There are various activities that might keep you busy in the farm. Probably, there is milking to do or cattle to feed. At times, it could be light repairs and maintenance work that will set you off by several hundreds of dollars. However, some tasks are not as complicated. If you had the right equipment – for example, a good welding machine – you could easily DIY those repairs and maintenance.
There are many welders out there. However, most of the jobs on the farm don’t require heavy-duty welding repair the s or investing in a massive welder. In fact, investing in one of the best stick welders for farm use will do the trick and save you hundreds of dollars that goes into repairs.
However, getting the right fit for use isn’t always easy. There are many of them out there. In this review, we are going to look at three best stick welders for farm use:
Best Stick Welder for Farm Use
1. Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i
If you hate welders that take forever to get started, this model from Hobart is the good news you’ve been waiting for.
Thanks to the hot start technology, starting this welder is a breeze. But, that’s not the only reason we are including this machine in our list of best stick welders for farm use.
The Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i is packed with features that make it not only dependable but also powerful stick welder. This machine is a beast in performance yet a baby in matters of weight. It is super smooth, lightweight and easy to use.
Besides, it comes with an easy, quick and highly reliable arc that rhymes effortlessly with a hot start technology for a better performance. Since it outputs power in DC, it means you will have less sticking, fewer arc outages, less spatter – and most importantly, a better arc control.
Compared to the other leading models, Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i is nearly 100 pounds lighter, so you will be working much smarter and not harder to get the job done.
For accurate and precise amperage control, the welders boast of an infinite amperage control system.. That way, you can easily adjust the output for as little as one ampere increments.
What’s more?
The Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i provides up to 160 amperes and can weld up to 5/32 inch of mild steel. The machine is ideal for doing it yourself (DIY) metal art, light welding on the farm and other related repair or maintenance activities.
It beautifully blends great design, functionality and lightweightedness – and succeeds impressively at it all. Just so you have nothing to worry about, Hobart gives 5/3/1 warranty.
Strengths
- Start quick enough without massive wait
- Light in weight
- Great for DIY welding
- Less sticking
- Fewer arc outages
- Less spatter
Limitations
- No major drawback noted
2. SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp MIG MAG ARC MMA Stick DC Welder
For those looking for a complete multi-purpose package, you can’t go wrong with SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp MIG MAG ARC MMA Stick DC welding machine.
This machine can be used for gasless flux-cored, gas-shielded and MMA stick welding. The other thing we loved about this welder – and it’s probably why it is attracting a cult-following oth there – is that it can weld non-ferrous metals like steel and aluminum.
Besides, the welder packs more great features that make it one of the best stick welders for farm use out there. For example, the dual voltage capability means the welder can use both 220V and 110V inputs. This capability makes it possible for the machine to weld mild steel and stainless steel. The adjustable wire feed speed, on the other hand, helps control the rate at which you will be feeding the wire into the welding gun.
The machine has one major downside though. While it is capable of welding aluminum, it requires a spoon gun to do that. However, this spoon gun isn’t included in the package, you have to purchase it separately. TheSUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp MIG MAG ARC MMA Stick welder features a selector switch that will allow you to easily swap the welding guns when welding different metals.
Whether you are a veteran steel fabricator or amateur welder, you will definitely love this welder. Although it is mainly designed for DIY small welding projects, it delivers industrial type power when connected to 220 V or 110 V outlets. Unlike other welders like the Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i that 160 amperes, this welder delivers 20 more amperes. I liked the fact that it works perfectly just like the 250 – 300 amperes Lincoln machines.
Overall, the machine is highly versatile and portable and capable of handling all repair and light welding jobs on the farm.
Strengths
- Can weld mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum besides the ferocious metals
- Can adjust the speed the welding wire is feed to the welding gun
- Can be used on dirty and rusty metals
- Great handle that makes it easy to carry
Limitations
- Spoon gun for welding aluminum is not included. You have to buy it separately.
3. Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG ![Best Stick Welder for Farm Use]()
At a mere 19 pounds, the Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG is one of the portable, lightweight and compact welding machines out there.
It is also one of the most affordable yet still one of the best stick welders for farm use out there.
What makes this baby welder an impressive must-have in your farm? Firstly, once you plug it into any standard 120V power outlet, the machine offers a smooth feed that will make great DIY welds (up to ¼ inches) on steel. Unlike other welders reviewed here that deliver 160 amps and 180 amps respectively, Easy Weld delivers only 120 amps.
But, make no mistake about it, this power is sufficient to weld not only ferrous metals but also metals non-ferocious metals like steel. The infinite voltage and wire feed speed knobs give you excellent control over your welds, and it’s a very simple machine to use overall.
The only gaffe we noted with the model is that it only offers flux-core/gasless welding. That implies that you can’t hook up gas if you want to perform a MIG weld. Nevertheless, it is a good welder if you are a new welder and don’t want to experiment – or you are probably not ready for working – with gas mixtures.
Strengths
- Delivers higher amperage output.
- Can wed up ¼ inch steel
- Can attach different relevant accessories
- Ultra-lightweight
- Very affordable
- Plugs into a standard outlet
Limitations
● Might inflict higher maintenance costs
● No gas, flux-core wire only
Final Words
A good welder in your farm will help you DIY most tasks and that would otherwise incur you hundreds of dollars in payments to professional welders.
But, there are many of them out there, so many that getting a right fit might not be easy. So that you don’t waste hours on end or days in research, we have decided to do the dirty job for you.
If you are looking for a beautiful package featuring a DIY-friendly design and over-the-top performance that won’t break your shoulders, or the bank, the Hobart 500570 Stickmate 160i will be a great choice.
If you want a multi-purpose package that delivers industrial type power, SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp MIG MAG ARC MMA Stick DC Welder won’t disappoint you.
However, if you want a welder you can carry around in your rucksack, and still deliver unrivalled performance, get Forney’s Easy Weld 261 for yourself.
Demolition hammer buying guide