Best engine Drive under 5000$

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OK i asked about the 305G i would like to get opinions on some more machines.Small machines i have used.Lincoln Ranger 10,000-I thought it was ok with small rod-3/32Lincoln GXT-POSLincoln 250-Its ok,better than the first two but didnt feel greatMiller Bobcat-Dont like these machines at all.Used these alotThermal Arc...i think? purple machine- dont remember model-Pretty similar to Lincoln 250.It was ok.Used these alot.Im really leaning toward the 305G if i buy new.Again im just looking for an all around small machine,home/farm/automotive work,small side jobs.But i also need to be able to take it to work with me when i need to.Not concerned at all with TIG ability.Eventually i want to add a wire feeder,opinions on those would be appreciated too.
Reply:The Ranger 250 will handle anything you mentioned in your post and you won't find any thing that will make a higher quality weld. I've used a lot of portable welders. None of them are better.
Reply:I prefer the Miller Trailblazer 302.
Reply:I have a Weldan power 225 and I love it...It welds 5/32 7024 like a charm and everything else I ever decided to run on it.3/32 and 1/8 -6010,1/8-7018,3/32 and 1/8-7014,6011,.scratch start tig stainless,arc gouging with 1/4"rod.works like a dream.I have ran alot of the old ranger 8's and a few bobcats also,but I like the Lincolns performance best.... BUT thats just my honest opinion.Small too I keep mine in the bed of my truck with my air compresser and O/A tanks and still have room back there.As far as wire feeders go I have been looking at the LN-25's,LN-23's and the LN-15's.I have never ran any of then But I hear really good things about the LN-25's all the time,so I think thats the way I will go when I buy one. hope that helps.If it's too . get an office jobLincoln wp225g7 Lincoln 250 idealarcFrankenstein O/A set-up Weld-tech  tig set-upLincoln sp 175 plus profax  arc gouger
Reply:I have had and still have some Miller bobcats.  They are decent welders, but nothing to write home about.  The last machine I purchased was the GXT for a welding rig my helper uses because I needed a machine with AC output on it.  In my opinion it is a better machine than the older bobcats.  I have run the 250, and the 305 side by side, and honestly could not tell much difference between the two.  Both are EXCELLENT machines, and honestly probably as fine a welder as I have ever run in my life including some of the old water cooled machines.  I will be trading in the old bobcat, and upgrading to a 305 soon on my truck.  In the price range you are talking about the 305 and the trailblazer are gonna be the top of the line.  However if you weren't impressed with the 250 then I don't think the 305 is gonna impress you either.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I havent used a 250 much.We have one but its on another job.I took my last certification test with it though,so i guess its not that bad.Can you get the 250 with digital amp readouts?
Reply:Red or Blue?  DC-only Lincoln Ranger 305G or AC/DC Miller Trailblazer 302.  Both will make you very happy and leave just enough money left over for a feeder.