An automatic welding machine for planar plastic materials, such as sealing sheets, tarpaulins or films, the chassis, in the welding position, in addition to being carried by the driving unit and the pressure device, also being carried by a rigid guide wheel, preferably in the front region of the chassis. With respect to a pressure roller running essentially on the welded overlap region, the guide wheel is arranged in such a way that, during the welding, it runs along the bottom plastic material parallel to the edge of the top plastic material. In addition, the guide wheel has a narrow running surface. During the welding, the guide wheel runs along the edge of the overlapping plastic material and the pressure roller runs essentially on the weld region. Due to this configuration, the automatic welding machine can follow the edge in such a way as to keep to the track, so that guidance by the operator or frequent corrections of the welding direction are not necessary. This leads to an increased weld quality and also to a higher welding speed. There is less interference from the background or due to the welding device swinging in laterally.