Ranger 8 Welder....Suggestions?

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Looking to purchase a welder generator, preferably used under $1300.  I found a Lincoln Ranger 8 for $1000, but was wondering what kind of problems that they have and if parts will be hard to find?  The one I found has approx 450 hours on it.  Suggestions for other brands/models that I can find used for my price range?  Am I able to still purchase accessories for this machine to use MIG/TIG processes?  Things to check when I go look at the machine? BTW, the one I'm looking at has the Onan 16hp engineAny input is appreciated, thanks!Last edited by montgoc3; 06-05-2011 at 08:52 PM.
Reply:The Ranger 8 is a good machine, just as good as any other in that class of machine in my opinion. Mine has been good so far, no issues out of the ordinary. Just keep up with the oil changes and maintainance in general, and you should be fine. 450 hours is low, especially for that price, mine was 1900 hours, $885. That machine will do SMAW and DC GTAW (scratch start), and if you pick up an LN-25 feeder, you can do GMAW also. The drawback that I have experienced with these small welders (others will undoubtedly agree), is the noise of a 3800rpm engine running close byIAMAW Local 330Airco 300 AC/DC HeliwelderAirco Dip-Pak 200 with Profax spool gunPowr-Kraft AC225Everlast PowerArc 200stBuffalo Forge No.21 drill pressSpeedglas 9100xxAirco, Oxweld, Purox, Victor torchesLincoln Ranger 8
Reply:Originally Posted by wnywelderThe Ranger 8 is a good machine, just as good as any other in that class of machine in my opinion. Mine has been good so far, no issues out of the ordinary. Just keep up with the oil changes and maintainance in general, and you should be fine. 450 hours is low, especially for that price, mine was 1900 hours, $885. That machine will do SMAW and DC GTAW (scratch start), and if you pick up an LN-25 feeder, you can do GMAW also. The drawback that I have experienced with these small welders (others will undoubtedly agree), is the noise of a 3800rpm engine running close by
Reply:I would jump on that deal for that price it won't last long if its being advertized somewhere.  I just sold my ranger 8 with miller wc3 and profax spoolgun for $1700 with 500 ish hrs on it.  the onan is a better engine than the 20hp kohler that was the other optional engine on that model/  great machine and good generator tooTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:My Ranger 8 has been a good machine, no problems.  I think it is 10 years years old and I paid $2300.00 out the door with some accessories. Mine is powered by a Kohler engine but my friend has one powered by Onan and has not an issue. I believe his machine runs a little quieter. We do not run them daily and both have about 200 hours. Can't comment on the other manufactures but I can say our machines work well.  For that money and hours I would buy it myself.GeezerPower Mig 255C185 TIGBlue 175 MIGRanger 8 Kohler 20HP1974 5K Lincoln/Wisconsin Powered (Cherry)Victor/Harris O/AK 487 Spool Gun
Reply:Thanks for the input guys.  Going to look at it and test it out tomorrow.