Quality of purchases made at different vendors

[tonyrico]

I am gearing up to purchase an HH210.

I know that at Home Depot you can purchase a Lincoln 180 HD. (I have no interest in this, but site it as example only)
I thought HD meant heavy duty. Speaking to a person at a "real" welding supply company I was told that it meant Home Depot and that it may differ in quality or manufacturing from the same unit purchased from a welding supply company.
I know this holds true with refrigerators, sewing amchines, window Ac units...

Does anyone know if a Hobart purchased from Tractor Supply Company is identical to one purchased from a welding supply company?
Thanks tony

[Ohio Mike]

If you poke around more you'll notice a lot of postings discussing the various differences in the multitudes of Lincoln models and which are sold at various locations. Frankly I found this a big turn off.

What I do know is that all Hobart welders are the same. For example a HH210 at one retail location is exactly the same welder as another location (or mail order for that matter). Regardless of where they are purchased all would also have the same 5/3/1 warranty.

Good luck.

[Sberry]

I think the dealers were PO at Lincoln for going to the box store market, they insisted on different model numbers. A Hobart is a Hobart though and I think it made good sense for them not to *******ize part numbers. It allows them to use the image of "genuine" as a marketing tool.

[Alabama Chevy]

Hi Guys,

Before buying my welder, one of the questions I asked Hobart tech support was, "is there a difference between the Hobart welders sold in retail stores and welding shops?" They told me. "no, they are the same machines." So my advice is to get your welder where you can get the best price.

I found that TSC has the wire, gas, and accessories-all at a great price. The only issue will be if something goes wrong, you will have to send your welder back to Hobart. TSC can't do service.

Jon

[tonyrico]

Thanks guys. No sense in beating it up any more than this. I accept your answers and will proceed with the Hobart purchase.
Tonyrico

[Broccoli1]

.... tell yer LWS the same Lincoln unit they sell is the same unit that the Box store sells, with the exception of the "C" models

Enjoy the new Hobart

[Zrexxer]

.... tell yer LWS the same Lincoln unit they sell is the same unit that the Box store sells, with the exception of the "C" models

Enjoy the new Hobart

That used to be true but the new Lincoln offerings that I compared the parts lists for are significantly different between the retail and the LWS products. The Hobarts however are all the same wherever they're sold.

[Broccoli1]

That used to be true but the new Lincoln offerings that I compared the parts lists for are significantly different between the retail and the LWS products. The Hobarts however are all the same wherever they're sold.

Which 2 are you looking at?

I was informed by Lincoln that the new SP-180T(LWS) is the same machine as the Pro-Mig(Retail)

The Older Power Mig 180T did have an AL drive roll system but that model has been discontinued.

http://content.lincolnelectric.com/pdfs/products/literature/e727.pdf

http://content.lincolnelectric.com/pdfs/products/literature/e763.pdf

I can't find a parts list or a manual on line for the SP180t

[Zrexxer]

Which 2 are you looking at?

It's been 8 or 9 months since I looked at the parts lists, but I seem to recall it was the "Pro Mig" version. It had a plastic drive roll support, I remember that. So it appears my comparison is outdated.