whats the difference

[SoCalTA]

What would be the difference between 175 and a 185???

[Danny]

I am assuming that you are asking about the differences between a MM 175 and a MM 185. Right? The two big difference are in the amount of out put power, and the duty cycle. The MM 185 is actually a 200 amp machine where as the MM 175 is a 175 amp machine. The MM 185 gives you around a 30% duty cycle @ 200 amps, where as the 30% duty cycle rating for the MM 175 is only at 130 amps. The MM 185 has an 80% duty cycle @ 130 amps. Basically the MM 185 is a heavier duty machine. The MM 185 however, is no longer in production. The MM 210 replaced it a couple of years ago. However, the MM 185 was and still is a very good machine.

Another difference between these two machines is the voltage selection. The MM 185 gives you 6 taps to choose from , and the MM 175 has a variable voltage control. My opinion is that the tapped design is much easier for the recreational welder to operate. My reasoning for this is because the tapped transformer design simplifies the arc tuning process.

The drive roll system on the MM 175 is a little better then the set up on the MM 185.

BTW, I own a MM 175 (plus a MM 210) and run a MM 185 at work, and if i had to choose between the two machines (MM 175 and MM 185) I d go with the MM 185. The MM 185 has a smooth short circuit transfer arc and the puddle wets out nicely. The MM 175 has a crisper arc and because of the variable volt control can be more difficult for the inexperiene operator to tune in.

Well, I hope some of this helps you out.

[SoCalTA]

Hey Dan,

Thank you very much for the information. Man so much to learn 8-)