Help with an approximate worth of a welder?

Hey guys,

First off, I'd like to say I hate ask a "what is it worth?" question, but I guess it's better to ask now than after I get "hurt".. so here it goes.

I have a opportunity to purchase a Miller Ranger 9 welder. I know the welder is roughly 15 years old (but shows less than 150 ACCURATE hours on the clock) It has the "plug" for a spool gun, but no gun comes with it. It runs good, has always been housed, and well maintained. I believe it has 50 to 75' leads (I didn't measure them, as it's a minor detail at this point)

The welder is mounted in a 6x10 enclosed trailer (and the exhaust is piped outside) which has roughly 500-1000 miles on it, and is still like new, which is part of the deal

Also included is a small torch setup (tanks, 25' hoses, and a "cheaper" regulator/head setup)

I am related to the owner, as it belongs to the family farm/tiling business.. and they have decided that it's not worth hanging onto anymore, as it rarely gets used.. I know how it was taken care of, as my grandad and uncle are very meticulous about maintaining their equipment.

I know the asking price, but I'm going to keep that to myself for now.. I want to know what a "fair" price would be, to see if they are in line.. I actually think the asking price is a little low, but I am family too.. so it could be the family discount LOL..

Thanks in advance for any ball park ideas..

Brad

The welder is also a 10000 watt generator. Packaged nicely in an enclosed trailer makes it a handy-sounding setup for field repairs.

The welder alone is worth 1000 to 2000, based on internet auction sales and the price of new similar equipment. The trailer 500 to 1000, the torch 100 to 300.

If it were for sale locally I'd grab the package for $2000 and be very happy. For $2500 I'd hesitate but probably buy it. At $3000 I'd consider it but probably pass.

First off a Ranger 9 is not a Miller. It is a Lincoln. I know that some of the early Lincoln Rangers had bad problems with vibration or something. I can't remember exactly what it was or what models were affected. You could check with a welder repair shop for problems with a Ranger 9. Being in a trailer, you have to make sure it gets enough cooling air for the engine. Prices of new welders similar to the Ranger 9 have come down in price the last couple of years. If it has an Onan engine, parts are expensive and apparently they're rather loud. Being around 15 years old, I'd say just the welder is probably in the $2000/$2500 range. Make sure you can get the cylinders for the torch refilled. The biggest problem I see is if something goes wrong shortly after you buy it. That's why a lot of people never sell or buy from relatives or friends. Check what other used Ranger 9's are selling for and also consider if you'll ever want to add a wire feeder. Dave

Dave,

Sorry about the mistake.. I noticed that I did that when we were loading some tools up on the trailer earlier today.

The torch cylinders are relatively new.. and are usually exchanged at the same place I get my "shop gas" and other welding supplies.

The reason I am seriously thinking on it is simply because I would in fact like to add the wire feed unit.. Actually I was thinking like this:

My buzz-box in the shop is quite old, and I have been looking at used units to update what I now have. I have been saving up to buy a good sized wire welder currently, and now, in the past week my early 70's portable has given up the ghost, so.. I could buy a new(er) buzz box, and wire feed, and try to find another "decent" portable (my now dead one sees 50 to 100 hours a year)

OR I could buy this one and should be able to have it all in one neat package.

I don't worry too much about buying from the 2 particular family members that have this unit, as if I had a problem relatively shortly after purchase, they would make it right.. and as I said, having a mere 150 (or less) hours on it, I shouldn't have too many issues for a while.

The price being asked is right around 3500.. Was trying to decide if I should pursue it further, or just let it go.. (Had they not decided to keep the air compressor and the big knaack toolbox, I would have been all over it LOL)

Brad

Everybody is negotiable. I'd just start with the new price of a setup that you want and need and consider that first. Then tell them what they have is only worth 2000-2500 according to info from the internet. If what you want and need is anywhere near 2000-2500 bought brand new, then that is an easy choice.

You need to check on the tanks. Around here they only lease the big ones. A 10 year least is over $500. They do transfer ownership but check first. Last thing you want is to find out that the lease is about to or has already expired and you have to pony up $500. If they got the bottles with the welder it may be past time. I'd figure the value of the remaining tank lease in coming down from the 2000-2500 figures.

It's 15 years old. I don't know if you need the trailer or if you already have a torch or not, but $3500 seems high for a 15 yr. old air cooled welder. Up here a new Ranger 305G, which is an upgraded model, can be had for $4200 and comes with a 3 year warranty. If the circuit board or something big went on the machine you're considering, do really think they'd pay to fix it? A wire feeder could cost over $1000 depending on which one you want. Can you post a picture of everything? Dave