What engine driven welder should I buy?

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I've been debating which welder to go with to start my "Small" (part-time) welding business with for weeks and every time i go with one i find something else that seems better. Im trying to stay under 4400.00 (trying to keep in mind this isnt my full time gig). I want to be able to Stick/TIG  with great arc quality for an engine drive, eventually Aluminum but thats not an immediate need knowing i can get an inverter to run off of. that being said i'd like to be able to run a feeder off it too. I just want something that has a great arc quality for the money. im debating between these BRAND NEW machines:High End $$$:Miller Trailblazer 275 or Lincoln ranger 305GLow End $$$Lincoln Ranger 250 GXT or Miller Bobcat 250
Reply:Trailblazer, hands down. JMO. I have 3 TB 302s, Had very good luck with them. They have done everything from wire feeding on heavy equipment to running 3/16" 6010 for weeks at a time, 12 hours a day.
Reply:Neither of the two Millers would be my choice if I wanted to do alum tig. The newer Trailblazers don't have AC output like the older units did. The Bobcat won't allow you to use a remote pedal for tig. You could simply use the welder to power an inverter tig like the Dynasty to do alum tig, but that increases the cost.Older Trailblazers were a nice machine. Remote capable and AC/DC output for tig as well as mig capable with a spoolgun if you added the right control box.I can't help you with the Lincolns..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:yea but eventually if i go with a DC only machine i will get an inverter. Im not too worried about aluminum right now. I didnt weld any aluminum when i was at the yard anyways so that would be a self taught learning curve for me, and will take some time to practice and get certified for that process on my own time. so what makes the TB better than the 305G? 305 offers more power, 2 remote plugs, and lift arc tig, its also a chopper machine. is the TB pretty much the same? any difference in arc quality and performance?
Reply:i run a tb325 at at work and its just fine. i prefer my sa-200 for stick-welding, but it could not replace the trailblazer as far as everything else. never have run a 305, but i guess it too be similar.working 12" pipe with the tb right now. 1/8" 6010, 3/16" 6010, 1/8" 7018, and 5/32" 7018 for what i can roll. it does just fine, without making any noisebosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:I'm guessing the tb 275 and 325 have very similar qualities? Now I'm leaning towards the Miller. Such I pain in the *** decision
Reply:We run the Ranger 305G at work for our field work. I love it with the exception that every now and then it wouldn't start. The only issue is that the wire running from the starter vibrates loose. We tightened it and it hasn't had an issue since. Now with that said when I start up my own business I plan on going with the TB325 and the main reason is their customer service from what I have been told is far better than Lincoln and that goes a long way with me. Do some good research and go to your local weld store and have them go over each one with you and their capabilities and what all you will need to buy extra for additional things such as remote systems, spool guns etc and how much they will cost for each machine.
Reply:The new TB's save a lot of money on fuel costs over other machinesand i still think miller made a mistake eliminating AC mode on the TB ..Because there are times that i use thatAnd with mine i still have the option of adding the 251-D box..Instead of buying another machine just to weld what little aluminum that i would doBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Yep. I'm still completely undecided. I wish I had a bigger lws. Mine is a tiny shop with nothing to try
Reply:I bought a Lincoln 305G back in January, as well as a Lincoln Activ8 to go with it.  So far, I've been completely satisfied with both machines.  I've mostly been using it on pipe fences, livestock fencing, corrals and numerous other odds and ends projects.  I've ran mostly 3/32" and 1/8" 7018 and 6010 with it on stick, with a little bit of 6013 thrown in, and it has a fantastic arc.  I've also ran a lot of .035" innershield through the Activ8 off of it, and it works great for that as well.  I'm totally happy with mine and would highly recommend this machine.
Reply:you may be able to dig up a little dirt on the 325 too, if you try.i hated mine when i first got it, but im happy with it now. there was another member on here that was having issues, not sure if he got them resolved.a used trailblazer 302 may be a good bet for you. easier to set up and just weld. i would take mine back without complaint, but i would miss how quiet the 325 is in comparisonbosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin