Project Specific Thread: Welding Trucks

[SkidSteerSteve]

Ok, you know the routine with these threads....Time to show off the trucks! Include any special notes or other things that would be helpful to other mobile operations. SSS

[HMW]

Heres the newest truck we have were I work. I've posted some pics of the welder already. granted, its not a dedicated "welding" truck like alot of guys have, but we do road mechanic work and a fair amount of welding is involved. Really enjoy looking at everybodys trucks so please post more. Like to look at shops too

[KB Fabrications]

Here's my rig. I'm still working on it though.

[monte55]

I noticed you have the welder uphill in case the truck should fall and roll. Good thinking. That's what separates the pros from the newbs

[calweld]

Ok, here's a real welding rig. I don't have pictures of it as it was originally set up, had a Miller TB250G and a Miller 4G Trailblazer (which most of you have never even heard of). First pictures are the truck in it's second "life", with a Hobart Mega-arc 200, and a Miller 301G Trailblazer. Hobart was for Air-arc and heavy welding (325 amps +, CC only), TB301 was for everything else.

About two years ago I picked up a couple Lincoln Commander 500's, CC/CV machines, made keeping two separate welders on the truck kind of redundant. Plus the Duetz diesels get better fuel mileage than any gas machines I've ever owned.

The truck is a 1985 IHC 1900, with a DT466 engine and air brakes, all running gear is identical to any class 7 or 8 truck, parts are easy and cheap to find.

Third and fourth pics show the truck as it currently is.

[calweld]

Before I had the IHC, I had this bed (pictures one and two) on this F350 (third pic). Only had one welder, Miller Trailblazer 250 (three versions of it, though). Like everybody else at one time or another, I had an overloaded dually (very overloaded). In my experience, even a well-used medium truck, in fair condition, will run easier and cost less in the long run than a brand new light truck in this type of business.

[calweld]

Maybe a little less intimidating, but more appropriate for many jobs, when I pulled the 301G off the truck, had approx 1200 hours on it, I made a little self-contained skid for it, 1/4" alum diamondplate, with torch bottles and a 36" Knack box, perfect for dropping on my little 1/2 ton pickup and doing the simple jobs. You'd be amazed at how much you can get into one of those Knack boxes, without even cramming. Something like this would be great for the "weekend warrior" or somebody with a shop that needs to do the occasional field job.

[calweld]

Note that this skid isn't as "user-friendly" as others that have been posted on the motorsports and Hobart boards, but it wasn't made to be, it's not my "daily driver" so it doesn't have to be, oftentimes using this I'm staying overnight at motels, security is more important than convenience, I don't want hose reels or cable reels outside where they are exposed. Worst case, it takes me ten minutes to set everything up, cables, torches, etc., another ten minutes to strip it all down again and secure it in the box.

[HMW]

Nice pics. Calweld, your right about the larger truck. Even a well used one is sometimes cheaper than a new light duty one. Also air brakes and older diesels are very reliable with parts easy to get.

[Fat-Fab.com]

Here's my rig. I'm still working on it though.

I like the wheel chock, but the are the 4x4 posts OSHA approved?