Hobart Welding Products (Appleton, WI) is introducing the Trek 180, self-contained, battery-powered MIG welder for “off-the-grid” welding. The 52-lb. welding unit delivers enough weld power to fabricate or repair 24-gauge — up to 1/4-in. — mild steel in a single pass. The unit provides positive arc starts without popping and minimal spatter while welding, the company says.
Two internal, lead-acid batteries, which feature Thin Plate Pure Lead technology, enable the Trek to achieve a total charge in 90 minutes or a 20-minute, 80% quick charge from a standard 115V wall outlet or within a vehicle using an automotive power inverter (400 continuous watt minimum). The Trek 180 self-contained system is designed to operate while plugged in or completely cordless.
When fully charged, the unit delivers approximately 100-in. of continuous weld bead using .030 dia. flux-cored wire on 1/8-in mild steel. Unlike other battery welders, battery power is monitored continuously to provide consistent welding voltage regardless of the charge level. The Trek s low battery shutdown feature disables the welder when the battery runs low, protecting the life of the battery and quality of weld output.
The Trek s low 12-amp power draw allows use of extension cords commonly found in home-improvement/hardware stores.
A removable storage bag is a handy compartment for securing all the Trek s cables, MIG gun, work clamp and removable power cord with additional room for extra wire, contact tips and welding gloves. The bag can be detached, allowing the unit to slide under a seat of a truck, or strapped down.
www.hobartwelders.com