There are other manufacturers of combination welder-generators, too. Be careful in your selection to find a machine that runs at 1800 RPM in generator mode. Many run at 3600 RPM all the time. Onan makes an excellent 4.5 kilowatt unit designed for mobile applications, like utility vehicles and motorhomes. Diesels have no ignition systems, carburetors, nor spark plugs.
Diesels are simple in design and extremely durable.
With few exceptions, properly serviced diesel engines will run for years and years before needing an overhaul. But there s always a catch. The catch is that diesel-powered generators in the small sizes required by the average homestead are expensive. Onan has recently introduced several versions of small diesel generators. They come in sizes from 4.5 KW on up, and are powered by Onan or Kubota engines, depending on the model.