Editorial Contact:

Chuck Schroeder
Charleston|Orwig, Inc.
(262) 563-5056
cschroeder@comktg.com

IMPROVED TRAILBLAZER‚ PRO 350 D HAS BETTER ARC QUALITY, OFFERS 20 PERCENT MORE GENERATOR POWER

- Arc-Drive for improved Stick welding performance; also better TIG performance

- Now with 12,000 watts to run bigger tools, inverters

- Automatic Start at Idle, Weld at Idle lower fuel use, noise

APPLETON, Wis., August 2002 -
The improved Trailblazer Pro 350 D diesel engine driven welding generator from Miller Electric Mfg. Co. features Arc-Drive and Hot Start™ for outstanding Stick performance, a better AC/DC TIG arc and 2,000 watts more generator power than the previous unit.

"The Trailblazer Pro 350 D meets the needs of contractors who liked the performance of the PipePro 304 engine-driven inverter but preferred an engine drive featuring traditional technology or an AC/DC welding output," said John Leisner, product manager, Miller Electric.

Designed for structural steel work, process plant piping, fabrication, mechanical contractors and independent rig owners, the Trailblazer Pro 350 D outperforms and can replace Lincoln’s Classic series, Commander 300 and SA-250, as well as older Miller machines without Arc-Drive active dig control for improved Stick performance. Compared to these engine drives, the Trailblazer Pro can improve productivity and weld quality while increasing reliability and lowering the cost of ownership.

The Trailblazer Pro 350 D provides 20 to 350 amps of DC Stick/TIG/MIG welding output and 12,000 continuous watts of voltage-regulated 120/240 V single-phase generator power. For TIG welding aluminum, it has a 35 to 250 AC output. Powered by a 26 HP Kubota diesel, it has a 100 percent duty cycle rating of 300 amps/32 volts in an ambient temperature of 104 F.

Better Arc Performance

The Trailblazer Pro features Arc-Drive active dig control and Hot Start arc start enhancer. When making a root weld on pipe or plate with an E6010 electrode, Arc-Drive:

- Focuses the arc in the center of the joint, preventing it from jumping to one side or the other.

- Prevents the electrode from sticking, helping eliminate arc outages.

- Provides the arc force necessary to create a good bead on the backside of the joint, making it easier for the operator to ensure 100 percent penetration.

- Allows the operator to push the electrode closer to the joint without it sticking to the weld puddle. This helps when welding tightly butted joints (joints with a less-than optimal root opening), because the operator has to crowd the electrode to ensure penetration.

Arc-Drive also improves E7018 performance. Working in conjunction with Miller’s Hot Start technology, Arc-Drive boosts the amperage for a few milliseconds during arc start. The additional current improves arc starts, especially during restrikes when the end of the electrode is covered with flux. Additional current also improves 7018 performance in situations where the arc length is too short, which often occurs when operators weld out-of-position or in tight corners. (Voltage is directly proportional to arc length. On some machines, if the arc becomes too short, the subsequent voltage drop may cause arc to become unstable or extinguished.)

"Operators, construction companies and rental houses that prefer simple machines should note that Arc-Drive works automatically whenever operators weld in the Stick mode. There are no knobs to adjust," said Leisner.

The new Trailblazer Pro also offers a better DC TIG scratch start to minimize tungsten contamination, as well as a smoother and more controllable AC TIG arc.

More Generator Power

With 12,000 watts of power (2,000 watts more than before), the Trailblazer Pro’s output now matches that of the PipePro. This additional generator power allows contractors to run larger motors, tools and power sources, such as a CST™ 250 Stick/TIG inverter, XMT 304 CC/CV inverter or a Spectrum 2050 plasma cutter.

"Contractors can create a cost-efficient, multi-operator welding system for the field with just one engine drive," states Leisner.

Trailblazer Pro produces strong generator power while welding. One operator can use its welding output to Stick weld at 150 amps — more than enough power to run the 1/8-in Stick electrodes used for about 80 percent of construction work — while another operator can draw up to 9,500 watts of generator power.

For optimum tool performance, the Trailblazer Pro provides "voltage regulated" 120/240 VAC power, the same type of power as in your garage. If you’ve ever experience slow tool speeds with other engine drives, such as drooping RPM on a grinder or drill, the Trailblazer Pro can provide a solution.

Idle Savings

The improved Trailblazer Pro now incorporates Automatic Start at Idle™ and Weld at Idle™ functions. The first function idles the engine immediately after it is started. The second function allows an operator to lock the machine in the idle mode and weld in the DC mode at up to 180 amps. Both functions reduce fuel use, lower noise and extend engine life. Fuel consumption is .62 gal/hour when welding at 150 amps. Competitive multi-process engine drives use 1.1 gal/hour.

The Trailblazer Pro may also lower vehicle fuel use because, at 998 lb., it weighs hundreds of pounds less than other engine drives in its class. Its compact design allows it to fit across the bed of a standard pick-up truck, and it does not obscure visibility through the rear window.

The welding components are covered by Miller’s True Blue 3-year factory warranty, and the engine has a 2-year warranty, which is covered separately by the manufacturer.

To download a Trailblazer Pro 350 D spec sheet, visit Miller's website at MillerWelds.com. For more information or the Miller distributor nearest you, call 800-4-A-MILLER (800-426-4553), e-mail info@millerwelds.com, fax 877-327-8132, visit the website or write to Miller Electric Mfg. Co., P.O. Box 100, Lithonia, GA 30058.

With headquarters in Appleton, Wis., Miller Electric Mfg. Co. is a leading worldwide manufacturer of Miller and Hobart brand arc welding equipment and related systems for metalworking, construction, maintenance and other applications. Miller Electric is a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), Glenview, Ill. ITW is a diversified multinational manufacturer of highly engineered components, assemblies and systems.