When it comes to welding equipment, the possibilities seem endless these days. Two options
available for portable welding are battery-powered welders and engine-driven welders. If
you’re considering one of these welders, it’s important to understand the advantages of each
one and which applications they work best in. Here’s what to know before you make a buying
decision.
Understanding Battery Powered Welders
With battery-powered welders, you’ll get both portability and convenience. These compact
units are powered by rechargeable batteries, providing the flexibility to weld in remote, rugged locations or when you’re working in confined spaces where traditional power sources aren’t easy to access. This makes it simpler for contractors, maintenance personnel, and field
technicians to get work done on-site without interruption.
ESAB recently entered this market with its first-ever battery-powered welder, Renegade VOLT.
It comes with a DeWalt FLEXVOLT battery platform, a detachable battery box, and a standalone, 4-port, fast charger. With it, you can go straight to a job site, set up in seconds, and start welding immediately without cords or cables getting in the way. This makes it a great fit for jobs like maintenance and repair work, construction projects, and light industrial fabrication.
Understanding Engine Driven Welders
In contrast, engine-driven welders like the Ruffian series from ESAB are driven by internal
combustion engines, providing a reliable and independent power source. These too are ideal
for remote job sites or areas lacking electricity infrastructure. However, they’re different from
battery-powered welders in that they are best used in medium and heavy-duty applications,
such as pipeline construction, infrastructure development, and agricultural machinery repair.
Their high power output and extended duty cycles make them valuable tools for professionals
who need to tackle demanding welding tasks, without having to rely on grid power. With
engine-drive welders, professionals can access the power they need to perform the most
demanding jobs in the field, on a construction site, or on the farm.
Next Steps to Help You Decide
While battery-powered welders offer unmatched mobility and convenience for those on-the-
go, engine-driven welders provide robust power and performance for demanding industrial
settings. Understanding your unique needs will help you select the right welding solution.
If you want to find out more about battery-powered vs. engine driven welders before making a
move, continue reading about VOLT’s many benefits, or check out this video overview of the
Ruffian.