Trailblazer or Bobcat

[devilpup]

Good Day, I am deciding between a Bobcat 250 and a Trailblazer 325. This will be my first engine driven welder/generator. Adding one of these will allow me to be mobile and use my MM 251 and an older Miller 120v MIG. I am looking to help farmers and people with heavy equipment. I think I have narrowed it down to a Trailblazer 325 w/ EFI. Regardless of the two, I would like EFI. Would the Excel Power be worth the extra money? I don't think I really plan on running multiple items at once, (maybe an air compressor or lights), and I think that a regular Trailblazer would handle that anyway. I need recommendations on a decent set of leads as well. I'm a little confused as to the various types, which ones are the best? Id like at least 50' of 2/0, and different sized stingers for different size rods and different jobs. Back to the Bobcat/Trailblazer debate in my mind, I can get a Bobcat 250 for $3669 and a regular Trailblazer without EFI for $4800, (not sure what it would be yet with EFI). Should I save some money and get the Bobcat, that would leave me with plenty of extra cash for a Hypertherm 45, although I think I will have enough in getting a Trailblazer w/EFI and a Hypertherm 45, but leads are expensive. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[H80N]

IMHO...Buy the TRAILBLAZER............

that 14pin control connector makes a world of difference in versatility........................

suitcase feeders... foot pedal etc.....................

[gnforge]

I agree Trailblazer would be my choice without question. 14-pin worth the difference.

[Railmen]

The trailblazer all the way, I'm sorry but Miller and the other red company should stop making the bobcat and ranger gxt, 250's

[devilpup]

What would you recommend for a set of leads? 1/0 or 2/0, Id like at least 50' The Tweco ones seem popular, I think they have a quick disconnect which would seem nice. I see a lot of people run a 2/0 then a shorter piece of maybe 1/0 to the stinger, is that the best route to go?
Thanks for all your help, guess ill be getting a new Trailblazer.

[Aeronca41]

Check out page 26 of the latest TB325 owner manual here:

https://www.millerwelds.com/files/ow...49795J_MIL.pdf

Note the table refers to total cable length, so 50' each, (stinger and work)cables = 100', which will require 2/0 for high duty cycle at max current. You can decide if you need to go for maximums based on projected use or deal with a little loss from a smaller cable based on the cost trade off. Bigger is obviously better if you can afford it. At any rate, adding some Lenco or Tweco connectors (they are interchangeable as long as you get the same type) and a shorter piece of lighter cable near the stinger can make long days easier. Also, connectors are not that expensive so you can always add on more cable later.

Trailblazer is the right choice, as the PM45 will be when you can get it. I have both an old TB 280NT and a PM45-wonderful machines!

Back in the 50's and 60's in my Dad's business we had a couple of hundred feet of 4/0 (which would break the bank today!) that ran all the way to the stinger. Got REALLY heavy and tough to move around near the end of a long day.

[devilpup]

Awesome, Thanks for all the help. Ill get a 100' roll of 2/0 and 50' of 1/0 to use as whips. If I need I can add on more 2/0 as money allows. Ill get a bunch of Tweco connectors too, guess I wasnt sure of the brand name of quick connects. Id rather buy bigger the first time instead of wishing I went bigger after the fact. And I cant wait to get a Hypertherm PM45. They make them just down the road from where I work, It should be easy to get parts and service, should I need it.

[aametalmaster]

TB325 has a $200 rebate also...Bob

[Aeronca41]

Awesome, Thanks for all the help. Ill get a 100' roll of 2/0 and 50' of 1/0 to use as whips. If I need I can add on more 2/0 as money allows. Ill get a bunch of Tweco connectors too, guess I wasnt sure of the brand name of quick connects. Id rather buy bigger the first time instead of wishing I went bigger after the fact. And I cant wait to get a Hypertherm PM45. They make them just down the road from where I work, It should be easy to get parts and service, should I need it.

Looking at the chart, you may want to consider adding 3/0 if/when you buy more depending on how far you want to reach. You can add the 3/0 to the 2/0; check the cable sizes the connectors you buy will handle.