U.S. Engine-Driven Welder Market Size & Share Analysis - Trends, Drivers, Competitive Landscape, and Forecasts (2024 - 2030)

U.S. Engine-Driven Welder Market Trends & Growth Drivers

Launches of Advanced Models Is Key Market Trend

• In recent years, the demand for advanced engine-driven welders, which provide greater flexibility and compatibility with different types of welding processes, and are user friendly, has witnessed a rise in the U.S.
• Owing to this, manufacturing companies are developing engine-driven welders that are compact, lightweight, and easy to operate, and have a less set up time.
• Leading manufacturers, such as Miller Electric Mfg. LLC and Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc., lately launched a series of new products integrated with technologies in order to offer advanced products and further diversify their product portfolios.
• For instance, Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.’s Frontier 400X engine-driven welder is powered by a 24.7-HP, turbocharged Perkins’ diesel engine.
• This welder delivers plenty of reliable, all-day power with 400 A of welding output to handle high-amperage applications, and 11 kW of 1/3 phase auxiliary power to run any type of tool.
• The machine features an impact-rated digital user interface that allows for unmatched machine control and simplicity, along with the additional benefits of saving weld-mode memories, maintenance reminders, productivity metrics, and optional personal identification number (PIN) authorization.

Growth in Construction Sector Is Biggest Market Driver

• Engine-driven welders are used in the construction sector to weld steel in residential and commercial sites and weld construction equipment.
• The construction industry in the U.S. has witnessed stable growth over the past few years, and the trend is likely to continue during the forecast period.
• With construction activities shifting to remote areas (outside towns), where uncertainties exist about the availability of power, the demand for engine-integrated welders is expected to increase.
• This is attributed to their ability to serve as welding machines and, at the same time, supply power at construction sites.
• Moreover, in March 2021, the President of the U.S., Joe Biden unveiled a more-than-USD 2-trillion infrastructure package to bolster the post-pandemic economy. The proposal includes:
• USD 621 billion for bridges, roads, public transit, ports, airports, and electric vehicles
• USD 400 billion to care for elderly and disabled Americans
• Over USD 300 billion for drinking water infrastructure, broadband networks, and electricity grids
• More than USD 300 billion to build and retrofit affordable housing and construct and upgrade schools
• USD 580 billion for manufacturing, job training, and R&D

Stringent Emission Regulations Hamper Market Growth

• The biggest concern associated with engine-driven welding machines is GHG emissions, which is why they are subject to stringent emission norms.
• In March 2022, EPA Administrator Regan signed a proposed rule that would set new, more stringent standards to reduce pollution from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year (MY) 2027.
• The proposed standards would significantly reduce emissions of smog- and soot-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) from heavy-duty gasoline and diesel engines and set more stringent greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for certain commercial engine categories.
• This proposal would ensure the heavy-duty vehicles and engines should be as clean as possible while charting a path to advance zero-emission engines for heavy-duty applications.
• It also includes amendments regarding the confidentiality of certain information submitted to EPA for engines, vehicles, and equipment subject to emission standards and other requirements under the CAA.
• In addition, the proposal includes other limited amendments to the regulations that implement the country’s air pollutant emission standards for other sectors (e.g., light-duty vehicles, marine diesel engines, locomotives, various types of non-road engines, and equipment).
• Moreover, the currently prevailing Tier-IV standards are expected to be replaced be even more stringent Tier-5 regulations, which would make these machines costlier and more complex.

U.S. Engine-Driven Welder Market Analysis

Fuel Analysis

The diesel category holds the largest share, of 55%, in 2024. It will also witness the highest CAGR, of 5.7%, over the forecast period. This can be ascribed to the large-scale adoption of diesel-based engine-driven welders in oil & gas pipeline construction and maintenance works. In addition, diesel is more economical in comparison to gasoline, and it does not ignite as easily as the latter, which makes it suitable for usage in refineries and other industrial facilities.

The following are the categories in this segment:

• Gasoline
• Diesel (Largest and Fastest-Growing Category)
• Others

Amperage Analysis

The 300–399 A category is projected to witness the highest CAGR, of 6.0%, during this decade. It also dominates the market in 2024. This growth can be attributed to their large-scale usage in pipeline, construction, maintenance, repair, fabrication, and structural steelwork applications. In addition, the demand for these variants has witnessed an increase in the agriculture sector for equipment fabrication and repair applications.

The following Ampere ratings have been studied:

• Less than 200 A
• 200 A–299 A
• 300 A–399 A (Largest and Fastest-Growing Category)
• 400 A–499 A
• 500 A–599 A
• 600 A–799 A
• 800 A and Above

Application Analysis

The construction category holds the largest share, of 45%, in 2024. The category includes the usage of engine-driven welders for steel structures, and maintenance and repair work. Such equipment offers both welding and power generation capabilities at construction sites, where there is no access to power. In the construction sector, engine-driven welders are used for the removal of scrap metal and the replacement of structural parts. This category is driven by the rampant ongoing construction across the residential, industrial, commercial, and civil sectors in the country.

The pipeline category is likely to progress at the highest CAGR, during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the large volumetric demand arising from the oil & gas sector for crude oil transportation. In recent years, companies in the U.S. have been making hefty investments in order to increase oil production. For the transportation of oil produced, the demand for pipelines is expected to increase significantly. This, in turn, is likely to drive the demand for engine-driven welders for welding pipelines in remote areas, with low or no access to power.

The report offers analysis of the following applications:

• Construction (Largest Category)
• Pipeline (Fastest-Growing Category)
• Mining
• Others

U.S. Engine-Driven Welder Market Share

The U.S. engine-driven welder market is consolidated in nature with the presence of several major players. This is because these machines must comply with stringent emission and safety regulations, which necessitates high R&D investments. Further, the major players enjoy strong customer loyalty as they have been operating in this industry for decades. This also allows these companies to offer a huge portfolio with models characterized by different current ratings, fuels, and specific applications.

U.S. Engine-Driven Welder Market News

• In July 2024, Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. acquired Vanair Manufacturing LLC, a supplier of mobile power sources including, vehicle-mounted compressors, welders, generators, chargers/boosters, hydraulics, and electrified power equipment.
• In April 2024, The ESAB Group Inc. launched its s Warrior Edge 500 DX power source for multiple applications. It features four advanced MAG/MIG welding modes-ROOT, THIN, SPEED, and ROOT Pipe-along with Advanced Pulse.
• In March 2024, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC introduced Trailblazer 330 Air Pak and Bobcat 265 Air Pak engine-driven welders.
• In March 2023, Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. launched the Ranger Air 260MPX multi-function engine drive system. It is design to deliver up to 40 cfm of compressed air at 150 psi, 10 kW of continuous AC power, and arc welding power.