Brains would have chimed in to this thread.
This is a lot of coin for a small operator so the decision is a hard one to make & becomes one of those "did I do the right thing".
I thought I would have received more info, oh well

DDA52, Did your engine guy give you any specifics for his feelings?
Thanks
Laurence

[DDA52]

Laurence
I think he has a problem with their warranty work. I seem to recall him saying that they gave him problems with things that should have been covered under warranty. Apparently he did the work and Kohler refused to pay. It was with valves and camshafts. That is the only dissenting opinion I've heard about Kohler. I know a bunch that swear by them. When I was looking for a replacement engine for my Bobcat, I was looking at either Kohler or Onan/Linamar. I would get a Kohler without hesitation. The same goes for the Onan/Robin/Subaru.

Miller isn't going to put crappy engines in their welders. I'm sure that a ton of research went into their choices. Personally, I would like them to get a Honda in the line-up. There were some that said that the old Onan/Linamar engines were garbage and should have never been installed in a welder. I've seen quite a few of them that outlasted their expected lifetime by 2X to 6X. That's pretty good for an engine that wouldn't hold up, don't you think?? I wouldn't fret about this too much. Either engine will have warranty support and parts will be readily available. Just figure out which you want with regards to the LPG issue and get it. You can't make a mistake either way, IMO.

FWIW, I'm sure a LP gas adaption option is available from the engine manufacturers directly, if not from Miller. Not sure what that would do with the warranty, though.

[wrench3047]

Most of the concerns with Onan motors are from a 20hp opposing cly design they had. This particular motor isn't made anymore. I believe the current motors they make are not even close to the old design others have had problems with. I think the Onan company doesn't exsist as the same company. Bought out or whatever.

[Mike W]

I have an old Onan generator. It stills works great.

[DDA52]

The old Onan doesn't exist. The new ones are a Robin/Subaru engine that has the Onan badge. Sometime very soon, they are supposed to drop the Onan badge altogether.

Wrench
I've still seen quite a few of those old engines with 5-6000 hours and still going strong. Not bad for a 2000 hour engine.

[wrench3047]

John Deere used the that old Onan in a couple of models of lawn tractors. My father had a JD 420 that went thru 3 of them in 2 years. He had a few different operators and the oil wasn't checked as much as it should have. The placement of the oil sensor allowed the motor to run without enough oil and burn it up.

[lramberson]

My main item of concern is:
1) dependability
2) LP gas compatibility, If I run the unit for a certain company the fuel is free.
3) If there is a problem, how tough is it to get a part?
4) The American made is a final pulling point for the Kohler, but I would go for quality and dependability over point of mfg. My Dodge truck is built in Mexico and I like it just fine. Just have to fill the windshield washer with agua instead of water .
It is interesting that the Onan/Robin produces more hp & is larger displacement with smaller oil capacity.
Getting closer to ordering and the final decision, thanks for the help...

[Tailshaft56]

My welding instructor has a new Trailblazer 302. I think he has a kubota engine.

Dennis

[lramberson]

Dennis, how does he like the units performance? More than likely it's the Kohler engine, the engine options are Onan/Robin & Kohler .
I am swingimg in the wind waiting to hear back from engine tech on the lp option for Onan/Robin.
waiting patiently for reply

[Tailshaft56]

Class is Teus. I'll check on the engine then.

Dennis

[Tailshaft56]

Class is Tues. I'll check on the engine then.

Dennis

[DDA52]

He might have a TB 301D. They have a Kubota on them. I would love to give one of them a whirl. A bit too pricey for me though.