Another generator query

[TCBoomer]

Considering 'Sandy' is on my doorstep as I type, it's a little late to be out searching I kept putting off buying a new one and now I'll probably regret it. Past storm experiences and my rural location makes me think more of WHEN not IF we lose power. Only this time their predicting power outage for a week or more. oh well...maybe if I order one today I'll see it by the end of the week??

Last fall I lost my Generac genny and well pump right after Irene... Not sure which failed first, but the genny lost one leg and the well pump died. Since it was a big box purchase and not worth fixing IMO, I've decided to look elsewhere for a replacement.

I found this one from Northern Tool and wondered if anyone had any experience or opinion about it?

Thanx

 

[dodge man]

I've got a similar unit, it seems like they all look the same, but its not Honda powered. Its roughly the same size also. I've had it a couple of years, and its always worked fine for me. I used it a couple of weeks ago for a project at my work and it always started and worked great, but I've only got about 6 hours on it at this point. I looked again, and one big difference is mine is electric start, although it pull starts easily.

 

[TCBoomer]

Thanks for the reply Dave

Is yours from Northern Tool?

 

[dodge man]

Here is a link to the exact generator I have. I got it at the local farm supply store, but Northern Tool does sell the same model. Powermate Portable Electric Start Generator — 8125 Surge Watts, 6500 Rated Watts, CARB-Compliant, Model# PMC106507 | Portable Generators| Northern Tool + Equipment

They are rated at roughly the same watts, but I'm betting the one you are looking at is higher quality.

 

[TCBoomer]

Thanks again...the one thing at the top of my list this time around is quality.

Found another genny that caught my eye same money to my door but has elec start and more power

 

[KTurner]

Considering 'Sandy' is on my doorstep as I type, it's a little late to be out searching I kept putting off buying a new one and now I'll probably regret it.

Around here, places will be getting shipments of generators up to and after big storms. A few hours before we started getting Sandy rain on Saturday, a local landscaping dealer was on the radio advertising that they just received a truckload of generators. If you really want one now, you could probably find one. Might take some calling around. And you probably won't get a good deal. And you probably won't have much of a selection.

Keith

 

[TCBoomer]

Around here, places will be getting shipments of generators up to and after big storms. A few hours before we started getting Sandy rain on Saturday, a local landscaping dealer was on the radio advertising that they just received a truckload of generators. If you really want one now, you could probably find one. Might take some calling around. And you probably won't get a good deal. And you probably won't have much of a selection.


Keith

Winds howling away but still have power. Later on may be another story. I'll ride out the storm but no way will I wait a week or more without power!!

I did consider going to Lowes(they still had a few on saturday) or HD again, but if I have to buy another it wont be from either. I'm leaning towards the Honda powered, but the Generac I just found is elec start and more power.

 

[aczlan]

Around here, places will be getting shipments of generators up to and after big storms. A few hours before we started getting Sandy rain on Saturday, a local landscaping dealer was on the radio advertising that they just received a truckload of generators. If you really want one now, you could probably find one. Might take some calling around. And you probably won't get a good deal. And you probably won't have much of a selection.

Same here. The local Champion distributor (who supplies the local Tractor Supply stores) has 3-400 coming in on Wednesday afternoon.

Aaron Z

 

[TCBoomer]

Update: as expected lost pwr monday nite. Pulled out the old genny and it works...ie:both legs have 128v and no repairs were done to it.

Ran it for about 3 hrs wed nite just 2 lamps and empty fridge...no problems. Last nite lites have a rapid flicker now. Not confident to use it now. I have a couple more tests to run tonite but this power outage is getting old. Next friday is the projected restore date.

Any opinions about a genereac gp5500 from tractor supply for 699? I put a deposit last nite to hold one out of.2 they have.

Impulse decision based on need...any opinio s?
Thanks so much for any comments or advice.

 

[ray66v]

Update: as expected lost pwr monday nite. Pulled out the old genny and it works...ie:both legs have 128v and no repairs were done to it.

Ran it for about 3 hrs wed nite just 2 lamps and empty fridge...no problems. Last nite lites have a rapid flicker now. Not confident to use it now. I have a couple more tests to run tonite but this power outage is getting old. Next friday is the projected restore date.

Any opinions about a genereac gp5500 from tractor supply for 699? I put a deposit last nite to hold one out of.2 they have.

Impulse decision based on need...any opinio s?
Thanks so much for any comments or advice.

I believe that could be the "modern" version of the 5500XL I have?

When I post all the stuff my generator runs, people either tell me I'm crazy, or I'm lying. It suffices to say, I have a big house, and it runs everything I use on a daily basis, with the exception of the central air, which it could run easily, if I were to shut down some of the rest of the load. I have a den with a window unit, and I am in there most of the time anyway, so I just use that for a/c.

It's very impressive. And, it produces power that is clean enough for all my electronics.

 

[TCBoomer]

My current gen is the 5500XL and i agree its been flawless for 12 yrs or so...until the end of the 8 day
outage from Irene.

 

[genusCastor]

If you're going to spend that much, I would recommend this Ridgid 8kW at Home Depot. (Ridgid rates theirs differently, 8kW is continuous, it has 10kW surge.) I got one for $1,350, $50 delivery.

I recently researched portable generators, and the Generacs didn't get very good reviews (look at sites other than the Generac site). Also, go to your local small engine dealer and ask about parts. The place I go said all he could get for a Generac was an air filter. I would have to go to a Generac dealer for parts. He could get parts for the Ridgid, which has a Suburu engine.

Also, my experience with HomeDepot online was excellent (details are here).

HTH

- djb

 

[hr3]

If you're going to spend that much, I would recommend this Ridgid 8kW at Home Depot. (Ridgid rates theirs differently, 8kW is continuous, it has 10kW surge.) I got one for $1,350, $50 delivery.

I recently researched portable generators, and the Generacs didn't get very good reviews (look at sites other than the Generac site). Also, go to your local small engine dealer and ask about parts. The place I go said all he could get for a Generac was an air filter. I would have to go to a Generac dealer for parts. He could get parts for the Ridgid, which has a Suburu engine.

Also, my experience with HomeDepot online was excellent (details are here).

HTH

- djb

The Generac 10 k unit comes with suburu or a robin motor also,, and the 4500 in my work truck has a yamaha motor... It's all in the model that you buy.. I don't care for the splash lubrication on the one he is looking at...

 

[aczlan]

The Generac 10 k unit comes with suburu or a robin motor also,, and the 4500 in my work truck has a yamaha motor... It's all in the model that you buy.. I don't care for the splash lubrication on the one he is looking at...

Good point. Pressure lubrication is much better than splash lubrication.

Aaron Z

 

[jwstewar]

We had the windstorm her in June. We lost power for 4 days, we were projected to be out for 10. I bought one of the Generac GP5500 from TSC for $599 and someone else bought one from Lowes for $659 but theirs came with a cord that splits the 240 volt out to 2 110 outlets. I'm now approaching close to 50 hours on it as I've since used it for 2 other power outages. It has worked fine. Starts easy and runs most stuff in the house without an issue. We were at least able to keep the 2 fridges running and keep the sump pump going as well as fans for our goats. We had "moved" to our camper for this time period. I also have one of those little $300 Champion 3500 watt Chinese made generators. That unit ran the whole 4 days only shutting down for refueling. It also did a great job keeping us cool in the camper.

For occasional use like this, I wouldn't hesitate to buy either one again.

 

[genusCastor]

The Generac 10 k unit comes with suburu or a robin motor also,, and the 4500 in my work truck has a yamaha motor... It's all in the model that you buy..

All the Generac generators I looked at, both locally and online, had Generac engines.

Here are specs for a Generac GP-3250, GP-7500, XG-8000, and GP-17500. All have Generac engines.

On the Generac Website, the GP, XG, and XP model generators all have general descriptions that refer to a Generac engine.

If other engines are available on a Generac generator, that's one well guarded secret they're keeping.

- djb

 

[sal64]

how many watts would be needed to run a 3/4hp 220v water well pump?

 

[aczlan]

A 3/4HP 220v motor that is 50-70% efficient will need 3.5 to 5 running amps (750 to 1100 running watts) and 10.5 to 15 amps or 2310 to 3300 starting watts

Aaron Z

 

[sal64]

A 3/4HP 220v motor that is 50-70% efficient will need 3.5 to 5 running amps (750 to 1100 running watts) and 10.5 to 15 amps or 2310 to 3300 starting watts

Aaron Z

thank you.

 

[TCBoomer]

The Generac 10 k unit comes with suburu or a robin motor also,, and the 4500 in my work truck has a yamaha motor... It's all in the model that you buy.. I don't care for the splash lubrication on the one he is looking at...

Thanks!! for the mention as I had assumed it was a pressure lubrication. My current (failed)one is pressure lube and that is a must have.