Hobart 140 vs Lincoln 140 comparison

Product Weight:

Size does matter when it comes to portability of gadgets. Though both of these machines are compact, one weighs more than the other. Lincoln weighs 50 lbs whereas Hobart weighs around 57 lbs. So, Lincoln scores well in this area. Though both the machines are easy to lift or move, choosing Lincoln is better because the weight of the welding wire (around 10 lbs depending upon the size of the spool) should also be considered. Hobart may require a cart if the weight of the wire is added.

Size of Hobart: 19 x 11 x 13 inches

Size of Lincoln: 18 x 15 x 16 inches 

Amperage Range:

When it comes to power output, both Hobart and Lincoln have the same max power output (140 amps). But the minimum power output of both varies. Lincoln’s range is 30-140 amps whereas Hobart’s minimum power output range is 25-140 amps. The difference is negligible. So, there’s nothing much to compare in this area. 

Duty Cycle:

Duty cycle is a very important aspect to consider when choosing a welder. But both Hobart and Lincoln come with the same numbers (20%-90 amps). So, there’s less room for comparison here. 

Input Voltage:

Hobart comes with 5 voltage settings whereas Lincoln comes with only 4 voltage settings. Here, Hobart is the clear winner. The 5 position voltage-control can help in adjusting heat. As the Hobart helps with a better heat setting, it can be considered as the winner. 

Wire Feed Speed:

Both the machines score well in this area as they allow infinite wire-feed speed-control. No clear winner in this aspect! 

Overload Protection:

When it comes to thermostatic protection, Lincoln has auto-reset feature whereas Hobart comes with a reset button which has to be turned on for a reset. Lincoln is the winner here as it resets automatically. Though both machines need 15 minutes to get back to welding, the auto-reset feature of Lincoln saves time. 

Welding Wires:

To weld stainless steel, the Lincoln uses 0.025″ to 0.035″ solid-welding wires whereas the Hobart uses 0.023″ to 0.035″ wires. For flux cored welding, both use 0.030″ to 0.035″ solid wires. 

Aluminum Welding:

Though both machines can do aluminum welding, Lincoln needs a spool gun. But still, Lincoln is better because using Hobart for aluminum welding requires some skill. If your welding tasks involve aluminum, then using Hobart involves high patience levels and skills. Instead, if you buy the spool gun and use Lincoln, you can do the job more efficiently and effortlessly. If quality and ease are important, then buying the spool gun shouldn’t be seen as an extra expense.

Shielding Gas:

Hobart fits the bill for stainless steel welding as it supports tri-max gas. Both Hobart and Lincoln come with a dual regulator for carbon dioxide and argon. Welders using 100 percent carbon dioxide may need to buy a regulator. Lincoln suits gas-less flux core welding more. 

AC or DC:

The best thing about both of these machines is that they can work on both AC and DC. Also, both machines allow easy switching between gas-less flux core welding and solid wire welding. 

Brand Popularity:

Both are well known brands which have been good names in the industry. So, it is tough to make a comparison here. But if you want all parts of the machine to be manufactured in the US, then Hobart is the winner. Lincoln gets some parts manufactured outside of the US.

Final Verdict