Hobart Handler 140 has been upgraded!

[rogersmithiii]

Just came across this post on another site.

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtalk/showthread.php?45479-New-Handler-140

The Hobart 500500 model that is the original Handler 140, is on sale at Tractor Supply for $469.99, marked down from $499. I was just about to run into the store to buy one.

Just found out that Hobart has released an upgraded version of the 140 called a model 500559. It is selling for $499 (free shipping) at Northern, and has a new ground clamp design. Most important though, it replaced all of the plastic **** in the drive system with metal. Finally, it added another voltage tap.

So if you're considering a Handler 140, you might want to wait for the upgraded unit, especially since the sale is only saving you $30.

 

[Voi]

Thanks for the info. I've seen a few "barely used" 140s pop up on Craigslist recently. I doubt it's related but it figures after looking for a 140 machine for over a year they come out with an upgraded version. Metal drive and an extra tap would be nice.

 

[ishiboo]

Back when I had a Hobart Handler (135, I think the precursor to the 140), the only discernible difference between the Hobart and the Miller was the wire feed system which was the fiber thermoplastic stuff. IMO that never seemed to be a vulnerable part of the design anyway though so I wasn't concerned.