Bobcat 225 or Ranger 225 as a backup to my Trailblazer 325??.

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I'm taking my Trailblazer in for warranty service with some issues.  I'm on a job that need to keep working.  My backup welder options are Bobcat 225, Ranger 225, or Hobart Elite. I've heard the ranger welds better than the bobcat.  This welder will be for very occasional use when the Trailblazer is down or need another for a few hours.  Might put 50 hours a year on it.  Do I stay with blue? Or get the ranger...they are same price.  Hobart is $275 cheaper.  I'd rather have red or blue to still look professional.  Thanks for the input!Miller Trailblazer 325 EFI w/Excel powerMiller 12 RC SuitcaseMiller Bobcat 225Victor Cutmaster 52Tweco 211i Fabricatorwww.HRPServicesTexas.com
Reply:I would go with a bobcat 225 or 250 if I were to buy a new air cooled machineSent from my C811 4G using TapatalkVantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:Either one are good. Go red for a change.
Reply:I was thinking red for something different, but my Airgas rep just told me the Miller gets better and faster service.  They haven't had the greatest experience getting service from Lincoln.  And they sell a ton more Miller than Lincoln too.  Is it true the Lincoln 225 will weld better than the bobcat 225?  If that's true will it be noticeable or not really?Miller Trailblazer 325 EFI w/Excel powerMiller 12 RC SuitcaseMiller Bobcat 225Victor Cutmaster 52Tweco 211i Fabricatorwww.HRPServicesTexas.com
Reply:For a few hours a year... I would go with the Hobart Elite. Basically a Miller Bobcat minus AC output.
Reply:I would buy the Hobart too, same as the old style bobcat. Go to YouTube and type in bobcat vs ranger, I'm pretty sure you will think twice about buying the ranger. I know I would after watching a welder repair place comparison.Last edited by kctgb; 06-13-2016 at 11:24 PM.
Reply:I have a 01 bobcat 225 for a back up, and a 07 Hobart on my service truck, so I have experience with both. Both aren't used much as they both have around 1200hrs on them. The Hobart can lay 6010/11 better than my bobcat downhill, but can't uphill. Both run 7018 like butter. I prefer the bobcat due to the AC welding output option. Both are good machines.
Reply:The Hobart and Miller should run about the same. If your machine is in for warranty see if the shop has a loaner or a rental fleet that they could loan you a machine till yours is fixed.
Reply:They don't have a loaner, and it would cost me $600 to rent a machine to finish my job.  So I'm thinking I'd rather have something to show for, in spending that much.  So a new welder will cost me $600 less right off.  Leaning towards the bobcat 225Miller Trailblazer 325 EFI w/Excel powerMiller 12 RC SuitcaseMiller Bobcat 225Victor Cutmaster 52Tweco 211i Fabricatorwww.HRPServicesTexas.com
Reply:Go blue!Forney C5 Arc WelderLincoln Idealarc 250-250 Ac/Dc Arc WelderMiller Bobcat 225g PlusLincoln PowerMig 200Forney O/A Rig
Reply:I hope they've changed the arc on those things.  I had a Bobcat on a service truck about 15 years ago and it was atrocious.  As the welder got hot, the arc amperage would increase to the point you had to stop what you were doing, go to the truck, and turn it down.  A lot.  With that experience, plus the lack of a 14-pin outlet which would prevent it from being used with most of my feeders and spoolgun, I wouldn't own a Bobcat.  I'd find a second, older TB like a 302 for a backup.  If you're needing a backup welder, you're already in trouble.  Might as well have a decent machine backing you up.
Reply:I like my MILLER machines so I say '' BLUE '' . If you do go '' RED ''   I would buy a MILLER cover for it ,
Reply:Well I got a basic model bobcat 225.  First day welding with it was today burning 6010 5p+ 5/32.  I was a little sceptical about it because my Trailblazer has spoiled me and it's arc performance, settings, etc....the bobcat was burning those rods nearly the same as the Trailblazer which made me really happy with the purchase!  Only thing is it's louder than the Trailblazer which I might swap the exhaust to the same as the Trailblazer which has a muffler in it.  And I miss it not being able to weld/grind on idle.   I guess it has a good arc from the scewed rotor?, Much better than I ever thought it would weld.  I was expecting it more like an older Hobart I bought for my first engine drive.Miller Trailblazer 325 EFI w/Excel powerMiller 12 RC SuitcaseMiller Bobcat 225Victor Cutmaster 52Tweco 211i Fabricatorwww.HRPServicesTexas.com