For a farm, I think I would throw out that budget. If you want to weld fence, it can be difficult at times to bring the fence to the welder. You're going to pay a little more, OK a lot more, but it will be more useful by far. If the power goes out or you need 120/220 temporary power anywhere on your farm, you've got it. You can weld anywhere on the farm or even at a friends. Someone on this forum bought this engine powered Hobart several years ago and loved it.
Hobart gas powered For myself, I would look around for a used one or preferably a Lincoln. My neighbor needed to raise and lengthen his car port to accommodate his new motorhome. I have an old Craftsman 220V sputter box and a Lincoln TIG, also 220V and couldn't help him. I don't have a 120' 220V extension. His brother came by with a Lincoln Ranger 8 and he was in business.
