Hobart Handler 190 Vs Lincoln 180: Side by Side Comparison

When the time comes to compare Hobart Handler 190 vs Lincoln 180, the two appear virtually identical. It is hard to differentiate between the two with nearly similar price points and features.

However, if you want a clear view of the two, the first thing you need to do is look at each welding machine individually. This will give you an idea as to what each has to offer.

Lincoln 180 Vs Hobart 190: Side by Side Comparison

Hobart 500554 Handler 190 MIG Welder 230V

Features and Specifications

Process Type: MIG, Flux-Cored
Input Voltage: 240 Volt
Amperage Range: 25/190 Amps
Current type: DC
Duty Cycle: 30% at 130 Amps
Use: Home DIY/Metal Art/Professional
LCD Display: No
Dual Gas Connections: No
Auto-Set: No
Smooth Start Technology: No
Fan-on-Demand: No
Quick Select Drive Roll: Yes
Weldable Metals: Steel, Stainless SteelIron, Aluminum
Size: 10.6 x 12.37 x 19.5 inches
Weight: 68 lb
Price: Expensive
Warranty: 5-year warranty

Lincoln Electric CO K2698-1 Easy MIG 180

Features and Specifications

• Process Type: MIG, Flux-Cored
• Input Voltage: 120V/240V
• Amperage Range: 30/180 Amps
• Current type: DC
• Duty Cycle: 30% at 130 Amps
• Use: Home DIY/Metal Art/Professional
• LCD Display: No
• Dual Gas Connections: No
• Auto-Set: No
• Smooth Start Technology: No
• Fan-on-Demand: No
• Quick Select Drive Roll: No
• Weldable Metals: Steel, Stainless SteelIron, Aluminum
• Size: 10.15 x 14 x 18.6 inches
• Weight: 66 lb
• Price: Cheaper
• Warranty: Contact the seller

Hobart Handler 190 Vs Lincoln 180

The Hobart 190 has a maximum amperage of 190, 10 amps more than Lincoln’s 180 amperages. The two have identical duty cycles of 30% at 130A, although the Hobart 190 weighs two pounds more at 68 pounds than Lincoln’s 66 pounds.

Dimension-wise, the Hobart 190 measures 10. 625 x 12.375 x 19.5 inches.

The Lincoln 180, on the other hand, measures 14 inches x 10.15 inches x 18.6 inches. They both operate at identical input voltages at 220-240 volts.

1. Hobart 500554 Handler 190 MIG Welder 230V

This Hobart welding machine packs a lot of power and is portable. It works especially well when you weld mild steel or flux core steel. It is also highly efficient in welding aluminum and stainless steel. The Hobart 190 can weld 24 ga. to 5/16 inches of steel in just one pass, thanks to its excellent operating parameters.

Not only that, but this welding machine is very versatile and is the perfect welding machine for anyone who is working with auto bodies. It is also ideal for those who wish to perform DIY household repairs. It is also an excellent option for those who want something to handle heavy farm projects in which there is a need for extra power.

The Hobart 190 has a host of outstanding features like seven different output voltage settings. Overall, this welding machine not only packs a lot of power but is also very versatile at the same time. It is an affordable welding machine that is perfect for welding aluminum.

An inbuilt spool gun circuit ensures that you won’t have to spend extra for kits or controls. With three grooves available to you, you won’t have to spend time setting up the machine.

Overall, this welding machine is uncomplicated and easy to install. You can also easily reference the correct setting for various kinds of wires, gases, metals, and even thicknesses. It is a great machine for novices and also for professionals.

The wire feed performance of this welding machine is very professional and durable. Best of all, it is easy to quickly and easily change its polarity for solids or tubular wires. It comes with storage holes for conveniently storing your spare tips.

Main Specifications

• Weight – 68 lb
• Duty Cycle – 30% @ 130 A
• Input Voltage – 240V
• Wire Feed Speed Range – 40-700 ipm
• Weld Thickness – 24ga to 5/16in (Steel)
• Amperage Range – 25 to 190 amps

2. Lincoln Electric CO K2698-1 Easy MIG 180

Lincoln is a well-known welding machine manufacturer. Its machines are rugged as well as durable. The Electric CO K2698-1 has everything you need for your welding work. One of the features that make this machine stand out is replacing its gun with a nice spool gun. Furthermore, this welding machine runs very smoothly, and it also offers an excellent welding range.

The Diamond Core technology is the heart of this welding machine. This technology ensures excellent welding with minimum spatter.

This drive provides that you won’t have trouble getting the wire into the machine. Powered by 180 amps, this machine is easy to heat and is perfect for farm work. It is also ideal for DIY home projects. The Lincoln 180 is a durable welding machine. It is made from rigid metal and plastic. The Lincoln 180 is excellent for welding aluminum, steel, and stainless steel.

Weighing just under 67 pounds, this is a great welder sold with many extras. These extras include a toolbox and a Magnum gun. Other than these, it also comes with cables for assembling the gas nozzle.

Overall, this welding machine provides outstanding value for money and is backed with a three-year warranty. It is also very easy to use, versatile and made from very high-quality materials.

Main Specifications

• Product Weight – 66 lb
• Duty Cycle – 30% @ 130 A
• Input Voltage – 120/240V
• Wire Feed Speed Range – 50-500 ipm
• Weld Thickness – 24ga to 3/16in (Steel)
• Amperage Range – 30 to 180 amps

Pros and Cons of Lincoln 180 and Hobart 190

The Lincoln 180 uses Diamond Core Technology and is designed for tool-free use. It comes with brass to brass connection for better conductivity to ensure a perfect weld each time. It is very durable and performs up to and even above expectations. It is also easy to use, and its drive motor with high torque is another bonus feature.

Hobart 190 offers infinite control over the speed with which the wire is fed into the machine. It is very easy to use and comes with seven voltage control settings. The Hobart 190 is perfect for DIY projects and has inbuilt safety features. Best of all, it is compact and very stylishly designed.

The Verdict

Choosing the best option is not a straightforward task because they both have pretty similar features. You have to look at minor differences depending on the welding work you want to perform. Both are good MIG welding machines and have similar characteristics.

The Hobart 190 is the better option for those with a limited budget and a novice at welding. On the other hand, commercial welders should choose the Lincoln 180, especially if they work with fabrication work or automobiles and body panels.

The bottom line is that if you are a professional welder, then the Lincoln 180 is perfect for you. However, if you are a novice or DIY welder, the Hobart 190 is the right welder for you.