When you’ve spent decades repairing and maintaining diesel equipment – from cement mixers to semi-trucks and everything in between – you learn that having the right equipment makes all the difference, especially in the field.
MAKING MECHANICS MOBILE
My mechanic career started when working with my father on cement mixers and owner-operator rigs, before moving to various positions servicing heavy equipment. Upon launching MDS Diesel in 2006, I knew that having versatile, reliable equipment would be essential. Today, we maintain fleets, service owner-operators, support rental companies and repair everything from medium-duty trucks to heavy-duty construction equipment.
The new Vanair Air N Arc 330 Diesel 60 CFM All-IN-ONE Mobile Power System has enhanced the way we approach mobile repairs. When servicing vehicles at rental yards, we are able to handle a variety of tasks on our trucks, from aluminum welding and brake repairs, to changing forks and fixing hydraulic issues. Having multiple capabilities in one compact unit means we don’t need to carry separate pieces of equipment, which maximizes our productivity and efficiency.
COMPACT DESIGN, EXPANSIVE CAPABILITIES
One of the first things you notice about the system is its compact footprint. It’s a small, lightweight package that we’ve mounted on top of the side pack, freeing up a lot of bed space for us. It weighs around 700 pounds and people are surprised by how much capability comes in such a relatively small package.
MANY FORMS OF POWER IN ONE UNIT
Lincoln Electric DC Multi-Process Arc Welder: It incorporates Lincoln’s Chopper Technology, delivering consistent arc performance. The welder provides constant current capabilities for stick, gouge and TIG welding at 35-330 amps, plus constant voltage capabilities for MIG and flux-core welding at 14-40 volts.
Rotary Screw Air Compressor: This compressor delivers 60 CFM at 100 PSI—50 percent more air power than previous models. It can also produce 40 CFM at 150 PSI with a maximum pressure of 175 PSI, without requiring an air vessel.
Lincoln Electric AC Generator: The direct-coupled AC brush generator delivers 10,000 watts of continuous output (120/240V, 60Hz), with smooth output that minimizes distortion.
Battery Boost/Charger: With 330 amps of 12V/24V boost capabilities and 50 amps of 12V charge capacity; even handling jump starts for 24-volt systems.
Chassis Charge: It offers up to 150A charge-back-to-chassis mode.
Electronic Control System: The electronic variable speed control automatically adjusts engine RPM based on power demand.
RESPONSIVE POWER
The on-demand throttle response is a feature that’s easy to overlook until you’ve experienced it. Power management means the unit automatically adjusts to your needs. It can throttle up with a grinder and as soon as I release the trigger, it idles back down, which conserves fuel and reduces noise when full power isn’t needed. The power output has exceeded expectations.
COLLABORATION OF LEADERS
The system represents a collaboration between Lincoln Electric, a leader in arc welding products, and Vanair with their expertise in Mobile Power Solutions.
Lincoln’s contribution is most evident in the welding system. Their Chopper Technology delivers arc control and consistent performance. For welding operations, it’s smooth, and we’ve done ARC gouging with plenty of power. The ability to connect a Lincoln LN-25X suitcase feeder for MIG applications or a TIG torch for precision work extends its capabilities.
Meanwhile, Vanair’s expertise shines through in the air compressor system and the unit’s overall integration. The air compressor is integrated, so we don’t need two machines, which has been invaluable for our operation.
DURABILITY AND SUPPORT
At the heart of the unit is a water-cooled, three-cylinder 24.8 horsepower Kubota diesel engine that’s Tier 4 final emission compliant. The electronic governor ensures consistent performance regardless of load conditions.
The design extends to features like latched access hood panels with lift-off hinges, making maintenance straightforward. The side panels provide easy access to all major service points, which reduces downtime when service is needed.
We’ve used Vanair equipment at our shop for years and noticed its commitment to customer support. When calling, I’ve been able to speak with an engineer, meet him in person if needed, and learn about the machines. Their responsiveness has always been consistent.
CONTROL CONVENIENCE
The remote-control panel has proven to be another standout feature. We’ve mounted ours in a side compartment on the truck, providing convenient access without climbing up and down from the bed, a significant safety advantage when working in challenging environments.
The 4.3-inch electronic LCD display with bright-light visibility means our team can easily view the screen even in direct sunlight. The selector knob and pushbuttons provide intuitive navigation through menus and settings.
WORTH THE INVESTMENT
For mobile diesel mechanics weighing equipment options, the Air N Arc 330D 60 CFM represents a significant investment that delivers substantial returns. The collaboration between Lincoln Electric Company and Vanair has produced a system that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Having run MDS Diesel for nearly two decades now, I’ve used plenty of equipment, but few tools have had the impact on our business that this system has. It’s not just about having multiple capabilities in one unit – it’s about having the right capabilities, engineered to professional standards, in a package designed for real-world mobile service applications.
about the author
Chris Cole is the owner/operator of MDS Diesel Service Inc., in Ramona, California. To learn more, visit www.vanair.com/air-n-arc-330-diesel-all-in-one-power-system.
