The Rod-Runner-Carri-Weld-Mosa MSG 200
Here’s a very nice little portable welder that’s powered by a 2 stroke engine. It was/is produced by a company called Mosa that’s based in Australia. Even though the pictures posted below are of the Hobart Rod-Runner version, there were a few different versions of this same welder sold in the United States. Lincoln Electric sold a version that was called the Carri-Weld 125, Hobart had the Rod-Runner, and Chicago Electric had one too (Sold by Harbor Freight I think). I’m not sure what the model name or number was for the HF version though. Burco currently sells both the Model 200 and 201 S models. Unfortunately i don’t have any photos of these other versions, but If you do and you’d like to share them, I’d love to have a copy to post here.
One of the cool things about these welders, is that they were actually welder generators. They had a maximum welding output of at least 125 amps, and an auxiliary power output of 1650 watts of power at 115 volts DC. It’s really pretty impressive to think that such a tiny engine driven welder could put out a very usable amount of welding output AND a substantial auxiliary power output.
WARNING:You should make keep in mind that provide DC power and not AC if you ever plan to use one of these. Failure to realize this may result in you releasing the magic smoke inside your tools if they’re not DC power friendly – (brushless for instance).
I can’t find any information on the Hobart version since through their website, but luckily Lincoln lists both an operators manual and parts list. They’re marked obsolete though, so you won’t be able to get any parts through Lincoln.
The good news though is that parts are in fact still available. Actually, the welder, or a newer version of it is still available too. Burco Welding & Cutting Products seems to have taken over the reins on supplying parts and service for these welders in the United States. For parts and service elsewhere in the world, you should check out the Mosa Website.
The Older Lincoln Carri-Weld 125 version was actually a Mosa MSG 200. I’m going to assume that the Hobart and Harbor Freight versions were also the Mosa MSG 200 since I can’t locate operators manuals for those welders. From the Lincoln manual though, it states the following specs -
Make – Mosa
Model – MSG 200
Displacement – 7.4 cubic inch
Horsepower – 8.5 @ 6000 rpm
Welding Output – 125 amps DC @ 25 Volts
Range – 75 – 125 amps
Duty Cycle – 30%
O.C.V. – 40 – 55 volts depending on rpm
Generator Power Output – 1650 watts 115 volts DC
The currently available models from Burco are the Model 200 and Model 201 S. These newer models have increased both the welding output, and the auxiliary power output over the older Lincoln, Hobart, and Harbor Freight versions.
As far as weld output is concerned, these newer machines are identical (Model 200 and Model 201 S) and provide a welding output range of 50 – 200 amps, with a rated 165 amp output @ 60% duty cycle. The difference between the two is their auxiliary power output. The model 200 provides 3kva of DC power, whereas the Model 201 S provides 3kva of AC power. Both at 60hz.
It’s worth noting that the Mosa versions of these welders are identical except that the auxiliary power output is based on a 50hz output, and the model numbers are slightly different (model 200 S, MSG Chopper, and the MSG 201 S/EL 50 Hz)
They’re certainly impressive little portable welders. I can’t imagine carrying around a machine with a 200 amp output AND an ac power source. If anyone out there has any insight, or a review of these welders, feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear how they weld since i haven’t had a chance to try one out yet.
i have a hobart power weld 200 ac. it has four 110 plug ins AND a 220. it welds great. even aluminum. good machine im very impressed for the age of the machine. it is powered by a 16 hp briggs and stratton.
April 5th, 2009 at 8:35 pmHi i have a hobart rodrunner, i think it’s a 290 amp but a will check! Mine was not working, i mean the welding part because i fixed the engine ( carburetor ) and this kind of welding is a high frequency welding that is why you can have so much power from a small machine i will try to make it work these week and i will let you know !!
May 28th, 2009 at 5:46 pmHi Christian. Good luck with your welder, and let us know how it works out for you!
May 31st, 2009 at 8:51 amI Looking for Info. on a MOSA DC. HF. Gas Powered Welder? It Is… MS.- 170- N, Made in Milan, Italy.
July 11th, 2009 at 5:06 am70- 170 Amps.
Thanks; …. Norm :
Hi Norm
I’m not sure they made a 170 model, or if they did i can’t find anything about it. The 200 model is the closest in output to yours @ 165 amps.
Your best bet is to check out http://www.burco.net. They sell replacement parts for mosa welders. And if that doesn’t work, you could try contacting mosa directly, they may be able to point you in the right direction. Their website is here: http://www.mosa.com.au
If you find out anything, please let us know. There are probably others wondering the same thing.
July 29th, 2009 at 9:14 amGood luck!
I have a Horbart rod runner
November 9th, 2009 at 9:24 pmI’ll see if I can find a mannual and let you know.
That’d be great. Seem like a lot of people are looking for one, and they’re pretty scarce.
November 11th, 2009 at 12:10 pmI own a MSG 200 by Chicago Electric by Harbor Freight,it is made in Italy. Mine is 10hp 2 cycle engine it says and has 10:1 compression it is a super powerful engine. Runs like a top.I started it up today with 4 pulls and it was sitting idle for four years. I burned out one circuit board they cost 100.00 I did get parts from Harbor Freight before. Not sure if I still can get another circuit board. I damaged the second one it works if I plug in a power tool. It really puts out 200 amps this little thing not at the full rated percent but. It will weld all day at 125 amps. It sounds just great when it runs.It is very impressive for it’s size. I’m not for the DC generator part but ok if have the right grinder ect. the circuit boards seem to go out on me but I know I push the welder a bit.I have done some big commerical jobs with this unit. It can go in really tight places.I ran 100 foot leads on it 2/0 runs great.I’m more a stick welder for 40 years. This unit is part HF and regular stick. I welded with full HF stick before and I don’t like the high pitch sound it makes. The welds start just great. Great high tech welders. These are very good on fuel too.Mine is about 15 years old still runs like a top It has many hours on it.I have to check with Harbor Freight if I can still get parts for it.
November 11th, 2009 at 8:43 pmI just aquired a Carri-Weld 125 this weekend. The inside panel says it was made in Italy for Lincoln. It was used by a company that did field maintenance on construction equipment. The start rope was stuck all the way out, looks like a design flaw when I disasembled it, The foreman said they used it 3 times and the rope stuck all three times. That was 11 years ago. He gave it to me for nothing. I fixed the rewind. cleaned the carb. It runs perfect. Little suprised at the operating RPM’s, (high is an understatement). Welds like a champ!
January 19th, 2010 at 12:50 pmThey’re definitely a neat looking little welder. I’ve talked to a few people that have had or used these welders, and everyone so far has liked them. You did well to get one for free!
Those two stroke engines do rev high. That’s the trade off for their small size and light weight. One good thing about them though is that they’re very easy to work on and rebuild.
February 1st, 2010 at 12:25 pm