Lincoln Electric IM10155 SAE-300 HE - Manual (Page 16)

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OPERATION SAE-300 ® HE
ENGINE BREAK-IN
Lincoln Electric selects high quality, heavy-duty industrial
engines for the portable welding machines we offer. While it is
normal to see a small amount of crankcase oil consumption dur-
ing initial operation, excessive oil use, wet stacking (oil or tar like
substance at the exhaust port), or excessive smoke is not nor-
mal.
Larger machines with a capacity of 350 amperes and higher,
which are operated at low or no-load conditions for extended
periods of time are especially susceptible to the conditions
described above. To accomplish successful engine break-in,
most diesel-powered equipment needs only to be run at a rea-
sonably heavy load within the rating of the welder for some peri-
od of time during the engine’s early life. However, if the welder
is subjected to extensive light loading, occasional moderate to
heavy loading of the engine may sometimes be necessary.
Caution must be observed in correctly loading a diesel/generator
unit.
1. Connect the welder output studs to a suitable resistive load
bank. Note that any attempt to short the output studs by
connecting the welding leads together, direct shorting of the
output studs, or connecting the output leads to a length of
steel will result in catastrophic damage to the generator and
voids the warranty.
2. Set the welder controls for an output current and voltage
within the welder rating and duty cycle. Note that any
attempt to exceed the welder rating or duty cycle for any
period of time will result in catastrophic damage to the gen-
erator and voids the warranty.
3. Periodically shut off the engine and check the crankcase oil
level.
WELDER OPERATION
DUTY CYCLE
The NEMA output rating of the SAE-300® HE is 300 amperes at
32 arc volts on a 60% duty cycle (consult Specifications in this
manual for alternate ratings). Duty cycle is based on a ten
minute period; thus, the welder can be loaded at rated output for
six minutes out of every ten minute period.
CURRENT CONTROL
Do not adjust the “Current Control” while welding because
this can damage the control.
The “Coarse Current Control” is the main Current Adjuster and
together with the “Fine Current Control” adjusts the current
from minimum to maximum. Open circuit voltage is also con-
trolled by the “Fine Current Control” permitting control of the arc
characteristics.
A high open circuit voltage setting provides the soft “buttering”
arc with best resistance to pop-outs preferred for most welding.
To get this characteristic, set the “Coarse Current Control” to the
lowest setting that still provides the current you need and set the
“Fine Current Control” near maximum.
When a forceful “digging” arc is required, usually for vertical and
overhead welding, use a higher “Coarse Current Control” setting
and lower open circuit voltage.
Some arc instability may be experienced with EXX10 electrodes
when trying to operate with long arc techniques at settings at the
lower end of the open circuit voltage range.
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
• Do not touch electrically live parts or
electrode with skin or wet clothing.
• Insulate yourself from work and ground.
FUMES & GASES can be dangerous.
• Keep your head out of the fumes.
• Use ventilation or exhaust to remove
fumes from breathing zone.
WELDING SPARKS can cause fire or explosion.
• Keep flammable material away.
ARC RAYS can burn.
• Wear eye, ear, and body protection.
WARNING
CAUTION