If you’re in the market for a reliable welder, then you’ll want to check out the Hobart Champion 145.
This welder is perfect for beginners and experienced welders alike, and it offers a wide range of features that will let you weld just about anything.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the specific features of the Hobart Champion 145, along with the pros and cons, of using this welder. So, if you’re interested in learning more about the Hobart Champion 145, keep on reading.
An Overview
The Hobart Champion 145 is a welder designed for fabricators, farmers, and homeowners. You can use it for light to medium-duty welding projects. The welder has several features that make it easy to use and produce consistent results.
This is the pick we have got in our hand and we will be reviewing it completely.
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What’s in the Box?
- Hobart Champion 145 Welder
- Running gear (2 wheels)
- Owners’ manual
Specifications
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Features Of Hobart Champion 145
The Hobart Champion 145 is a single-phase, 145- amp welder perfect for light fabrication and hobby work. It features several excellent features, including:
Powerful Briggs & Stratton® engine
The Hobart Champion 145 is great for various welding and power needs. It features a Briggs & Stratton Intek 4-cycle OHV engine, making it easy to start and providing plenty of power. It has a power output of 4,000 running watts and 4,500 surge watts.
It is fuel-efficient with a 6.25-gallon gasoline tank for lengthy operating durations, so you won’t have to keep refilling the tank now and then.
Built-in running gear
The Hobart Champion 145 comes with running gear( the wheels and handles). This is an excellent alternative if you need to move it around your property.
Many would prefer it mounted; however, the running gear is useful if you decide to use it at any time.
145- amp DC welder
With a welding output of up to 145 amps, it can handle various projects. This makes it perfect for welding aluminum, stainless steel, and steel.
It also has an impressive run time of auxiliary power for 12 ½ hours if you use it at 2,500 watts or if you weld at 75 amps.
“The unit also has a rated output of 130 A @ 30% Duty Cycle, which makes it perfect for smaller projects and that means that you should give it a resting period of about seven minutes after every three minutes of use.”
Arc Capabilities
The machine can handle stick electrodes with a diameter of up to 5/32 inches, and it also has very smooth arc-starting capabilities.
You’ll find that the machine burns hotter than other machines in its class, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amperage.
“This welder can weld up to 1/8- inch steel and has a power output of up to 145 amps. It also features a 20V-amp outlet to power tools or other equipment and a 6-gallon tank that can operate for up to 12 hours run time.”
Versatile receptacle package
The Hobart Champion 145 welder is a versatile machine used for various welding and power needs. It has a receptacle package with four 120-volt, 20-amp GFCI outlets and a 240-volt (6-50R) outlet with covers.
Large muffler
It has a large muffler that ensures low noise levels, even when the welder is running at full power. This is ideal for those who need to weld in close quarters or who don’t want to disturb their neighbors.
Hobart 5/3/1 industrial warranty
The machine also includes Hobart’s 5/3/1 industrial warranty, which offers five years of coverage on the transformer on parts and labor, three years of coverage on the wire drive system, control boards, and the regulator, and one year of coverage on the gun, relays, torch, and plasma.
“With the Champion 145, you’re assured of 3 years warranty and manufacturer support.”
Durable Roll Bar Frame
It features a durable roll bar frame, making it ideal for construction or roadside emergencies and able to withstand any amount of stress you may put on it while working.
Air-Cooling Fan
Additionally, the welder also comes with a built-in cooling fan, which helps to keep the machine running smoothly and reduces the risk of overheating.
Easy to use
It’s also quite simple to put together, and it’s also easily removable if you wish to remove it. Note that it has a basic choke lever and a rope start mechanism for you to start the machine.
It might take you some muscle to pull the rope and start the engine, but it’s not that difficult. Anyone who is averagely abled can do it. Once it’s started, it won’t stop or fail until you turn off the power.
“A quick read of the owner’s manual should be sufficient to guide you through without any difficulties.
Here’s a video review of this welder:
Who Is The Hobart Champion 145 Welder Suitable For?
The Hobart Champion 145 Welder is a great choice for amateurs or first-timers, farmsteads, homes, and other outdoor work applications.
“The Hobart Champion 145 Welder is a high-quality versatile machine. It is perfect for light construction use, as well as for farms and homeowners. It offers both MIG and flux-cored welding capabilities, making it perfect for a wide range of welding projects.”
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What Is An Alternative To This Machine?
The Champion Elite 225 Welder/Generator is a great alternative to the Champion 145 and is ideal if you want it for heavy-duty projects and for professional use, which the 145 doesn’t provide.
Comparison Of The Differences
| Feature | Hobart Champion 145 | Hobart Champion Elite 225 |
| Welding amp range | 40-145 A | 40-225A |
| Rated output | 130A @ 25V | 225 A @25 V |
| Duty Cycle at 25V | 30% | 100% |
| Engine Brand | Briggs & Stratton 1450 Intek™ | Kohler |
| Peak wattage | 4,500W | 11,000W |
| Engine Type | 4-cycle One-cylinder | 4-cycle two Cylinders |
| Fuel Tank | 6 ¼ gallons | 12 gallons |
| Oil | 0.87 qt. (0.8 L) | 1.5 qt. (1.4 L) to be changed after each 100hrs of use |
| Weight | 222lbs | 514 pounds |
| Horsepower | 10hp | 23hp |
| Receptacles | (4) 120 V, 20 A GFCI receptacles, and one 240 V (6-50R) | (4) 120-volt receptacles, (1) 240 -volt receptacle, and (1) 120/240-volt receptacle. |
| Price | Check Price On Amazon | Check Price On Amazon |
You’d have to have the basics of welding to know the differences between the functionalities of different welders.
The Champion Elite 225 is more of an upgrade on the Champion 145. It has additional features not found in the Champion 145;
- Auto idle to save gasoline
- Electronic start
- No tools oil change
- Oil changes after every 100 hours of use.
- Digital hour meter to help schedule service
They also share a few basic similarities;
- Hobart manufactures both.
- They have the same number of receptacles
- They both have the same warranty conditions.
- Their engines are both air-cooled and are 4-cycled
“As you can see the Champion Elite 225 has an impressive 11000wattage,23 horsepower, and twice as much gallon size. It also runs at a greater rpm speed than the Champion 145. Overall, this is a high-quality machine at a reasonable price that is well worth considering.”
Final Verdict
Overall, the Hobart Champion 145 welder is a good machine that is perfect for small projects or repairs. It is easy to use, with a simple interface and many welding options. It is also a very durable machine, perfect for those who plan to use it frequently.
If you’ve been looking for a reliable welder for light fabrication at home or farm, then the Champion 145 is a great option for you. The same goes if you’re an entry-level welder.
But if you intend to use it for larger projects or professional use, you can look at the alternative Champion Elite 225.
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