A

Aftercooler
The after cooler cools the compressed air from the pump before it enters the receiver. The heat from the compressed air is transferred outward to the aluminum fins of the aftercooler, the flywheel/fan creates an air flow that rushes past and cools the aluminum fins.

Air Cooled Engine
Does not require a radiator but does require adequate air flow around the engine.

Air Filter
Filters out moisture, dust, rust, etc… from the compressed air.

Air Receiver
The air receiver is simply the air storage tank.

Alternator
A device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Amp Rating
The measure of strength of an electric current.

Alternating Current (AC)
Current which varies from zero to a positive maximum to zero to a negative maximum to zero, a number of times per second, the number being expressed in cycles per second of Hertz (HZ)

Amperage
The strength or intensity of an electric current , measured in amperes (AMPS)

Arc Voltage
Voltage is the pressure necessary to push current across the gaseous gap of an arc.

Arc Welder
Use electricity instead of gas as a heat source to deposit filler metal and fuse two or more pieces of metal together.

Arc
The flow of electricity across an open gap.

ASME Code
American Society on Mechanical Engineers standards are used to test and certify our 30, 80, and 120 gallon air receivers.

B

Baffle
A device to prevent direct fluid flow or impingement on a surface.

Battery Charger
A battery charger converts household electricity to direct current needed to recharge a battery. Direct current has polarity. The amount of electricity the charger puts into the battery is measured in amperes and is shown on the amp meter built into most chargers. The charging begins on a dead battery with a large amount of current going into the battery so the chargers amp meter registers towards the high end of the scale and declines towards the zero end of the meter as the battery becomes more fully charged.

Battery Charge Rectifier
A component which changes AC voltage from the battery charge windings (within the STATOR) to DC voltage. This voltage could be used to charge a battery.

Base Metal
The metal to be welded, brazed, soldered or cut.

Bearing Size or ID
The inside diameter (ID) of the bearing which corresponds to the outside diameter (OD) of the spindle or axle on which the wheel is mounted.

Bearing
Machined part that allows a hub to spin on a spindle.

Belt-Drive Generator Heads
These are generator heads with no engine. The customer usually supplies his own gas engine and attaches it via a belt. Most of these are designed to be run at a set RPM or damage may result.

Bevel
An angular type of edge preparations.

Brush
A conducting element, usually graphite and /or copper, which maintains sliding electrical contact between a stationary and a moving element.

Burst Pressure
The pressure which causes rupture. Also, the inside-out differential pressure that causes outward structural failure.

Butt Joint
A joint between two pieces of metal lying in the same plain.

C

Camping Generators
These are usually lightweight, under 3000 watts, and provide 12V battery charging. In most cases these units are very quiet to comply with National Park noise regulations.

Capacitor Run Electric Motor
Also referred to as air compressor motors these are very similar to capacitor start motors with one additional feature. These motors will also use a capacitor while the motor is running. These are most commonly found on applications such as air compressors where extra torque is necessary.

Capacitor Start Electric Motor
These motors will have one or more capacitors mounted to the motor that store electricity until it is turned on. The capacitor gives the motor an extra boost of electricity to reduce the starting current draw and increase starting torque.

Check Valve
A check valve allows air to flow in one direction but not the opposite direction.

Clevis
A u-shaped mounting device which contains a common pin hole at right angle to the axis of symmetry through each arm of the u. A clevis usually connects with an eye.

Coated Electrode
A metal or alloy rod used in arc welding which is coated with materials to aid in control of the arc and placing of the weld.

Compliance Engine
These are vertical shaft engines designed for lawnmowers. They comply with federal laws requiring a brake on the flywheel that stops the engine when the operator releases the handle.

Conductor
A wire or cable designed for the passage of electrical current.

Contactor
A contactor is an electrically operated switch usually used in control circuits and whose contacts are considered high amperage, compared to a relay.

Contractor Generator
These are usually ruggedly built to handle lots of abuse. Most will have a full roll-cage to protect against damage. These generators are usually large, requiring a wheel kit with handles for greater mobility on the job site. A contractor generator must have GFCI (ground fault circuit interruption) as required by OSHA.

Core
The laminations in the generator constituting the magnetic structure thereof.

Corrosion
The chemical change in the mechanical elements caused by the interaction of fluid or contaminants, or both. More specifically related to chemical changes in metals.

Cradle
The metal frame that surrounds and protects the generator/engine.

Current
The flow rate of electricity.

Cycle
One complete reversal of alternating current of voltage, from zero to a positive maximum to zero to a negative maximum back to zero . The number of cycles per second is the frequency, expressed in Hertz (HZ).  A single complete operation consisting of progressive functions starting and ending at the neutral position.

D

Deep Cycle Battery Charger
A deep cycle battery supplies a relatively low amount of current for a long period of time. Deep cycle batteries, unlike car starting batteries, can be run down and recharged repeatedly with minimum loss of capacity.

Deposit
Filler metal added during a welding operation.

Diode
A solid state device which allows current to pass in one direction only. Since it allows only one half cycle of an alternating current pass, its out put will be unidirectional and it may be considered a rectifying element.

Direct Current (Dc)
An electric current flows in one direction only. DC is produced by chemical action (i.e. a storage battery) or by electromagnetic induction.

Directional Control Valve
A valve whose primary function is to direct or prevent flow through selected passages.

Drip-Proof Electric Motors
These motors will have all of its cooling vents situated so that any dust or moisture will not be able to contaminate the innards of the motor. These are commonly used in shop applications where sawdust or metal particles are present in the air. 

Dual Element Air Cleaner
Double filters intake air for longer engine life.

Duty Cycle
Rated duty cycle is the percentage of a 10 minute period a welding machine must deliver its rated electrical current load.

Dynamo
A Machine for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by electromagnetic induction. A generator.

E

Electric Motor Efficiency
How efficiently the motor turns electrical energy into mechanical energy. Motor efficiency is generally in the neighborhood of 85%. The more efficiently a motor operates, the lower the power cost.

Electric Motor Enclosure
The housing around the motor available in drip-proof, totally enclosed, and explosion proof.

Electric Motor Frame
The configuration on the base plate of the motor. If the frame can not be matched new holes can be drilled or base plates can be switched from other motors.

Electric Motor Multi-Speed
Multi-speed motors are designed for two or more definite rates of speed remaining practically constant regardless of load changes.

Electric Motor Service Factor
The amount of additional horsepower over and above a motor's listed rating that it can deliver when necessary as a protection against overload. This is usually given as a percentage of the listed horsepower.

Electric Motor Synchronous Speed
The speed at which a motor will operate if the rotor turns at exactly the speed of the magnetic field that drives the rotor.

Electro-Motive Force (EMF)
The force which causes current to flow in a conductor; in other words, the voltage potential.

Elevation
The vertical distance between the level where fluid enters a pipe and the level where it leaves.

Engine Alternator
Engine is equipped to recharge a 12V starter battery.

Engine Auxiliary PTO Shaft
A cam shaft that extends out the side plate of a horizontal engine for reverse gearing.

Engine Ball Bearing Shaft
The drive shaft is held in place by a ball bearing and spins inside it.

Engine Cast Iron Sleeve
Engine cylinder sleeve is made of cast iron for longer life.

Engine Electric Start
Uses a battery or 110V powered motor to start the engine via a key switch or button.

Engine Electronic Ignition
Fires a spark electronically.

Engine Gear Reduction
A gear case mounted to an engine to reduce the speed of the crankshaft.

Engine Keyway
A slot or groove in crankshaft for attachment of clutches, pulleys, etc…

Engine Low Oil Shutdown
Will automatically shut engine down if oil level is insufficient for safe operation.

Engine Mechanical Governor
Throttles engine up to maintain RPM under load.

Engine Mounting Pattern
The bolt hole pattern on the bottom of the crankcase that is used to mount the engine to its application.

Engine PTO Height
The distance from the mounting base to the center of the PTO on a horizontal engine shaft.

Engine Toothed Flywheel
Flywheel can work with an electric starter.

F

Fender Skirt
The inside panel that attaches to the fender and the framework. Prevents debris from being thrown upward.

Fender
A cover that goes over the top of a tire to prevent mud, water, and debris from being thrown.

Filler Metal
Metal to be added in making a weld.

Fixed Axle
A fixed axle is mounted firmly to the frame so that the axle itself does not spin.

Float Mode Monitoring Battery Charger
Charger holds battery to approximately 13.2 volts to guard against self-discharge. Charging is minimal using only a few tenths of an amp.

Float Switch
An electrical switch which is responsive to liquid level.

Flow Control Valve
A valve whose primary function is to control flow rate.

Flow Meter
A device which indicates either flow rate, total flow, or a combination of both.

Flow Switch
An electrical switch operated by a fluid flow.

Fluid Power System
A system that transmits and controls power through use of a pressurized fluid within an enclosed circuit.

Flux
Material used to prevent, dissolve or ease removal of oxides and undesirable substances.

Flux-Cored Arc Welding
A process that welds by heating with an electric arc between a continuous tubular filler metal electrode (wire) and the work piece. Powered flux within the wire provides shielding to the weld.

Four Cycle or Four Stroke Engine
Engine is lubricated by oil in the crankcase. Gas and oil are not mixed for fuel.

Friction Loss
The loss of pressure or head due to the resistance to flow in the pipe and fittings. Friction loss is influenced by pipe size and fluid velocity and is usually expressed in feet of head.

Full Pressure Lubrication Engine
Engine is lubricated by means of an oil pump located in the crankcase.

Full Power Outlet
Enables you to draw the full power of the generator out of one outlet.

Fully Automatic Battery Charger
The charger turns off automatically when the battery is fully charged. As the battery loses power the charger automatically turns back on.

G

Gas Metal Arc Welding
A process that welds by heating with an electric arc between a continuous consumable electrode (solid wire) and the work piece. Weld shielding is provided by an inert gas or gas mixture. Also called MIG welding.

Gauge Pressure (PSIG)
The pressure shown on an air gauge.

Geared Reduction
Gears added between a motor's armature and the output shaft or arbor to attain slower speeds.

Generator
A general name for a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC).

Ground
A connection, intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit and the earth or some conduction body serving in the place of the earth.

GPH
Gallons Per Hour

GPM
Gallons Per Minute

H

Hazardous Material
Any poisonous, volatile, explosive or flammable fluid which should not be moved with a pump designed for dewatering with gasoline or diesel driven engines.

Head
The distance the pump will push water vertically. The greater the distance the higher the pressure developed by the pump.

Homeowner Backup Generator
Also known as an emergency generator, these are usually 5000 watts or larger, depending on the homeowners needs and are powered by gasoline. Diesel, natural gas or propane models are also available.

Horizontal Engine
Crankshaft comes out the side of the engine.

Horizontal Run
The horizontal distance between the point where fluid enters a pipe and the point at which it leaves.

Horsepower
The rate at which work is done determined by dividing the work done in foot-pounds by the time involved.

Hub Length
The distance from the outside of one bearing to the outside of the opposite bearing.

Hub
Machined metal part which houses the bearings and provides a place to attach the tires and rims.

Hydraulic Motor
A device which converts hydraulic fluid power into mechanical force and motion by transfer of flow under pressure. It usually provides rotary mechanical motion.

Hydraulic Power Unit
A combination of components to facilitate fluid storage and conditioning, and delivery of the fluid under conditions of controlled pressure and flow to the discharge port of the pump, including maximum pressure controls and sensing devices when applicable. Circuitry components, although sometimes mounted on the reservoir, are not considered part of the power unit.

Hydraulic Pump
A device which converts mechanical force and motion into hydraulic fluid power by means of producing flow.

Hydraulic Reservoir
A vessel or tank for storing and conditioning liquid in a hydraulic system.

Hydraulic Valve
A valve for controlling liquid flow or pressure.

Hydraulics
Of or pertaining to the engineering science of liquid pressure and flows.

I

Idle Control
 A system that controls the idle speed of the engine in direct relation to the electrical load.

Ignition Coil
A device used to supply DC voltage to the spark plugs

Inertia
The property of an object to remain at rest or remain moving unless acted upon by some outside source. In motors, inertia refers to the driven load. Once a load is in motion the amount of power to keep it in motion is reduced.

Intercooler
The intercooler cools the compressed air as it travels from one stage to the next higher stage. The flywheel/fan creates an air flow that rushes past and cools the intercooler.

Inverter
Designed to convert 12V DC power into 110V AC, inverters are normally wired to the charging system on an automobile. Inverters should be used only in light duty, short-term usage situations. Joint Penetration The minimum depth a weld extends from its face into the joint, excluding reinforcement.

M

Magneto
An alternator with permanent magnets used to generate current for ignition in an internal combustion engine.

Manual Battery Charger
The user turns the charger on and off. Output current drops to half the charging rate as the battery approaches a full charge. Charging must be monitored to prevent overcharging.

Motor Bearings
Support both ends of the motor shaft allowing it to rotate smoothly with a minimum of wear and friction. Motors come with either sleeve bearings or ball bearings.

Muffler
A device for reducing gas flow noise. Noise is decreased by back pressure control of gas expansion.

N

NEMA
The National Electric Manufacturers' Association. An organization which establishes certain voluntary industry standards related to motors.

Nipple
A short length of pipe or tube.

NPT
National Std. Pipe-Tapered.

O

OD
Outside Diameter.

OHC (Over Head Cam) Engine
Cam shaft and valves are mounted above the piston in the cylinder head.

Ohm
Unit of electrical resistance. One volt will cause a current of one flow through a resistance of one ohm.

OHV (Over Head Valve) Engine
Intake and exhaust valve are mounted above the piston in the cylinder head.

Overhead Valve Engine
Use extra large mufflers, intake silencers, and advanced piston, camshaft and gear technologies to produce a significant reduction in noise.

Overlap
Protrusion of weld metal beyond the bond line at the toe of the weld.

P

Pass
A single progression of a welding or surfacing operation along a joint. The result of a pass is a weld bead or layer.

Phase
The uniform periodic change in amplitude or magnitude of an alternating current. Three phase alternating current consists of three different sine wave current consists of three different sine wave current flows, different in phase by 120 degrees from each other. Usually refers to the number of leads that supply power to an appliance. Most home and farm electrical sources will be single phase, meaning only two leads supply power to the appliance. Commercial or industrial applications are commonly three phase, with three electrical leads supplying power.

Power
The time rate at which work is done.

Power Transfer System
A system to safely wire your generator to your home's electrical system.

Power Unit
A combination of pump, pump drive, reservoir, controls and conditioning components which may be required for its application.

Pressure Switch
A pressure switch has preset cut in/cut out pressure points to control engine/motor. Also: An electrical switch operated by fluid pressure.

Pressure
Force per unit area, usually expressed in pounds per square inch in the English system.

PTO Generator
These large generators are usually powered by the PTO (power take-off) system on a farm tractor. They are generally inexpensive compared to the wattage they offer because they have no engine.

PTO
Power Take Off.

Pump
A device which converts mechanical force and motion into hydraulic fluid power. It produces flow.

Q

Quick Disconnect
A coupling which can quickly join or separate a fluid line without the use of tools or special devices.

R

Rated Flow
The maximum flow that the power supply system is capable of maintaining at a specific operating pressure.

Rated Line Pull
The maximum pulling capacity of the winch on the first layer of wire rope.

Rated Pressure
The qualified operating pressure, which is recommended for a component or a system by the.

Rated Voltage
The rated voltage of an engine generator set is the voltage at which it is designed to operate.

Rear Bearing Carrier
The casting which houses the rotor bearing which supports the rotor shaft.

Remote Control Switch
Sometimes referred to as a solenoid switch assembly. It is an electric switch used to control the spooling in and out of the cable.

Return Line
The line conducting fluid from working devices to the reservoir.

Rotor
The rotating element of a generator.

RPM
Revolutions Per Minute.

Running Torque
The effort a motor delivers at any given RPM or horsepower.

RV Generators
Similar to camping generators, these will meet National Park Regulations on noise and offer 12V battery charging. Unlike camping generators they will be larger and are designed to be mounted in a small compartment underneath the vehicle. Most are designed to be started remotely from inside the vehicle and are usually connected either to the gas tank of the vehicle or run on LP. Many are liquid cooled because of the restricted air flow in the generator compartment.

S

SAE Port
A straight thread port used to attach tube and hose fittings. It employs an O ring compressed in a wedge-shaped cavity.

Self-Priming
Refers to the ability of a pump to separate air from water and create a partial vacuum or low-pressure area in the pump body. This causes water to flow to the impeller and on through the pump.

Semi-Pneumatic Tires
Hollow center tires that have no air pressure inside.

Service Pressure
The range of pressure in the pressure tank during the pumping cycle, usually expressed in pounds per square inch gauge.

Servovalve
A valve which modulates output as a function of an input command.

Shutoff Valve
A valve which operates fully open or fully closed.

Single Phase
An AC load, or source of power normally having only two input terminals if a load or two output terminals if a source. Most homes are single phase and most businesses are three phase.

Spark Arrester
Keeps sparks from being ejected by the exhaust. The sparks occur when carbon deposits in the cylinder break loose and are ignited by the exhaust gases. Spark arresters are required in many areas.

Spot Welding
Usually made on materials having some type of overlapping joint design. Can refer to resistance, MIG, or TIG spot welding. Resistance spot welds are made from electrodes on both sides of the joint, while TIG and MIG spots are made from one side only.

Standard
A document, or an object for physical comparison, for defining product characteristics, products, or processes: prepared by a consensus of a properly constituted group of those substantially affected and having the qualifications to prepare the standard for voluntary use.

Standby Generator
These are usually permanently mounted to a concrete slab. They feature automatic or remote start/stop. Because of this feature they are usually fueled by natural gas, propane, or diesel.

Starter or Booster Battery Charger
These chargers are used to assist the battery when the vehicle's battery will not turn the engine over.

Starting Torque
The amount of torque produced by a motor as its rotor breaks free from a standstill and begins to spin.

Stick Welding
An arc welding process which melts and joins metals by heating them with an arc, between a covered metal electrode and the work. Shielding gas is obtained from the electrode outer coating, often called flux. Filler metal is primarily obtained from the electrode core.

Strainer
A round fitting at the end of the suction hose which is matched to the size of a pump and permits solids only a certain size to enter the pump body. The strainer eliminates potential damage to the impeller.

Surge
A transient rise of pressure or flow.

T

Tack Weld
A weld made to hold parts together in proper alignment until the final welds are made.

Tandem Trailer Axle
Refers to a trailer which has two axles instead of one allowing the trailer to carry additional weight.

Tank
A container for the storage of fluid in a fluid power system.

Tapped and Threaded Engine Shaft
Center of shaft end is drilled then hole is threaded to accept a bolt.

Threaded Engine Shaft
Shaft is threaded externally.

Three Phase
An AC load, or source of power normally having three input terminals if a load or three output terminals if a source. Most homes are single phase and most businesses are three phase.

Tie Plate
Metal plate which secures the spring to the axle using u-bolts.

Tie Rod
An axial external cylinder rod which traverses the length of the cylinder. It is pre-stressed at assembly to hold the ends of the cylinder against the tubing.

TIG Welding
This welding process joins metals by heating them with a tungsten electrode which should not become part of the completed weld. Filler metal is sometimes used and argon inert gas or inert gas mixtures are used for shielding.

Torque
A rotational twisting force. Force which tends to produce torsion or rotation. The amount of force produced by a motor to turn a shaft.

Torsion Suspension
A crank arm style suspension system that contains the springing mechanism in the bar that crosses the width of a trailer. This type of axle eliminates the need to purchase springs, shackles, and some mounting hardware separately.

Total Head
The distance a pump will lift and push a liquid. Lift plus head equals total head.

Totally Enclosed Electric Motors
These motors will be used in applications similar to drip-proof motors and are recommended for any outdoor use. These will have no cooling vents instead they have an internal cooling fan and no contamination is able to enter the motor at all.

Tracking Distance
The distance from the hub face on the right side of the trailer axle to the hub face on the left side of the trailer axle. If the rims of the tire assemblies are centered it can be measured from the center of the tire on the right to the center of the tire on the left.

Trailer Axle
A steel bar or tube that extends the width of the trailer. It supports the framework of the trailer when attached to the springs. Also serves as a mounting point for trailer hubs and tire assemblies.

Trailer Ball
Mounted on the hitch the trailer ball acts as a universal joint between the trailer and towing vehicle. The most common ball sizes are 1 7/8 inch, 2 inch, and 2 5/16 inch.

Trailer Bolt Circle
The distance from the center of the hub to the center of one of the tire mounting holes doubled.

Trailer Coupler
The formed metal part welded or bolted to the trailer tongue that allows the trailer to be attached to the coupler ball on the towing vehicle.

Trailer Hanger
A bracket mounted to the frame of the trailer which allow you to install the springs and shackles.

Trailer Hitch
Metal framework that attaches to the towing vehicle and is sometimes referred to as the receiver.

Trailer Jack
A lifting mechanism used to keep the coupler off the ground and allow for easier hookup to the towing vehicle.

Trailer Spring Center
The distance from center of the spring on the right side of the trailer to the center of the spring on the left side.

Trailer Spring
Cushions the trailer frame and cargo from bumps and pot holes in the road surface.

Trailer Tongue
The part of the trailer that separates the cargo from the towing vehicle. This is where the trailer coupler and jack are usually mounted.

Trickle Charge Battery Charger
Provides 1, 1.5, or 2 amps for charging small batteries and keeps large batteries topped off.

Tube Type Tire
Requires a tube to be inserted into the tire to hold air.

V

Valve
A device which controls fluid flow direction, pressure, or flow rate.

Vibration Mount
A rubber device located between the engine or generator and the cradle to minimize vibration.

Volt
The unit of electromotive force. That electromotive force which when steadily applied to a conductor whose resistance is one ohm will produce a current of one ampere.

Voltage
Electrical potential difference expressed in volts. Voltage is the measurement of electrical force. It is the force that delivers current when electricity is applied to an electrical device.

Voltage Regulator
A component which automatically maintains proper generator voltage by controlling the amount of DC excitation to the rotor.

Volute
The housing in which the impeller rotates with channels cast into the metal to direct the flow of water in a given direction.

W

Watt
Unit of electrical power. In DC equals volts times amperes. In AC equalseffective volts times effective amps times power factor times a consistent dependent on the number of phases. 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts.

Winding
All the coils of a generator. Stator winding consists of a number stator coils and their interconnections. Rotor windings consist of all windings and connections on the rotor poles.

Weld Metal
The portion of a weld which has melted during welding.

Weld
The local melting together of metal, produced by heating with or without the use of filler metal.

Welding Clamp
Helps position the work pieces and lock them in place while a weld is being made.

Welding Rod
Used to melt two pieces of metal together to form a weld