Getting cold feet on getting my Miller 325...bobcat is tempting me.

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So...it has been a while fellas....and maybe gals, guess I really don't know on a forum  Shortly after all of my research and posts on here a while back I got super busy and had a ton of crap break down on me that cost me a fortune.   Long story short I am in the drivers seat again and super eager to get some equipment.  I thought I had finally settled down on a 325 Miller but have recently gotten cold feet.  I have read quite a few posts in various spots about cold weather issues but more importantly hot weather issues with the machine.  I also read from cruiser that due to the encoder one cannot tune the Hz range to the ideal setting and you need to adjust the RPM range for low and high side to protect the board...I think it was 38 low side and 62.5 on high side adjusted at governor....I won't get into all of the details but am concerned about having to tinker with things in order to get the longevity and performance it is capable of.  I am here in CO and though it usually does not last long we do get high heat and pretty cold as well.  I have seen 106 (dry heat) and -20 where I live and I really don't want to be worrying about the machine.  It is a stretch for me to justify the cost of a TB over say a bobcat as I have been bitten a few times when I did not go with my gut to buy once cry once and settled, but I surely don't want a cantankerous machine.  Is the arc quality of the TB that much better to justify the problems the come with the extra gizmos and such in the trailblazer line.  The machine will be used often but not in a professional setting and I can see having pretty low hours on it after the warranty is over.  I was dam near ready to order it today and have been saving forever and just could not bring myself to do it.  I am also completely undecided if the EFI and excel power is worth it...quite a jump if you get both options.  Should probably point out I am in a Farm/Ranch setting looking for fabrication, repair, etc...I should also throw out that if I go with the bobcat I will get the millermatic 211 at the same time so there is the small bonus in that arena compared with the blazer.  Even though the tB has the remote mig option I would still get the 211 just at a later date as i want a stand alone machine to run in my shop when the engine drive is not needed.    Too bad the miller promotions are done...just my damn luck.
Reply:What ever you buy , take advantage of the Zorotools 25% off . They sell miller.  In your case I do not see a pay back for the excel option. The EFI can be gotten on both the TB line and the Bobcat line.  The EFI is very good with a machine not used a lot as there is less concern of stale gas. My TB302 starts instantly no matter what the weather and starts just as instantly after sitting for 5-6 months.
Reply:Originally Posted by thegaryWhat ever you buy , take advantage of the Zorotools 25% off . They sell miller.  In your case I do not see a pay back for the excel option. The EFI can be gotten on both the TB line and the Bobcat line.  The EFI is very good with a machine not used a lot as there is less concern of stale gas. My TB302 starts instantly no matter what the weather and starts just as instantly after sitting for 5-6 months.
Reply:The arc is better on the TB. That said you will get used to what ever you buy.  I personally hate Bobcats but I too do not like the new trailblazers . I was lucky to find my 302.  The Bobcat will do anything you want to do. Many people will not even know the difference in the arc. I weld a lot and to me there is a big difference . The biggest difference I have seen is arc length. The Bobcat you need to hold a tighter arc or you lose it. I believe they have a lower open circuit voltage than the TB line. Once you get used to the tight arc you will have no problem with the Bobcat.Last edited by thegary; 02-09-2016 at 02:28 PM.
Reply:My father in law swears by sea foam. I have a boat and because of his urging I tried it instead of stabil in my boat for storage. the next spring I had to take the carb apart and clean it. I use premium ethanol free gas in it all the time. I now use Starton for stabilizer. Starton will clean up a carb that has had stale fuel in it. I wish I had known about it before I had to clean my boat carb.
Reply:Originally Posted by thegaryMy father in law swears by sea foam. I have a boat and because of his urging I tried it instead of stabil in my boat for storage. the next spring I had to take the carb apart and clean it. I use premium ethanol free gas in it all the time. I now use Starton for stabilizer. Starton will clean up a carb that has had stale fuel in it. I wish I had known about it before I had to clean my boat carb.
Reply:I need to correct spelling. I think spell check hit again. It is called Startron. Made by Star Brite
Reply:I had a Bobcat and have a 301G Trailblazer now. I have also used a Trailblazer 302. To me the Trailblazer is way better than the Bobcat. Dan D.Manipulator Of Metal
Reply:Originally Posted by thegaryThe arc is better on the TB. That said you will get used to what ever you buy.  I personally hate Bobcats but I too do not like the new trailblazers . I was lucky to find my 302.  The Bobcat will do anything you want to do. Many people will not even know the difference in the arc. I weld a lot and to me there is a big difference . The biggest difference I have seen is arc length. The Bobcat you need to hold a tighter arc or you lose it. I believe they have a lower open circuit voltage than the TB line. Once you get used to the tight arc you will have no problem with the Bobcat.
Reply:I think I am going to hold out a bit more as the excel power option and EFI is enough more especially not being able to use my coupons at places like Zoro that I will need to put a bit more away.  Oh well, I have waited this long I guess.  Thanks for the input