What's the real diffeance between the Bobcat 250 and the TB 302

[Bulldog]

Hi Guys,
I have a (2004) Bobcat 250 NT and was thinking about a new TB 302 but I'm not sure of the real difference between the two. I like the Bobcat alot and was wondering if you guys think that the TB 302 has alot better arc quality. What are the real world advantages between the two.
Thanks Bulldog

[clintonwelding1]

im not too knowalagable on engine driven welder but im pretty sure the 302 buts out more amps and more watts. also the tb302 has the dual generator system which lets the generator part run while the welder is running without taking away any power.

hope this helps a little

[MAC702]

Yes, it has two generators, but you can't get max output from both at the same time because the engine can only handle so much shaft horsepower.

Download the spec sheet for the TB302 and you'll find the chart that shows how much auxiliary power is available based on the amps you are currently welding at.

The BIG advantage of the dual-generator set-up is that you get 3-phase welding power from its generator and no arc interference from using the auxiliary power generator, which is on the same shaft.

The 3-phase arc from the TB302 truly makes it a professional welding machine. The Bobcat is a fine welder but is nowhere near the same class of machine. I own a TB301G and a Bobcat 225NT, and would never buy another Bobcat.

There of lots of other differences, just examine the two spec sheets downloadable from the product pages for those machines from www.millerwelds.com. I'd probably really like the digital meters on the new TB302.

Plus, if you plan on accessories, the TB has the 14-pin remote receptacle for CV feeders or other remotes.

[Coalsmoke]

The bobcat is really a fine little machine for ocasional use, but if you are going to be running it a fair bit, then the TB302 is a good professional option.

[cruizer]

The Bobcat is light industrial, or farmer oriented.

The Trailblazer is for heavy industrial, and rig oriented use

[Portable Welder]

If you like stick welding than the bobcat is a fine machine. but if you want to start mig welding or running a spoolgun for running mig aluminum thats where the real advantage comes into play with the Trailblazer, there are other reasons, the new trail blazer lets you do lift arc tig which is a nice feature instead of doing scratch start tig when I'm in the restaurants welding up stainless, you can also set up a HF-251 high freq box to do tig aluminum.
You can run mig steel off you'r bobcat but you have to use a voltage sensing feeder that doesnt run like a shop machine. If you get the T.B. you can buy the better feeder which is the 8RC or the 12Rc which will let you mig weld just as if you are using a shop machine.
I own a portable welding company so I could never own a bobcat because I need to weld alot of stainles and aluminum that the bobcat is not really designed to do. and then there are the days when I'm working on heavy equipment, I can throw down alot more mig wire in a day verses arc rod.

[Bulldog]

Thanks guys!
I knew how the spec sheets read, I was looking for real world experience.
I do appreciate all of the input. It looks like I'll be visiting my favorite welding shop...
Bulldog

[HAWK]

Bulldog,

You won't go wrong on the TB302G. I sold a Bobcat 225 and bought a 301G. Now I own a 302G and have no regrets. The 4 pole 3 phase DC arc is incredible on this machine.

[precisionworks]

Ditto :D

Very sweet on any covered electrode.

Superb wire machine with a Suitcase 8RC or 12RC (the one I use).

Fantastic on aluminum with the Spoolmatic 30A.

It's a lot of engine-drive for $3500 :D

[joebass]

I don't have an engine drive but have used the 301G the arc is very nice. The thing that appeals to me about the 302G is the lift arc DC TIG since I do some portable stainless for restaurants. It sure would beat dragging my Dynasty around. Infact I have some jobs coming up where I could almost pay for half the machine. I'm almost convinced to buy one but I only have 3 or 4 field jobs a year, and I want to buy another MIG for the shop first.

[Sberry]

I don't have an engine drive but have used the 301G the arc is very nice. The thing that appeals to me about the 302G is the lift arc DC TIG since I do some portable stainless for restaurants. It sure would beat dragging my Dynasty around.
I would way rather use the customers power than have that engine drive running for small jobs. Wear, tear and these days it isnt hard to run 25$ in fuel while idling for a day.

[KB Fabrications]

I would way rather use the customers power than have that engine drive running for small jobs. Wear, tear and these days it isnt hard to run 25$ in fuel while idling for a day.
Excellent point!

[Coalsmoke]

the 302 can suck back $50-75 for a days worth of fuel without too much trouble.

[Bulldog]

Thanks guys for all your input. I'll be picking up the TB302 tomorrow. (Tues)
By the way I sold the Bobcat 250 NT. I got $2000 for it. It was in Great shape.
Bulldog

[HAWK]

Run it through all its paces, but most definitley check out the stick arc first. Huge improvement over the Bobcats. You will be pleasantly suprised! Let us know.

[HAWK]

the 302 can suck back $50-75 for a days worth of fuel without too much trouble. I do not know what your fuel prices are, but about $30 buck a 10 hour day is max even with heavy gouging and FCAW.

[Coalsmoke]

we're just a tad over $1.00 / litre. The 302 drinks about a gal an hour, if you are mostly welding, about 1.5 g/hr if you are arc gouging. In a typical 12 hr day, that equates to about $45, in a more likely 15-16 hour day, fuel ends up costing about $60 for a days worth of work, and as much as $90 for a full day of gouging. My initial posted fuel costs were off a bit though for the average 12hr day, sorry.

[HAWK]

Coalsmoke,

Local fuel prices are less than $2/gallon. I did not realize you were paying double. Some days I do weld 15 hours, but 5-6 hours of that is usually shop time unless I get that "got to have it now call at 10PM".

[Coalsmoke]

Wow, you guys have it nice at $2/gallon. Gas has dipped a bit here, into the mid 90s per litre (probably won't last too long though), but diesel still remains at over a dollar per litre. talk about a way to shoot the economy in the foot :rolleyes: Everytime the gas price goes up a few more cents, they also drive the diesel price up, but when the gas price drops back down a few days later, they leave the diesel price high. What used to cost me $60 for a tank of fuel two years ago now costs $115. More for the customer to pay. ;)

[Stick rod]

The oil companies are keeping the price of diesel high along with home heating oil(same stuff?).Just another way to get in your pockets even deeper.