500562 - Hobart Champion Elite 225 DC Welder & 11kW Generator (Kohler)

Technical Overview: Hobart Champion Elite 225

The Hobart Champion Elite 225 (Model #500562) is a high-performance engine-driven welding machine designed for industrial MRO, construction, and farm applications requiring robust DC stick welding capabilities and substantial auxiliary power. At the core of this unit is the Kohler CH730 gasoline engine, a twin-cylinder overhead valve engine known for its reliability and consistent power delivery. The machine is rated for a 100% duty cycle at 225 Amps (25 Volts), allowing operators to weld continuously without thermal interruptions, a critical specification for heavy structural work and fabrication.

The unit provides a versatile DC weld output that supports Stick (SMAW) welding with excellent arc characteristics, ensuring easy starts and stable fusion. It is also capable of DC TIG (GTAW) welding using a scratch-start technique, expanding its utility for finer detail work where high-frequency starting is not required. The generator section is equally impressive, delivering 11,000 watts of AC power. This high output is sufficient to run heavy-duty jobsite tools such as grinders, drills, and lights simultaneously with the welding arc, or to serve as a primary backup power source during outages.

Structurally, the Champion Elite 225 features a fully enclosed case that provides IP-rated protection for internal components against dust, debris, and weather, while also significantly dampening engine noise. Maintenance is streamlined with a "no tools" oil change system and a standard hour meter to track service intervals. The electrical panel includes four 120V GFCI (20 Amp) receptacles, one 240V (50 Amp) receptacle, and one 120/240V (50 Amp) receptacle, all protected by push-button reset circuit breakers for safety and convenience.