Hobart champion 145

[bigjeff94]

Hey guys!
Summers and winters I work industrial maintenance at a cement mill and in the fall and spring I'm at school studying to be a mining engineer. As I'm getting closer to graduation I'm looking to put together a small welding trailer for side work projects and work on our families equipment.
At work I am spoiled with really nice machines (ie. Miller trailblazers, Lincoln idealarcs) so naturally my first look was at a Miller bobcat. Unfortunately my pockets are a bit shallow because of school so I'm looking at the hobart champion with the thought I can always upgrade down the road when I'm out of school.
Anyone have any experience with this machine or any other suggestions for a first engine driven welder?

 

[sberry]

I would get a MillerMaxstar or similar and about any genset. A 140 is dual voltage, runs very well for light work from 120v, don't need a genset unless you really need one, so much nicer when possible to fabricate with line power. Dual set up and cheaper than an engine drive welder. I would be curious to see how well one of the knock offs work.