Suggestions for a Generator/Welder?

[K5lwq]

I have been considering buying a generator/welder. I have never owned one before and need some advice.

Most of my welding has been with MIG. I have owned Lincoln and Hobart 250 MIG machines. I currently have nothing.

Main use would be repairs and small fab projects. I like the idea of backup power and not being tied to a power source for welding. I have a shop that I rent for a place to play in but it only has 120v power. Having its on power source would allow me to use this space for welding projects.

Price point for me is somewhere around $2000.00. Any suggestions?

 

[HCJtractor]

I have a Miller Bobcat 250 that has been great. Like you, I use it in my rented warehouse (no 220V) to weld, power my 220 table saw and jointer, and even power my Miller 211 MIG when I’d rather use mig than stick. It also has been used as an emergency generator to power my house in an outage. I’m happy with it. I mounted it on a small trailer.

 

[George2615]

I also have a Miller Bobcat 250. Powered by a 20HP engine and has 10KW output power. It has run my entire house many times when power went out. It is also a great welding machine.
Mine came on a pallet and I added 8" wheels to that to move it around. It is very loud when running so hearing protection is advised.

 

[BHD]

I have a Lincoln Ranger 9 and a lincoln 250 GXT, both will run a wire feed head, (actually the GXT come with one in the promotion when I bought a few years ago, even tho I have never used it), adn with proper accessories one can tig with it as well,
Ranger(R) 25 GXT Engine Driven Welder (Kohler(R)) (w/Electric Fuel Pump)
currently there is a new promotion going on, rebates or product,

been very pleased with it,

11000 watt generator, the Ranger 9, I think has a 10,000, the ranger 9 has about 4000 hrs on it and it broke down and did not know how much the unit was going to be to fix or if it was fixable (Onan engine, had a valve seat come loose, but that was 4000 hours), but to get the job done I bought the 250 GXT, have about 70 hours on it, (I bought the Ranger 9 used),

Onan engines, parts are getting hard to find and expensive parts, really would suggest to stay away form used with Ohan engines Red or Blue in color,

Miller is a good company, but I like the red stuff, ( It is a Chevy / Ford argument) on who is better, also some of the color choice seems to be regional,

 

[K5lwq]

I have looked the Miller Bobcat 250 online. Seems like a very nice machine. Unless I can find one in good shape used, I will have to keep looking. I think it is easer to find a cheaper welder than a new wife!

 

[K5lwq]

I have a Lincoln Ranger 9 and a lincoln 250 GXT, both will run a wire feed head, (actually the GXT come with one in the promotion when I bought a few years ago, even tho I have never used it), adn with proper accessories one can tig with it as well,
Ranger(R) 25 GXT Engine Driven Welder (Kohler(R)) (w/Electric Fuel Pump)
currently there is a new promotion going on, rebates or product,

been very pleased with it,

11000 watt generator, the Ranger 9, I think has a 10,000, the ranger 9 has about 4000 hrs on it and it broke down and did not know how much the unit was going to be to fix or if it was fixable (Onan engine, had a valve seat come loose, but that was 4000 hours), but to get the job done I bought the 250 GXT, have about 70 hours on it, (I bought the Ranger 9 used),

Onan engines, parts are getting hard to find and expensive parts, really would suggest to stay away form used with Ohan engines Red or Blue in color,

Miller is a good company, but I like the red stuff, ( It is a Chevy / Ford argument) on who is better,

I have used both and like them. I have owned Lincoln before and it was a very solid machine. Lost it in a shop fire so that is when I bought the Hobart.

 

[Big Barn]

I traded an ATV for a Ranger 305G to use for my house backup power. I built a skid so it could be either forklifted onto a pickup or pallet jacked around in my garage.











Realistically, being a retired farmer, I never weld anything away from the shop anymore and I would prob be better off with a dedicated genset.

 

[K5lwq]

Very nice set up, Big Barn!! I should sell off some stuff as well, then I could get away with spending more. I just hate getting rid of anything! I am sure my Wife and Kids would love for me to as it is going to be a lot of cleaning when I am gone! LOL

 

[fried1765]

Very nice set up, Big Barn!! I should sell off some stuff as well, then I could get away with spending more. I just hate getting rid of anything! I am sure my Wife and Kids would love for me to as it is going to be a lot of cleaning when I am gone! LOL

Now that I am rather old, people ask me why I don't get rid of some stuff.
I explain that I don't want to.
Then I elaborate: It will be my kids problem!

 

[K5lwq]

What about the Hobart Champion Elite?

I am thinking that it is priced right for what it is. I could always Power a separate Mig if needed and could use just stick for repairs and such.