A welding generator system, in certain embodiments, has a generally vertical arrangement of a drive and a generator. The welding generator system may include a motor and a generator coupled to the motor, wherein the generator includes a rotor having an axis oriented in a generally upright direction relative to a base portion of the welding generator system. The welding generator system also may include a thrust bearing configured to support an axial load of the rotor, and a welding power system coupled to the generator.