Advise Buying welder/generator

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Looking to buy a welder/generator.  How many hours is high hours for a MIller Bobcat, Trailblazer or comparable Lincoln?  Thanks is advance guys!!  Also, when buying a welder/generator what repairs could I expect as the machine gets older.  What should I look for (obvious signs) when buying used?Adrian
Reply:It really depends how much money you want to spend on it. I would look for a newer one with the kohler or robin on them just cheaper and easier to get parts for then the old onan but don't get me wrong onan makes a good engine. Personally I would look for one with less then 1000 hours in good general condition. When you test the machine make sure all the control work in all positions. I usually crank it to the max and burn a hole in some metal and then set it and burn some nice beads with it. Its good to ask what kind of maintaince program oil change, plugs and filters it has been on. You can get a nice used bobcat for around $2000 and a trailblazer round $2500 and up. Nows a good time to buy a machine since they are going pretty cheap. I just sold my 1 year old bobcat with 120 hours on it for $2500 and I have my trailblazer 302 with 55 hours on it for $3000.Vantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:Probably the engine and the service its had over its life time.  With these types of machines you list I think if they weld at all then they probably weld ok, where an old used SA200 might weld but at the same time it might not weld that good. Buy used is always a gamble, but again, buying new can also be a gamble, but at least something new should have a warranty.  Where a used welder might be "as is".Good luckLast edited by slowhand; 10-05-2010 at 08:16 PM.
Reply:Thanks guys for the info.  Anyone else have any other advise or suggestions?  Thanks guys.  I found a MILLER BOBCAT 225 for $2500 with 239hrs.  It has ONAN 16 engine with an 8500 watt generator.  Is this a decent deal?  Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Reply:That's a high price on an older Bobcat 225.  With a 16hp Onan, I assume it's a 225G, or possibly a 225NT (NT's are a little newer than G's).   That machine should be going for about $1200-1500.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33That's a high price on an older Bobcat 225.  With a 16hp Onan, I assume it's a 225G, or possibly a 225NT (NT's are a little newer than G's).   That machine should be going for about $1200-1500.
Reply:About a month ago I bought a Bobcat 225NT with 800 hrs for $1000 bucks. Its a 2000 model. Came with no leads or cover. Put it in the truck and been using it everyday.  This is the first miller I have EVER bought, and am extremely happy with it. Attached Images
Reply:I agree.  $2500 is TOO much. Think of the difference in that old 225 and the Trailblazer 302 that Gmmandan has for $500 more is HUGE!  I'm not trying to sell the Trailblazer for him but I'm just sayin' that there are much, much better deals than that out there to be had.StephenMillermatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200Miller 30A SpoolgunHypertherm Powermax 30Etc., etc., etc.............Cancer Sucks!
Reply:Miller sucks"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammMiller sucks
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33Come use some of my Millers and I bet your opinion changes.
Reply:Thanks to all that replied!  So...not sure I got a clear answer, but what do you guys consider high hours, 1000,2000,etc...Also, what other problems or issues should I what out for when buying a generator/welder?  Thanks!
Reply:AC, I have been using Miller Trailblazers for years, my experience has been even the old horizontally opposed, flathead Onan engines would outlast the welder itself.   Out of the first three I owned (since 1988 or so), two of them lost the first pc board at 1400 hours or so, by the time they lost the second pc board, 1800 hours or so, I dumped them.  Engines were still running like a top, and no, I wasn't particularly religious about changing oil and filters,   Understand, my standard practice was the second time I had the same problem with a machine, I never used it again.   My business is fixing other people's stuff, not fixing my own stuff.The second one I bought, about 1991 or so, was the only one I sold afterwards, never had a problem with it for 2600 hours.   Sold it to a customer of mine, I still see it from time to time, 3000 hours now and still no problems.The last one I still have, a 301G, bought in '91 or '92.  Did have engine problems, but it's the OHV Subaru, they had some issues with the coils.  No problems with the welder end.   1500 hours on it currently, haven't used it since I put it back together.  It's been replaced by a Lincoln Ranger 250, I love the arc force control.All I can say is, you have no idea when a pc board will fail, there are no symptoms beforehand.   If you are like me, no electronics savvy whatsoever, you pay thru the nose to diagnose/replace pc boards.   Contrast with the Bobcat, a very basic machine, mostly mechanical.   Last one I worked on, just had to replace the heavy copper contacts, didn't see any pc boards in it.Buying any used machine of this type, first maintenance issues to take care of, inspect the brushes and replace if necessary,  and adjust the engine valves.Samm,,,,,   you gotta speak up, some of us don't hear so good, and even don't see so good. Originally Posted by farmersammMiller sucks