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I have both as of today. I have had the shorthood for years, and love it. Someone prior put the 6 cylinder on it from a combine. F163 is now F225 I believe. But, I came into possession of a bobcat 250 kubota diesel today. With all the advantages of a big generator, diesel fuel, and size. I am leaning towards keeping the miller, selling the big lincoln. I am afraid of a major regret later. Any huge problems with these millers? Major cost of repair? Not trying to start a debate. I fix fence and tinker on my own place, don't make a living with these, so my welding is not daily but monthly. Let me have some opinions on this miller.
Reply:Yeah,I say, out with the old and in with the new, mostly because you've had the shorthand for a long time already. The diesel Bobcat is undoubtedly more efficient and quieter to run, with all of the more modern accessories available to it as well.Don't worry about potentially nonexistent future regrets. Stuck in the past can be boring too.Maybe you can even recoup much of the cost of the Miller with the sale of the old Lincoln.
Reply:My short answer would be, "Sell both and buy a different one." I know that's not what you asked.The Bobcat diesel is an odd bird. A high-RPM diesel engine coupled with a lower-quality (in my experience) arc. I consider Bobcats to be generators that have a so-so welder attached. Best way to get a good weld with one is to plug an XMT 304 or other quality welder into the 240V outlet. Other peoples' opinions may differ.The modified shorthood should be a great welder if set up right, but I've heard them described as one-trick ponies and would agree. They're thirsty on fuel, overly heavy for your needs, and have low auxiliary power capabilities.If I had both of those welders and needed one engine drive, I'd sell both and use the money towards a used Trailblazer 302 (or new 325 EFI if I could swing it), or the equivalent Lincoln. I own both of the TB's I mentioned, and I'll say I prefer the 325 hands-down. Much more efficient on fuel, quieter, doesn't rev up unless it needs to, lighter, etc. Not to mention the arc is better and more adjustable. The TB's are both equipped with the 14-pin connector to power spoolguns, RC series wire feeders, pedals, etc. I'm sure the Lincoln small engine drives are just as good, but I have zero experience with them and therefore can't comment on them. Either way, for your needs I'd be cashing in and starting over if I were you. Of course this advice is worth what you paid for it. EDIT to add that if you want to spend the least money, I'd still sell out and replace that diesel Bobcat with an equivalent gas one. Then put the extra money in the bank. Use ethanol-free or stabilized gas and it'll last for your needs. After all, the shorthood has been running on gas for all this time - obviously you don't *need* a diesel. Last edited by tbone550; 05-17-2016 at 11:32 PM.
Reply:Easily. Only 3k in this miller, with a nice trailer and toolboxes. I won a football pot with a hundred dollar square and prize was a motorcycle. Traded the bike for the 56, trailer, bottles, grinders, everything.
Reply:My lincoln welds at 1400rpm, the bobcat is at 1800rpm, both pretty low, I thought. I will look into the 325 to check it out. I always run fuel out of the carb in the gasser.
Reply:Originally Posted by Joec0429My lincoln welds at 1400rpm, the bobcat is at 1800rpm, both pretty low, I thought. I will look into the 325 to check it out. I always run fuel out of the carb in the gasser.
Reply:You are right. 3600 rpm.
Reply:Originally Posted by Joec0429You are right. 3600 rpm. |
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发表于 2021-8-31 22:06:18