Need new machine, Please advise......

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Guys one of my engine drives crapped out today, and I am in the market for a new one.  I keep one as a spare at all times so I have a while to research and make my decision.  Primarily I have been running bobcats, but the main reason was I got a hell of a deal on three machines with less than 200 hours on them.  It was just too good to pass up.  Honestly I would love to get an older straight DC machine, but It just would not suit my needs for the variety of things I do.  With that said   I am mainly in the repair business.  I usually run 7018's day in and day out on heavy steel (3/8" to 2"thick material I see frequently), and an occasional 110-18 or 6011.  I don't do a lot of it, but I do need the capability of running a spool set up for aluminum to patch tanks etc...   I honestly have never been real happy with the weld characteristics of the smaller machines like the bobcat, and would like to step up.   The other thing I am considering is arc-gouging.   I have been using a torch with a gouging tip for years in the field and would like to possibly consider that as well.  The 250amp machines are a bit borderline for my needs, and I was considering going with a trailblazer or ranger 305.  Have any of you  experience with these machines running the processes I have mentioned above and if so what are your comments, I am also open to other recomendations as well.  I want to stay away from air cooled, and probably spend the extra cash on a diesel model considering my truck is a diesel and I keep it on hand.  I have run the trailblazer 302 and the arc characteristics beat the pants out of the bobcats I am used to, but have not run the ranger.  Hopefully Next week I can demo one of those as well.  Thanks in advance for your opinions.      ~JacksonI'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:If your heart is set on a NEW machine, I would go with the Trailblazer 302, or if you can do without AC the Lincoln Ranger 305(I hear the Chopper Tech makes it weld almost as good as an old SA-200). I can run 1/4" carbons on my Trailblazer 301G, but she whines about it and I stick to 3/16" to keep the machine happy. If you can find an old SA-200/250 buy it and you will never regret it. I use my big old Lincoln more than my new miller for stick welding and Arcairing(It will run 1/4" carbons no comlaints).Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:If you get a Diesel, plumb it into the truck's fuel system and it will run for weeks from the truck's tank.
Reply:I have a ranger 250.  Chopper technology is great.  I can run 1/4" carbon, but usually use 3/16 for most of my work.  It will gouge like crazy.  7018 runs smooth as can be, even 3/16.  A ranger 305 LOOKS to be the same machine with a bigger motor (2 hp in gas)  It has touch start TIG, and runs bare wire with Co2 or C25 great.  It will spray weld .045 wire with 2% 02 at close to the top end.  My dad has a bobcat.  The ranger blows it away with the bare wire.   Never uses 6010 on it, so I can't comment.Gouging is cleaner and faster than a torch.  I find I have more control with the gouge than a Ox torch.They are all good.  A 305G costs 2.5 X my ranger 250.   I think a vantage 300 is $1,000 more.  I had my last gas powered lincoln for 18 years.  Its fun shopping for a new spark machine.DavidLast edited by David R; 04-21-2007 at 09:22 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.