New Ironman 230 owner

[leftlanetruckin]

Well, just came back to the Hobart side after a spell (@6yrs) with a Lincoln 175 Mig.
Just ordered and received the Ironman 230 and spool gun I haven't seen it yet, as I am on a project delivering windmill blades for wind power. Hopefully get back home and have a tinker in a couple of weeks.
I had a Hobart 140 (IIRC) years ago, and it lasted well, so here we are again.
I use the welders for vehicle parts fabrication, as well as stuff for my big rig.
I offroad a Cherokee on 37's, and have built a fair few rigs from the ground up.
I also made a receiver hitch for my big rig to pull my car trailer with.
The new welder will complement my Hypertherm plasma cutter, tubing bender, and so on in my garage of toys, oops I meant tools......


Martin

[urch55]

Welcome Martin to the forums. I hear the IM230 is a great machine.. You will have to post pictures of your projects that you use your toys,,,I mean tools on...

[leftlanetruckin]

Thanks, and will do!
Thinking the first project is to make my pilot car a rack and overhead sign for his F250.
I haul these, and the pilot car needs a rack to mount strobe lights, overhead sign, and so on to.
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2012-web.jpg

Martin

[urch55]

Martin,
That is a long bridge you got there. What is the trailer length and what is the standard before needing special permits??

[ozarkie]

I guess everyone is wondering...how the h**l do you turn a corner with that rig???

[leftlanetruckin]

Legal trailer length is 53'. Mine is 125' long!
150' overall
The trailer has a wireless remote to steer it which the rear pilot car does
Martin

[Northweldor]

Legal trailer length is 53'. Mine is 125' long!
150' overall
The trailer has a wireless remote to steer it which the rear pilot car does
Martin

Even with the steering at the rear, it must take plenty of special route-planning to avoid corner poles and buildings! Also, what happens with road grades that change level in a short distance?

[Roger]

What is the weight of that load?

[usmcpop]

That rig must be fun to drive in a strong cross wind.

[leftlanetruckin]

It does take some thinking at times where corners are concerned. Have to go the wrong way on some corners!
Gross weight with 2 blades is @80I lbs. Each blade weighs between 14k and 20k lbs.
Crosswinds mean truck in one lane, trailer in another!


Martin

[leftlanetruckin]

Well, managed to finally use the new toy, oops, welder, today!
Runs beautiful in my book!
I modified a landing gear leg to be able to raise the trailer when I get empty, allowing me to close the trailer myself before a telehandler has a chance to turn up and raise the trailer, allowing me to close back up.

landing gear leg.jpg

Had to plasma off some existing brackets, then flapper wheel them smooth. The grabbed some bits I had laying around and got the thinking cap on. The flat stock on the end of the support leg is there to be used as a handle as well as closing off the 3x2x3/16 box section.
Not a big project, but a nice way to get the "feel" for both the new machine, and the Lincoln helmet I got too.

Martin

[Northweldor]

Well, managed to finally use the new toy, oops, welder, today!
Runs beautiful in my book!
I modified a landing gear leg to be able to raise the trailer when I get empty, allowing me to close the trailer myself before a telehandler has a chance to turn up and raise the trailer, allowing me to close back up.

landing gear leg.jpg

Had to plasma off some existing brackets, then flapper wheel them smooth. The grabbed some bits I had laying around and got the thinking cap on. The flat stock on the end of the support leg is there to be used as a handle as well as closing off the 3x2x3/16 box section.
Not a big project, but a nice way to get the "feel" for both the new machine, and the Lincoln helmet I got too.

Martin

Looks good and sturdy, and you need it for that trailer! I think the IM is an excellent machine and grat value for the money, and wish I could think of an excuse to add one to my toys, oops, welders!

[leftlanetruckin]

Agreed!
For $1699 delivered, including the spool gun, can't be beat IMHO.

Martin