• Multiprocess PRO 300 designed for rig owners, fleets
• Big Blue 400, Big Blue 500 meet construction, heavy maintenance needs

APPLETON, Wis., Jan. 1, 2004 - For superior performance in construction and heavy maintenance and repair applications, Miller Electric Mfg. Co. introduces three new low-speed diesel engine-driven welding generators. Miller’s new PRO 300, Big Blue® 400 and Big Blue 500 offer the longevity of 1800 RPM operation, choices of CAT, Perkins or Deutz engines, Stick/TIG or Stick/TIG/MIG models and amperage outputs of 300, 400 or 500 amps at 100 percent duty cycle. A summary of the new products and comparison charts are available at MillerWelds.com/products/enginedriven.

“Our Big Blue engine drives already set the industry standards for reliability in harsh environments, but we made them even better and more reliable,” says John Luck, product manager, Miller Electric. “Plus, we added the PRO 300 for those wanting a compact, full-featured machine at an economical price.”

PRO 300 for Value and Size

The PRO 300 is ideal for the independent rig owner or fleet manager who values a multiprocess (CC/CV) output, full-featured benefits, excellent arc quality, light weight and economy. The list price is just $9,711, or about 7 to 27 percent less than competitive diesel engine drives.

“Field tests indicate that the PRO 300 offers outstanding arc performance with E6010 and E7018 rods,” says Luck. “In addition, it’s a more economical alternative to Lincoln’s Classic 300D, SA 250, Pipeliner 200D, Commander 300 or Classic IID.”

The PRO 300 features a 22 HP CAT diesel engine (3-cylinder, water cooled), weighs 1,100 lbs., measures 32x26x56 in., a 20 to 410 amp welding output (300 amps at 100 percent duty cycle) and digital meters for accuracy. It offers Stick welding arc characteristics suitable for cross country pipeline work, Lift-Arc™ DC TIG arc starts suitable for code-quality welds on process pipe and a CV output for running voltage-sensitive flux cored and solid wires. It can air carbon arc gouge with 1/4-in. diameter carbons. The PRO 300 delivers 12 kW of generator power, which is independent of weld control settings, to operate grinders, lights and even other welding and cutting equipment. For increased operator comfort and safety, its sound level is rated at a quiet 69 dB at 23 ft.

“No other low-speed diesel engine drive comes close to matching the performance, benefits or economy of the PRO 300,” states Luck. “Further, because the PRO 300 features Miller’s exclusive “Vault” design, competitive CC/CV diesels cannot match its reliability.”

From a size and amperage perspective, the PRO 300 replaces Miller’s Big Blue 251, which is now discontinued.

NEW BIG BLUE OFFERS MORE VALUE

The new Big Blue 400 and 500 replace the Big Blue 302, 402 and 502. Common features of the new machines include an easier to understand control panel with pressure and temperature gauges as standard features. A simplified starting system features an industrial-grade marine ignition switch (no push button Murphy bypass) and a starter interlock to prevent cranking while the engine is on.

The Big Blue 400 provides a 20 to 550 amp welding output (400 amps at 100 percent duty cycle), while the Big Blue 500 provides a 20 to 600 amp welding output (500 amps at 100 percent duty cycle). Both machines measure 28Wx43Hx64D and provide options for Perkins (water cooled) or Deutz (air/oil cooled) engines.

As with the previous models, the Big Blue 400 and Big Blue 500 come in CC (Stick/TIG), CC/CV (Stick/TIG/MIG) and CC/CV deluxe models.

CC models best withstand severe environment and abuse because they feature fewer controls and do not contain any control boards. They offer 5.5 kW of generator power while welding. CC/CV models provide a multiprocess output for greater flexibility and feature the “Vault,” a die-cast aluminum, gasket-sealed housing that shields the unit’s single control board from the elements. Deluxe models offer CC/CV benefits plus weld meters and 15 kW (Big Blue 400) or 20 kW (Big Blue 500) of three-phase/12 kW of single-phase generator power.

All Miller engine drives are covered by Miller’s True Blue® three-year factory warranty; the engines are covered separately by the manufacturer for three years. To download a product spec sheet, visit Miller's Web site at www.MillerWelds.com. For more information or to locate the Miller distributor nearest you, call 1-800-4-A-MILLER (800-426-4553), fax 877-327-8132, visit the Web site 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.