First off you can't compare a BB402D to a PipePro, they are completely different machines. The PipePro is basically an XMT304 CC/CV inverter so the engine just makes power to run the XMT inside it. The BB402D is an AC rectified machine they are nothing alike. Run some beads, hot, fills and caps with and XMT and you will see what I am saying.
I think the SAE500 is an excellent machine but I would not even consider it for my rig. 3000W ac aux power will not work for me. The Vantage 500 Compact is better suited for a rig truck than the SAE500. The Vantage is cheaper $15,591 and $17,478for the SAE500. The Vantage is much lighter at 1,290# compared to the SAE500 at 2,048# and way smaller dimensionally. Besides my truck won't handle the SAE500 it is just too big and heavy. The Vantage will do way better on fuel, has 20,000W ac aux power, better arc tune ability and is a true multiprocess engine driven machine; no need to buy extra CV or TIG modules with the Vantage machines. For me it would be a no brainer. The BB402D is a great machine for industrial use but it lacks the arc tune ability that I would want for pipeline/process pipe welding. I say this because I own a BB500D. It all depends on what you are doing. You say pipe work, mainline pipeline or plant pipe? Either way the vantage 500 Compact will do more (multiprocess) and do it just as well as anything Lincoln has on the market.
EDIT: those are the internet prices off of Lincolns site
Have you ever seen anyone set up an XMT on a truck and run it off of a machine such as a Vantage, Big Blue, or any other machine with enough auxillary power to run it. Just curious if this would be acceptable on pipeline or if you would get laughed at.
Robert 48, I have run my Aerowave and my XMT350MPa off of my Vantage 400. One cold night my brother-ins law machine quit and I just happened to have the XMT in my knack box. Hooked it up and we both welded at the same time with no problems. This was on a distribution project and it flipped out a couple of the hands to see us both weld off one machine.
I have run my ALT304, Dynasty200 and Spectrum 2050 off my trailblazer and the BB500D many times. I can use it in several different ways depending on the job requirements. I might leave it set up for TIG or run two arcs off the same engine drive if need be. Just the other day I had a trackhoe bucket to fix. They told me if I could have it done before noon there was an extra $500 in it for me. My old man and I had her done by 11:20!!! I don't pipeline so I have no clue whats being done out there.
I run a 500 Compact. It will EAT anything Blue. I Think Lincoln would be ahead of the game if it were the Only machine they made.
cactus your killin me buddy..lol :)
Not me !! The 500 Compact is !
At my day job we have 10 Air Vantage 500's with the Cummins and they are excellent machines. I appreciate a good welding machine and have used many in my career and I will say that the Vantage welders are one of the best I have ever used. We also have BB AirPaks and here in Az, HELL for all you that have not visited, the Vantage outperforms the Millers in every area but gouging and breakdowns! The BB AirPaks seem to like gouging, no trips to the Doctor for them yet??? This is a mining application and we push the machines at max output almost 24-7. The Vantage is not suited for gouging at max rated output and not taking a trip the the Welder Doctor. I would not and do not run "MY" machines like this because I don't have the need or reason. If I were to rig up a new truck right now for any kind of Rig Truck work it would have a Vantage 500 Compact sitting on the back. As far as I am concerned Miller does not have the features that Lincoln has when comparing the "500AMP class" machines together. But keep in mind I am not a pipeliner and my needs differ from the needs of a pipeliner.
Vantage, Vantage, Vantage. It will eventually rest in history like the Commander.
Come back.
Rick, Seems like I remember........... Oh Yeah, here it is ! And you were saying ?
Do you mean the, "No pokin' the pooch" sticker? lol
Who makes that torch reel in the pic. I have been looking for one of those.
looks like a tidwell
tidwell.com
Rick I have 7 more years of child support before I even think of buying a new machine. I guess I will test your theory at that point. It won’t matter Cactus will buy up all the patents from Lincoln and keep building them for us fellers that like them!
LOL! I bet you are right! He is Vantage crazy!
Are you a redface man Rick..???
RC
He is a Vantage Man ! Look at his face ! He is in denial.
Ok Rick you got to admit old Cactus does have a point...!!! Ether there is a girl with no clothes on taking that picture or you are sure happy about running that machine..!!!!! Im not sure I want to know which one it is... LOL
RC
I love a redface! Had to let one go to ACOSTA recently. Running a 300.
The look on my face involved sheer relief in not having purchased a Vantage! LOL!!
LOL.... Watch out you just raised old Cactus's blood pressure..!!!!
That redface will out weld that 300..???
RC
It would outstack it downhill. 300 seems better if your running lo hy.
I have been known to stress Cactus in one fashion or another on occasion.
Ok tell me about the Vantage 500. I have all ways own Millers I did have a 400 commander that my helper use but I had touble with it , don't have nothing against Lincolns just didn't know much about them. I am thing to get in to more mainline pipeline work than bridge work. I want to pick a machine that will suit me the best. I know how the mllers runs I want to find out more about Lincolns. A freind of mind got the 300D with the Kobota and welds good on bridge work and great on pipe. But I am not sure it would be big enough to do some of the bridge work I do now that I think about it. I would like to weld with the Vantage 500. Any body live close to Thomaston Ga. that got a Vantage 500.
Almost any equipment rental company has them... You can get one for a day and run it through the mill... Or through the Miller I meant...LOL Give it a try and then make your up own mind... You will see on this forum that people ether LOVE them or they think they are over rated... I'm in the Love section... You wont know till you try it..!!!
Thats my 2cents worth
Thanks I'll check with some of the rental companies and see iff they got 1.