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Welder/Generator Purchase

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NCJohn

05-23-2003 11:40:32




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I am considering purchasing a Miller Bobcat 250Nt or a Lincoln Ranger 8 machine to provide ac/dc stick welding capability and also backup power for my rural home. The Miller can be had for about 2900 dollars whereas the Lincoln is about 500 dollars cheaper. Does anyone have any experience with either machine? Trying to make a decision on which is the better unit. Also, either comes with choice of ONAN or Kohler engine. Don't know which way to go on that either. Thanks!

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Tom

05-24-2003 06:14:21




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 Re: Welder/Generator Purchase in reply to NCJohn, 05-23-2003 11:40:32  
Get the Miller Bobcat with Kohler and you will be far ahead.



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BFO

05-24-2003 04:41:13




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 Re: Welder/Generator Purchase in reply to NCJohn, 05-23-2003 11:40:32  
Lincoln Ranger 250 all the way. Without a doubt the best machine in it's class. Mine has the Kohler, and it's been trouble free.



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tortmort

05-23-2003 19:57:05




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 Re: Welder/Generator Purchase in reply to NCJohn, 05-23-2003 11:40:32  
Don not get the Lincoln Ranger 8. You want the Ranger 250 with the Kohler engine. The Ranger 250 blows the doors off the Miller for about the same price. Go to Lincolnelectric.com and see for your self. The 8 is old technology and the 250 is one nice unit. Like I say, check it out for yourself. Call Lincoln sales/tech and ask them about the 8 or the 250.



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Scott V

05-23-2003 18:47:02




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 Re: Welder/Generator Purchase in reply to NCJohn, 05-23-2003 11:40:32  
It's too bad you need ac welding output,because if you didn't the ranger 250 is a much better welder than both by far.You can get either engine with the ranger 250.I had a Ranger 305G that I got a steal on for $3150.00.The 250 Ranger could be had for $2667.00 sometimes.Lift-arc tig,inductance control/arc-force control,downhill pipe welding,and a great mig arc,digital meters.Best control layout,and also chopper tech that really works.The 250 bobcat has a little more ac power,but not even in the same league at all,in dc welding processes.It's also makes less noise with the inclosed sheetmetal.Which is easy to lift off for repair,but you won't need to unless something breaks.(I always thought I would plug my ac/dc inverter into it if I wanted a awsome ac tig,stick arc.
Scott

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NCJohn

05-23-2003 19:00:18




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 Re: Re: Welder/Generator Purchase in reply to Scott V, 05-23-2003 18:47:02  
Most if not all I will do is carbon steel welding. Making trailers and other stuff. Do I need AC, really? The bigger part of this purchase is buying the generator capability and getting the welder as a kind of bonus.



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Scott V

05-23-2003 19:36:19




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 Re: Re: Re: Welder/Generator Purchase in reply to NCJohn, 05-23-2003 19:00:18  
I would go with the Ranger 250,and don't look back.The Bobcat puts out 10,000 peak watts,and the current Ranger peaks at 8,500.So if that much more power means something to you than go with the Bobcat.If the welding arc means anything to you go with the Lincoln.My 305G only came with the kohler 22 horse engine,but it sure ran nice,and quiet.The new 20.5 onan built with help from Curtis Robin seems like a pretty good unit,and Kohler is proven,so flip a coin,and you will be fine.

When I bought mine I compared it to a 301g Trailblazer for about the same price,and the Lincoln just blows that one away in everything it can do better.Same things apply to the Bobcat 250/Ranger 250.Do not get caught up into the red vs blue because it does not mean didly.

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Robert in W. Mi.

05-23-2003 15:04:42




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 Re: Welder/Generator Purchase in reply to NCJohn, 05-23-2003 11:40:32  
Given that choise, i'd pick the Kohler over the Onan any day of the week!!!! I've had more than one of both, and the Kohler will a lot more trouble free when they get older. Personally, i'd NEVER buy another Onan! BTW, both are gas hogs!! Robert



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Matthew

05-23-2003 14:57:26




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 Re: Welder/Generator Purchase in reply to NCJohn, 05-23-2003 11:40:32  
I can not give you a very good opinion on this question as far as the welder goes, but the engine is another story. I have welded with both brands of welders and seem to find the controls on the Millers to be more user friendly. A big difference in the two machines is that the Bobcat's engine is enclosed while on the Ranger 8, the engine is exposed. I believe that engine maintenance is very important, and with this large investment, it makes it that much more important. Now, I do not know about you, but I would be more inclined to maintain the Ranger as specified due to the convience of its exposure. On the other hand, I would rather the engine be covered to protect it from the elements. I have seen a cover that is sold by Lincoln to fit the Ranger so that would take care of that. However, if it was me, I would probably buy one for the Bobcat. Now, on the engine. I have zero experience with Onan engines, however I have a fair amount with the Kohler engine. I have a lawnmower that is over 12 years old with the original Kohler engine in it. 12 years may not be a long time, but I have had no trouble with the engine and have strived to perform the proper maintenance on it. Therefore if I were faced with deciding between an Onan and Kohler, I would definently go with the Kohler. I am sure that both machines are quality products and would last a long time. I would buy the one that you find to be easiest to use and maintain. Just my 2 cents.

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