The Lincoln Classic 2
First of all, I have a bias toward the Classic 2. When I judge a machine, any machine, I have criteria I have to meet.
The first is maintainability; I must be able to source spare parts, either from the OPM or the aftermarket. If you cannot repair your machine, it is worse than useless!
How can it be worse than useless? It's money wasted, lost forever.
The Classic series of welders was supposed to be the successors to the SA-200, SA-250-3.152, and the SA250-F163. The Classic 1 used the Continental TM-27. The Classic 3 the Continential TMD-27 diesel. The Classic 2 used the Deutz F3`1000.
What no one will tell you about the Octagon barrel SA200. Basically, the SA200, SA250, 3.152, Classic series, and 300 series diesels have almost identical designs. There are different armature lengths and bearings: different shunt coils, and other differences. With one design, a whole new line of machines was created, featuring more powerful engines, more torque, and higher current output. The commonality of the basic welder/AC exciter made it a profitable design.
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Except for engines, engine and idle controls, the machines are almost identical. Keep this in mind when you are sourcing parts and service,
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As an independent welder or in a portable welding business, you need a machine that is simple, dependable, and easy to maintain. The welder end dates back to the early 1980s, with good technicians usually over 40. That leaves the engine to contend with. The air-cooled Deutz goes back to World War II. The design is proven; the F3L1011L is a very popular industrial engine, and any diesel mechanic worth his salt has worked on one.
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1. Second only to lubrication failures, cooling system problems are a major failure point in water-cooled engines. There are different problems at high and low temperatures. The Deutz is called an air-cooled engine, which is a misnomer; it is more of an oil-cooled engine. There is a large oil cooler, inline with the cooling air fan. The cooling fan forces air through the oil cooler, over the cooling fins on the cylinders and heads.
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2. Recommended oil change intervals are 1000 hours; it holds 7.3 quarts.
Compared to a Kubota D722 at 100 hours, or in the real world, every two weeks (it only holds 2.75 quarts), plus a new oil filter. ​
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3. The Deutz engine has separate fuel injector pumps for each injector, simplifying fuel service.
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4. The engine includes broken fan belt automatic shut down, and low oil pressure, overheating, and automatic shutdown.
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5. I always hear horror stories about changing the rubber timing belt. It's more complicated, but nothing the average DIY can do. Once you have done it, you'll see how straightforward it is. The manual suggests changing the belt every 2000 hours. In application of the Classic 2, this is not necessary. The belt has a life expectancy of 2000 hours under full-load conditions at maximum RPM (3000 RPM). It idles at 900 RPMs and welds at 1850 RPMs. How much stress is placed on it? I've seen them last over 6000 hours in the Classic 2. I would keep a spare belt and the tools to change it.
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6. If the breaks while the engine is running, you will bend two or more push rods-they are designed to bend, no engine damage. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
The additional air vents and the short stack lets you know it's a Classic 2
Lincoln Electric has obsoleted the AC exciter frame. The image above is a Weldmart rewound exciter frame, epoxy coated with a two-year warranty (twice Lincoln's new warranty)
The Red dot shows the oil cooler
The Red dot indicates the cooling air fan; the alternator is right behind it.
The green dot indicates the timing belt cover.
The image above shows the maintenance side of the Deutz engine. Normal engine maintenance and engine troubleshooting can be done from one side. Note: We offer the parts listed. They are not on the website, we need to talk to you, please call us or email your request at the information below.
l Lincoln Electric has obsoleted the low idle system parts for the Classic 2. The image to the left is the Weldmart upgrade low idle solenoid. It will upgrade all Classic 2 Deutz welders.
