Lincoln 305 VS. Miller Trailblazer

admin

I am going to have to buy another portable machine In the very near future, and have been looking into the 305 and the Trailblazer.  I have been running a Bobcat 225G plus for the past few years, and I need a little larger machine.  I like the Lincoln because of the Kubota diesel, and the totally enclosed case as well as how quiet the thing is.  However I can live with a little noise if the weld quality is better with the miller.  Honestly I am not really impressed with my bobcat's performance with low hydrogen electrodes, but have heard the trailblazers are alot better machine.  I would appreciate any feed back from anyone who has any experience with either of these machines.  Thanks in advice!  ~Jackson
Reply:You can get the Trailblazer with the Kubota.I've had a Trailblazer for some years now and have been very happy with it.  Before it I had the Legend.  I have very little experience with a Bobcat.  But I do know the Trailblazer has a three phase circuit for the welding processes while the Bobcat has only a single phase one.My next portable will be the diesel Trailblazer.life is good
Reply:I have the 301g[onan] trailblazer and have had no problems with it.Does a great job with 6010 rods and is smooth with 7018 also,use a spoolgun for aluminum,it is just a great machine ,that allows you to use a lot of different options.If you do a lot of pipe work the 305 will most likely suit you better.I think both use the Kubuta engine.Try to weld with both if you can find a dealer that will let you.Or if you know someone who has these machines.Its just like buying a car,need to test drive.
Reply:Thanks for the comments guys, As far as pipe work goes I usually install about ten irrigation pivots a year using 6" and 8" sch40 pipe, and its nothing really critical.  The majority of the work I do is in the repair, and structural end. I have alot of farmers and several loggin companies that I do repair work for.  Pretty much all I run is 7018's in most cases in the field, but alot of the logging equipment is built so heavy (1"-2" plate is not uncommon)that it would help to have a bigger machine.  Thanks again for the info.  ~Jackson
Reply:While we're on the subject, I have a question about this Trailblazer 305G that I came across for $1500.  It was built in 1987, has 2000 + hrs on it, onan engine, no battery, faceplate decal is worn off,  and it " has not been used much in the last 15 years"  the guy's selling his business and retiring.   It has the 14 pin connector for spool and mig but no wire feed box or arc leads.  I offered him what the praxair guy told me ($500), and he got mad. I haven't run it. Is this machine worth it?    Any one near LA who has a better machine for sale?
Reply:NEver, and I mean NEVER buy a used welder with out running it.  If you aren't sure that you can really read what the machine is doing have a professional run some welds with it.  I can tell you this, as far as a trailblazer goes a new one will run you around $3500 according to my price quote last week.  I have two bobcats with the onan engines, and one has 2700 hrs and starts and runs like a dream.  These motors are able to run several thousand hours if they are maintained.  Check the oil and see if it looks clean run some welds and then make your decision.  I found a used trailblazer for a friend of mine last year with 2300hrs on it and clean as a pin.  he payed $1300 for it with no cables.  to me that seemed fair.  ~Good luck,  JacksonI'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I agree with Hammack, there's so many potential problems it's not a good idea to get something if it's not running.  For you Americans I'd suggest checking out the used equipment section of the Hertz Equipment rental site.  There's some deals in there.