Purchased a Hobart 135. Was tired of using a non name brand that caused me a headache

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I spent $130 on a Hobart 135,surprisingly it came with a  gauge damaged regulator for argon and a safTcart. Nice cart,well designed and easy to move about but surface rust. No problem. I dismantled the Hobart unit and gun. Liner was questionable. Cleaned the board,wire drive rollers,motor,all contacts and reassembled. Wouldn't you know it. Tha machine ran a bead better than my previous defunct unit. Really happy! My first Hobart. The Hobart had a 3 prong plug but the ground pin was missing. So i replaced the plug. My question to you is, The fact that the ground prong was missing did this make the unit inoperable? I tested the unit prior to the purchase. Nothing but it was tested on a 15 amp benchtop string. I plan to seek units of the same condition and cost. Want to find a 220v 170-190 unit similar to my defunct unit. I believe i took the best course of action regarding my new found Hobart 135 but am open to suggestions and reasonings for future resurrections. Thanks to all that have contributed responses to my posts. Your opinions and expertise hasn't fell on deaf ears. A wise man once said " Gee, I don't know but i can ask a friend". Thanks! ronno5957
Reply:Just going to warn you that the Handler 135 and Handler 175 are notorious for having control board failures. The Handler 187, 190 and 210 have all been pretty reliable units.ESAB Migmaster 250

Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:Congrats on the 135....hope it works well for you.GreggHobart Handler 210 MVPHobart Stickmate 210i
Reply:Congrats. I was able to pick up a Lincoln pro core 100 a couple weeks ago, since my HF 180 started messing up. I tried to troubleshoot it, but couldnt figure it out. I may order a rectifier and see if that will work. I really like the Lincoln, though, and was looking at the Hobarts as well. Glad it is working for you.
Reply:I have a HH135 that is about 20 years old.  Its has not had a nice life - hauled around a lot, minimal maintenance, etc.  It still runs good without issue.  My best advice is to run the heaviest and shortest extension cord you can.  An undersized cord will definitely impact the way it runs a bead.  I don't think the missing ground pin influenced anything.  Mine has been missing for 15+ years.Last edited by biguglydave; 09-28-2018 at 01:32 PM.