Skeptical...

[hchxoom]

I also looked at PTO generators. Have some nice things like one engine to maintain. But, do you really want to run your tractor at PTO speed for up to a week in an outage. Also, you usually lose power in a storm. I like to have my tractor available for cleanup or snow removal, not powering my house.

On the other hand, might provide one of those rare opportunities to convince SWMBO that a second tractor is a must-have rather than an unnecessary luxury!

 

[dave1949]

On the other hand, might provide one of those rare opportunities to convince SWMBO that a second tractor is a must-have rather than an unnecessary luxury!

Dream on :laughing:

 

[dave1949]

<snip>

Correct me if I'm wrong but i would think the idle control would be a benefit for both fuel economy and wear & tear. Might be minimal for each period of use, but over time could amount to enough to justify. And then there's the noise...My last 2 outages were a week long and it was kinda nice to hear it idle down occasionally when the load was minimal instead of screaming away.
<snip>

Maybe others have had different experiences, but I've noticed it doesn't take much of a load to kick the generator up off of idle. When I am using the generator to run the house, there is almost always something drawing power, enough to bring it off idle--even though it isn't working hard at all. I probably have enough vampire loads to keep it from going to idle.

 

[BuzzardA91]

The Honda system is different then idle control. My generac has idle control, ANY DRAW, kicks it out, that is normal. The Honda Eco Throttle adjusts the Rpms to match load. My EU 6500 varies from 2800 to 3500 Rpms.

The EM6500 is also a very good generator. The only reason I stepped up to the EU is for low draw fuel efficiency. I had a problem getting gas last October storm and have a wood boiler that requires a low power draw to run. Again, the EM 6500 is also an awesome generator and nearly as efficient at full down to half load. The EU excels below that. Get it !

 

[MotorSeven]

Northern tool sells them:
NorthStar PTO Generator 7200 Watt, 14 HP Required | PTO Generators| Northern Tool + Equipment

Messicks sells a package deal on a trailer & the powerhead is AVR regulated. You don't really need a trailer, just a 3 point carry all type set up works fine:
Tiger Power PTO Generators

I have a Winco 24KW. My 40 horse tractor runs it to capacity @ 2,000rpm which equates to a gallon an hr. But keep in mind this will run the whole house...everything. Most folks don't run a generator 24/7 and any time I have had to use one for a week or so I run it about 8 hrs a day. I have a 300 gallon diesel tank, so re-fueling is not a big deal. A tractor is designed to run long hard hours day after day. Heck it takes tons more abuse when cutting, teddering. raking and baling hay.

I have a small 3600 Boily Pro that I use for camping & small jobs on the farm. It's a very well done knock off of the Yamaha but for less than half the price.
New Boliy Pro3600SIE Inverter Generator with Electric Start - Free shipping (click here to order)

I think Honda makes the best portable generator on the market so I don't think you can go wrong with one. Keep in mind that if the insidious ETHANOL makes it's way into any small engine carb, then sits for over a month or two it's going to rein havoc. I recommend Marine Stabil on all small engines or ethanol free fuel which is getting harder to find in some states.

 

[dave1949]

Fuel issues brings to mind that it's nice to have a fuel shut-off valve, either from the factory or install your own. Then you can run the carb. dry after each use. I have always done that and I think it helps.

 

[dave1949]

The Honda system is different then idle control. My generac has idle control, ANY DRAW, kicks it out, that is normal. The Honda Eco Throttle adjusts the Rpms to match load. My EU 6500 varies from 2800 to 3500 Rpms.

The EM6500 is also a very good generator. The only reason I stepped up to the EU is for low draw fuel efficiency. I had a problem getting gas last October storm and have a wood boiler that requires a low power draw to run. Again, the EM 6500 is also an awesome generator and nearly as efficient at full down to half load. The EU excels below that. Get it !

I confess I have no idea about which Honda model/series is better for one purpose than another, and they keep adding on to the list it seems.

 

[unbidden]

TCBoomer, are you planning on using the generator for emergencies only? At almost $3,000 I'd definitely look into a standby unit.

 

[Gunny]

Fuel issues brings to mind that it's nice to have a fuel shut-off valve, either from the factory or install your own. Then you can run the carb. dry after each use. I have always done that and I think it helps.

I know it works! I had a lot of carburetor problems when they first started adding ethanol and I'd just shut the engine down. Even with additives, the ethanol seems to make the gasoline more evaporative and leaves those gummy deposits inside the carburetor. Even on my lawn mower, which get used weekly, since I started shutting off the gas and letting the engine starve out, I' not had the first problem. All in all, I've got nine small engines, lawnmowers, a tiller, a generator, three go karts (grand kids) a pressure washer, water pump, etc, but since I started that, no problems.

 

[woodsman74881]

I have 3 generators. I have had them for years. The oldest is a generac 5500 that I bought in 99 and built my house in the country with. They make a good product and the price is usually good. I also built a 24kw pto generator 4 years ago, that I have not had to use. I am an electrical contractor, and when people ask me about what generator to buy, I ask them what they want it to do in an emergency, run whole house or just necessary. Most generator manufactures have good heads, the problem is the motor. Honda makes a great motor, but some of the other US manufatures do as well, I have had no problems with my briggs and stratton and I have 100s of hours on it. It is more about how you maintain it than the motor turning the generator. I agree, get a fuel shut off and run the carb dry when you are ready to store it. Nothing worse than trying to get the carb clean when you need the unit. Pull start or electric? Depends on how strong your arm is. It Gen is tuned up and maintained, doesn't start too hard. For what it is worth.